Preparing to Resolve

I am writing this post while watching the Clippers game on Christmas night and y'all will be reading it when I am crammed in a car like a sardine on my way up to Utica. I guess a blogger just has to prep some blog posts whenever she gets a chance right? On the note of the NBA, I just don't see how these short-sleeve jerseys are comfortable for the guys to wear...and they certainly aren't attractive. Anyways...

With the new year coming up around the corner, it is that time of the year where we make promises that we tend to forget about halfway through January. Why is it that we struggle so hard to make realistic resolutions each year? Well, I am no expert, but I have some ideas as to why I tend to mess them up and here are some guidelines to make a few resolutions that will actually stick this year.

{via}

Make it...

1. Realistic: It seems so simple, but it is so important. You will not suddenly have time to make it to the gym every day this year, so don't try it. Try for 3-4 times a week and if it is looking like you can go more often, then increase it!

2. Meaningful: If you aren't super committed, you won't do it. It takes 30 days to make a habit, and if you are approaching that in a nonchalant manner, it will show, and your goal won't be accomplished.

3. Okay to Mess Up: We all hiccup now and then so roll with the punches. The reason you are making this resolution is because you are trying to improve yourself and no one said it was going to be easy.

4. A Conscious Effort: Don't forget about your goals. Write it down or reflect on it at night. Do something to get yourself thinking about this goal.

5. A Reality: You can do it! As long as you are making a goal that you can both achieve and one that you care about, it will happen with a little determination. No one said it was going to be easy, but it will be worth it.

Personally, I am starting to work on my list of goals now. I think that 3 is a reasonable limit. I already have my 22 by 22 list to accomplish by October, but my goals for New Years this year are going to be a bit more substantial than cooking certain foods or buying pajamas :)

What are your goals? Any goal making tips I should add?

xoxo,

SSP

For A Long Winter's Nap

If you remember my 22 by 22 list, you might remember that "buying a pajama set" was one of the items to check off of my list. Well, here's an update, I now own three pajama sets, yes, three. For the last several years I have just opted for oversized shirts and sweats in lieu of actual pajamas, but now I am wishing I hadn't. Pajamas are cute and cozy and there is a style for everyone.

You may notice that I included a onesie in here. It was necessary, okay? Seriously, my owl onesie is the bees knees and I have definitely worn it when I am freezing cold and studying in my apartment...and I might have worn it while cleaning the apartment before leaving for break (whatever). And, seriously, they are pretty cheap. I got a 100% cotton flannel set a couple of weeks ago for $15 at Target...you can't beat that.

So grab some cocoa and a movie and curl up while you enjoy the rest of your winter break (or the weekend if you live in the "big kid" world)!

for a long winter's nap by sugarsnappearls (links in original set)

What is your go-to outfit when lounging at home?

xoxo,

SSP

Getting Glam for New Years Eve

Well, today marks the day after another successful Christmas. I hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxing holiday with their family. I know I definitely did, and I think I should have asked for some hangers because somehow my wardrobe has yet again grown (not like I'm going to complain about that though). 

This year the holidays have flown by. I mean, I felt like Thanksgiving and Christmas were so close together and now, New Years is on the horizon. While I am sure some of you waited until the last minute on your Christmas shopping (myself included), let's not wait to get our outfits together for New Years. I love this holiday because sequins are considered festive and almost necessary. So break out the bubbly, find your New Years kiss, and let's get this party started!

new years glam by sugarsnappearls (item details through link)

xoxo,

SSP

christmas movies

So I have been MIA on this blog for the past week and I have a sort of good reason. Obviously with the end of finals and the semester I wanted to relax, however I am also working my summer jobs...yes jobs with an "s". What does that mean? I have no free time really, and the time I do have is spent with family.

I had all these great posts planned, but those will just have to wait for next year. In the mean time, let's talk movies. Christmas movies are the best. I haven't gotten a chance to watch some of these yet so I will have to catch up a bit after the actual holiday. Oh, and American Hustle is in theaters right now and I saw it with Momma and the boys the other day and despite it being a 10:30pm movie after a long day at work, I absolutely loved it...definitely worth seeing in theaters, in my opinion.

