Blessings by Laura Story - Ok I am not typically a huge fan of contemporary Christian music, but I really love this song. Unfortunately, I was introduced to this song when I attended the memorial for the baby that my friend lost in the 24th week of her pregnancy, which was a horribly sad experience... But I thought this was a beautiful song selection.
Little Moments by One Direction - Ok, I feel a bit lame including this in my favorite songs for the month, but I can't help it. I love this song. That is all.
Books:
If felt like it was another slower reading month for me, but I did manage to read 4 books, most in the 2nd half of the month. I also started studying for the CFA (and put in 15 hours in the final days of December) so now I will have to balance that + reading for pleasure + seeing my boyfriend, so 2013 might be a slower reading year for me. We'll see! I ended up reading 58 books in 2012, which I am really happy about as it's the most books I have maybe ever read in a year!
We are All Welcome Here by Elizabeth Berg - I enjoyed this book and would give it 3.5 stars if that was an option. It was a fast, engaging read, but the ending felt a little bit abrupt and far fetched which knocked my rating down to a 3 from a 4.
Off Balance: A Memoir by Dominique Moceanu - Given my level of fascination with Olympic gymnasts, this was a fascinating read for me. It definitely opened up my eyes to some of the politics that surround the selection of US Gymnasts, and I definitely have completely different view of the Karolyis (and not for the better). It was an interesting book and is something I'd recommend to others who are obsessed with the sport of gymnastic, like I am.
Cascade by Maryanne O'Hara - I liked this book. See my review here.
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman - This was such a well written and engaging book. It tells the story of a young couple that struggled to have children and one day finds a baby washed up to shore in a boat. They decide to keep the baby and raise it as their own as they assume the mother had died. I won't say any more as it will ruin it for the reader, but the story is so heart breaking and the author did such a great job of capturing the thoughts and emotions of the characters. The characters were flawed and made mistakes, but they were so likeable at the same time. Definitely one of the best books I read this year!
Miles:
Meh. This was another so so month for running for me. I am in maintenance mode now so I know I need to shift my mileage expectations but it's still kind of depressing to add up the miles and see how little I ran this month. My total came to 56. Not horrible, but nothing to write home about. My total miles for 2012 came to 1,175, though, which I am really happy with! I came somewhat close to averaging 100 miles/month!
Looks:
This is not the most flattering photo of this top (and I look so tired in the photo), but I really like this wrap top that I got for 50% off at Banana Republic in November. I ended up also buying it a plum color during an after Christmas clearance sales as it was just too cheap to pass up!
And yellow strikes again! I also got this sweater for 50% off at Banana Republic (I never pay full price for anything there, seriously). I am still all about yellow these days!
26 comments:
Ah that yellow is GORGEOUS, love it! I need more yellow in my life, especially on these dark mornings!
Also, I love both of those songs you posted and I've never heard either of them. The One Direction one reminds me of this song Eric and I used to listen to when we first started dating, I'll have to find that now. I have to admit I kind of like One Direction... apparently I am still a teenager at heart? I can pretend.
I am glad you like The Light BEtween Oceans- I liked it too and had a similar thought that the characters were flawed but very likable.
LOVE the yellow sweater! I got a sweater from banana for Christmas and it is just so comfy! I want to go back and get more. I hate paying full price for anything!
I looooove that second outfit. I mean, I love the first but the second one just POPS. With the boots and the yellow - it all just comes together. I've never really shopped at Banana Republic because $$$ but maybe I just need to check out their sales!
I really want to read Dominique's memoir. I am obsessed with gymnastics (and obsessed with Karolyi's with how much they mean to the sport) so I really want to read it now, after your review.
58 books?? You're my knitting idol and my reading idol now!
Both outfits are lovely, but the yellow is so cheerful & attention grabbing! Gorgeous :)
I'm all about yellow these days and I love that top! The whole look is super cute :)
I love yellow, too! That outfit makes you look "cool", so you should wear it for Matthew! Didn't he tell you that your clothes are pretty but not cool?
I wonder how long it would take me to read that many books! I'm going to give a guess that maybe I could do it in 12 years?
I am definitely going to read "The Light Between Oceans" because you have sparked my interest (once again with your book reviews!)
Your yellow outfit is so trendy and cute! It's so bright and cheery :)
Love the outfits! And, I am going to check into "The Light Between The Oceans."
Miss you!
"Read more" is on my to do list.
A few weeks back, I dusted off my Kindle. Quite literally.
I love that yellow sweater!! I think I only read 3 novels in December. I had planned to read more while I was in Louisiana, but I ended up playing with my niece or chatting with my mom much of the time instead.
You are rocking out that sweater with jeans and boots - go girl!
Obsessed with the yellow sweater!
It seems that One Direction are really in to that "Girl, you've got no self-esteem, but I love you anyway" theme.
Not sure if you knew, but the song 'Little Things' by One Direction was written by Ed Sheeran :) I must admit that I could see him singing it a lot better then them, but they do a pretty good job too.
I've heard so many good things about A Light Between Oceans, may have to look more into it ASAP!
And I love those two outfits on you. Very cute!
LOVE the yellow! And I enjoy One Direction as well - you are not alone my friend!
LOVE all your yellow tops!! This one might be my favorite.
I'm glad you liked Off Balance! I read it last May and found it really interesting to read and then watch the Olympics. Like you, it completely changed my perspective.
Yellow looks great on you! I don't think I have anything yellow ... I need more colour in my life ;-)
I haven't read any of those books, but will have to check them out. Love your wrap top and yellow top as well :) I just got a deep yellow cardigan and love it
I might have a mild obsession with One Direction. Although I haven't heard that song till just now, and really like it. It's really pretty, and it just makes me want to own their album even more now.
i really ilke that last outfit! i am ignoring the one direction song hahaha
Wow! I think 1,175 miles for the year is awesome! My miles really dropped off over the summer and last half of the year so I only hit 880 miles for the year. This year my goal is to FINALLY break 1,000!!
I love that yellow sweater! And the wrap top! It seems like you always get the best deals at Banana!
Yellow is such a cheery color! As soon as my split nails grow out I want to paint them bright yellow.
Love you in yellow! Inspires me to get something yellow I think. Hmmm....
The Light Between Oceans sounds like an interesting read!
1,175 miles is incredible. You rock, sister!
Yellow is an excellent color for you -- good with your coloring, nice with the jeans and a real mood lifter!
Wear it. Often!
I rarely pay retail. It just isn't worth it. I suppose if you have it to spend, go for it. I don't, so I don't!
I definitely need to read that book about gymnastics. I'm addicted to watching them in the Olympics and she was one of my favorites!
Also, I need to start taking pictures of my clothes so I can do these posts! That's officially a blog goal for me this year :)
One more thing, I just listened to that song (couldn't watch the video at work earlier) and wow, it's beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
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