What I Love Wednesday!

Today, I'm linking up with Jamie @ This Kind of Love for What I Love Wednesday!

There's something about January that makes me feel a little down. I don't know if it's the waiting for so many things, i.e. school to start back or spring and summer to come, but things can get a little dreary. The What I Love Wednesday link-up serves as a great tool to remind you of the things that are going well in your life, along things that you should be thankful for this week and every week!

1. I'm loving that I get to visit Jake tomorrow! In the morning, I'll be traveling to Jake's house to spend the day with him:) We're not sure what we're going to do, so it should be fun trying to decide! 14 days without him is way too long!

2. I'm loving that I've been exercising! Woohoo! For me, this is huge because I hate working out! I mean, don't enjoy it AT ALL. I've been doing Insanity, the P90X ab workout and some workouts that I found on Pinterest. The way I see it, anything is better than nothing. GO ME!

3. I'm loving the new Pantone color of the year: Tangerine Tango

Believe me, I am not an orange fan. I don't even think I own an orange piece of clothing, but I've found that when you use this color in small doses with with other less extravagant ones, I actually really like it. (Plus, it makes me feel like summer is a little closer!) I found a necklace while shopping the other day that used the Tangerine Tango, along with some other muted colors. So pretty! I can't wait to go back and buy it! 

Will you be incorporating this color into your wardrobe? 

3. I'm loving that I'm finally going to spend my Swell Caroline $30 credit from Gilt City that my brother's girlfriend, Samantha got for me for Christmas! What will I get? I have no clue yet, but I'll let you know!

4. I'm loving that my family is thinking about visiting the Harry Potter Theme Park while we're in Florida going to Disney World. It's not for sure by any means, but we are doing some research!

Have any of you ever been? It looks so cool!

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I guess I better get a jump start on my goal for this year of owning/reading all the HP books!

What are you loving this Wednesday?

My Sweet Christmas Gift

On my post a little over a week ago about Jake coming to visit, I promised to share with you the adorable gift that he made me for Christmas! I didn't think people really cared whether I told them or not, but believe me, they do! I've been asked twice since then if I was ever going to share. Good news readers, the wait is over!

When someone puts time and hard work into a gift, it means so much more than if they just went out and bought something. At least this is the case with me! Jake had mentioned a couple of weeks ago that he wanted to make something that he'd seen me pin on Pinterest.

Excuse me?
I was just amazed that he noticed what I was doing all those hours that I mindlessly pin away! (Everyone can relate to that!)

I'm sure many of you have seen these adorable jewelry holders made with antique-looking knobs.

Well, Jake decided he wanted to give one of these beauties a try!

Not only did he craft my gift, he made it completely from scratch and was sweet enough to take pictures along the way for you all! I was beyond impressed.

First, he found a piece of pine that he already had around the house. He wanted to create a combination of what I said I liked and the things that I had pinned on Pinterest.

He cut out the wood using a table saw and used a dremel to bevel the edge all the way around.

 

He picked out an off-white colored paint to use as the main color, another item he already had at home. This color was a perfect match to the furniture that I have in my room!

 Here it is drying after being painted.

 After the base coat was finished, he painted a glaze over the creases in the wood and then wiped off the excess. He wanted to make the wood look distressed, another aspect of the furniture I already have.

 Prior to Christmas break, we made a trip to Lowe's together and I got to pick out all the knobs that I liked. I chose seven different ones that he bought and applied to the wood. He drilled each of the 7 holes, 1.5 inches apart and attached them to the wood piece.

 After many hours of carpentry, painting, etc., my present was finally done!

Now, I have something beautiful to hang my jewelry on in my room and of course, I'll always think of him when I look at it!

The Bachelor: Episode 2 Review

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I don't know if any of you follow The Bachelor, but at my house, my Mom, Dad & I all sit down around the TV and watch it together, no talking until the commercials, the whole nine yards. I started watching during Jake's season a couple Bachelors/Bachelorettes ago, and haven't been able to get away since.

Maybe it's just me, but it feels like the girls this season tend to be a little crazier than usual! Here are just a few items of evidence...

Example 1:

Jenna

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This girl was crying before the first night was even over! Also, out of all the dresses she could have chosen to wear when she met Ben, she decided on this little white number? I think she could really be a pretty girl if she would smile and stop stressing about everything. I think some good therapy would be her best bet, then maybe she could give finding a relationship another try.

Example 2:

Blakeley

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This girl seems to cause drama wherever she goes and all the girls in the house are already against her. Was anyone else amazed by the jumpsuit she wore for the kid's play? You'd think someone that is so well endowed would have a little more coverage and support in certain areas!

Quote of the night: "What do you get when you cross a gingerbread man and a hooker? Blakeley!"

Example 3:

Courtney

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I thought she did okay during her one on one date with Ben, but there's just something about her that I don't quite trust. Plus, her comment to Kacie B. was just completely uncalled for. I'll be interested to see the drama that Courtney stirs in the future.

Even though these girls seem to be a little crazy, I'm sure that will keep devoted fans tuning in even more than usual. I know I will be!

How are you feeling about the newest Bachelor crew?

Disney Bound!