What are your favorite Christmas movies?

xoxo,

SSP

P.S. If you shop at Tyson's, come visit me at Talbots in the afternoons this week :)

Gift Guide: For Your Mistle Toes

Well, I probably should've been packing and cleaning last night, but instead some TV and a homemade dinner basically took over my evening and I have no regrets. Seriously, praise everything! Finals are over and I can head home today. Now that I am heading home for the semester, I can bake Christmas cookies and see my friends (oh, and work)...oh and then come back for January Semester in a couple of weeks, but it will be a much needed break. 

I know I have posted gift guides over the last couple of weeks, but those were primarily gifts for the select few friends who get specialized presents. I mentioned how much I love to give presents in those posts and while it's true, my college budget is not known for having a lot of wiggle room. A month or two ago I came across a post on Pinterest that inspired me (and many other bloggers by the look of my reading list) to get little gifts for a bunch of my friends.

Every girl can use a new bottle of nail polish and these tags I created add a punny, unique flair to your gift. If you have time to order them online (aka you don't need them for a gift exchange in the next couple of days), I highly reccomend using Amazon or eBay to find Essie and other name brand polishes at a lower price. So here's to cute gifts that don't break the bank. Plus, with gifts as easy as these you have time to add some homemade peppermint bark or Christmas cookies to the gift!

What budget-friendly gifts did you give this year?

xoxo,

SSP

I went with 2 mini bottles instead of one big one,
but either works!

Gift Guide: For the Ladies (Part Three)

Guess where I am today? The library! I know, try to hide your surprise...it's not like I've been living in here all week. Actually, one of the perks of UVA is that there are libraries all over the place so I haven't completely burned out on one, and I never had to go to the first floor of Clemons to study (it's miserable and stressful and a great place for souls to die). Tomorrow I have two exams and then I am home free...well, actually I am back to the apartment to clean like there's no tomorrow and then I get to head home on Tuesday!

Today's post is the third installment of the Sugar Snap Pearls gift guide. These are a bit more universally applicable than the others and are the perfect last-minute gifts for anyone on your list. You can find the previous posts here: guys gifts and ladies gifts part one and part two. And check back tomorrow to find out what I am giving some of my friends for Christmas!

Do you know someone who is always busy and stressed? Here are some ideas to help your friend relax over the holidays:

pampered princess by sugarsnappearls (links to items on polyvore)

Is your friend going to spend the holidays curled up on the couch in front of the fire? Here are some ideas for the friend who loaves to escape reality without leaving the house:

cozy on the couch by sugarsnappearls (links to items on polyvore)

Does your friend need her coffee to function or pull all-nighters in the library? Here are some ideas for the coffee enthusiast or dedicated student in your life:

college and coffee by sugarsnappearls (links to items on polyvore)

xoxo,

SSP

Gift Guide: For the Ladies (Part Two)

It is down to two exams left for this girl...now all I need is to not go crazy in the library over the next two days. That's what Bodo's and Starbucks is for right? (hint: the answer is yes) I am so ready to be home for the holidays and hanging out with my friends and family...plus pulling a few work shifts, and knowing that is only a few days away is all the motivation I need to get through Monday afternoon.

I started a christmas gift guide on Thursday and despite my best intentions, I just couldn't get the rest done during study breaks yesterday (plus side: I think I did well on today's exam...yes, as in Saturday morning's exam). Anyways, here are two more gift sets for the women in your life, and tomorrow's post will have three more!

Need an idea for your friend who takes as many workout classes as she does college credits? Here are some gift ideas for the gym rat in your life:

sports and style by sugarsnappearls

Need a gift for the social butterfly who commands any and every cocktail hour? Here are some ideas for all those party princesses:

party princess by sugarsnappearls

xoxo,

SSP