It looks like I'm going to be working on another one of my "12 To-Dos in 2012" a little sooner than expected! 

A few nights ago, while my family was at dinner, my Dad said that he would like to go to Disney World sometime this summer, after I graduate! Woohoo!

Mickey & Minnie here I come!

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I love Disney World and I've been wanting to go back for a year or two. I want glittery mouse ears, a Disney cup, Mickey waffles and pancakes, you know, THE WORKS!

If you follow me on Twitter, you already know that I've been looking at hotels in Disney the past couple nights. I just couldn't wait!

I really like these two:

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

 OR

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

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I've stayed at Caribbean Beach before, but I think going to the Animal Kingdom would be an amazing change. Also, the Animal Kingdom resort is a bit more expensive per night. There are probably going to be six of us, so that's something I've got to keep in mind. I'm looking into getting two, four-person rooms.

If you've ever been to Disney World and stayed inside the park, where did you stay? Did you love it? 

Holly Jolly Swap!

Today, all the bloggers that participated in the Holly-Jolly Swap in December are sharing what they got from their Secret Santa! My wonderful Secret Santa was eTm from Simply Southern Me! I didn't already follow eTm, so not only did I receive the cutest gift, I was able to follow another wonderful blog!

She really spoiled me and got me so many things that I love! Cupcakes and pearls and J.CREW, oh my!

I was so excited when this package arrived at our house!

Look at all the pretty things inside!

J.CREW trouser socks, cupcake stickers (love!), polka dot stationary and a J.CREW pearl headband. 

She had also sent me a Christmas card prior to my package with a poem about herself! Thanks so much for everything, eTm!

The person that I bought for was Crystal from Coffee at Nordstrom! Hop on over to her blog to see just what I picked out:)

After a day full of shopping, I'm warn out! I hope you're having a great day!

Celebrations & Top 5 Tuesday!

As long as I can remember, New Year's Eve has always caused a lot of stress with last minute plans and hunting for the perfect outfit. 2011 followed suit and had my Mom and I running around the mall the night before, still looking for something for me to wear! We finally decided on a long-sleeve tan sweater/dress from Forever21 to pair with my black fur vest that I already had.

The outfit looked a lot like this:

Boy, do plans change!

My friend, Lindsey graciously invited me to come and spend the night at her house in Charlotte with some of my other good friends from Boone. We had the most amazing time eating tons of food, dancing, and trying our best to stay up until midnight!

If you read my post about semi-formal, you may remember the black, 3/4 sleeve dress that I wore to our function. When I got to Lindsey's and saw the dressy outfits everyone was planning on wearing, I decided to throw that dress on instead. I'll be saving my fur vest for another day!

Everyone got dressed up (even the boys), despite the fact that we were staying at home for the night. It made it that much more fun! Lindsey's parents were so amazing and made a ton of food for the group! We had such a good time talking and eating all night.

This was only about half of the food we had!

The girls: Lindsey, Me, Gwyn, & Kristin

Gwyn modeling the piggies in a blanket. These were a huge hit!

 Lindsey cutting the massive cookie cake that Kristin brought.

 This cookie cake was the size of a large pizza & double layered, basically heaven!

I hope your New Year's was just as fun as mine!

& I can't forget...

I'm linking up with Rachel at Just Peachy for Top 5 Tuesday: 

Favorite Jewelry Pieces!

This was an easy one for me because I usually wear about the same jewelry every day!

1. Tortoise shell cuff bracelet: If you been reading my blog for long, you know that I am in love with tortoise shell! I found this bracelet at a boutique in Boone and I just couldn't resist.

2. Silver bow bracelet: I am obsessed with bows and when I found this cute cuff, I just had to grab it. I got it a few years ago at the Aerie store. I couldn't believe it!

3. All wrapped up pearls- drop earrings: These earrings that I got for my 21st birthday have become one of my favorites. They are from Kate Spade and go with anything, plus they stick with my bow theme.

4. My college class ring: I know that some people get a class ring and never wear it, but I am the complete opposite. I've had a class ring for middle/high school, and now college.

5. J.CREW Starfish earrings: I got these earrings last spring, to wear to a fraternity formal. I quickly realized they are perfect for anything. I can't wait for it to get warm so I can wear them again.

What are your top 5 favorite jewelry pieces?

Get To Know Me!

I hope everyone had a great New Years Day yesterday! It's hard to believe it's already 2012! Where does the time go?

I have to say, I'm so proud of myself! While trying to keep with some of the things on my "12 To-Dos in 2012," I have held off on all fast food for 5 whole days now, and I completed and Insanity workout last night! Though my legs still feel like jello, it was worth working toward my goal of being more active this year. I've only done Insanity a few times, but the workout is just like it sounds, insane.

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I'm am beyond excited to have so many new faces around my blog. I can't wait to get to know everyone of you! In honor of you all, I wanted to re-introduce myself and tell you a little bit about me.

My name is Melody, like a song, hence the name of my blog:) I'm a senior in college. I love shopping, going out to eat, trying new things, meeting people, my boyfriend, and Alpha Phi, these are also many of the things I blog about, along with the random happenings in my life!

I found some questions online the other day that I thought would be fun to answer. I love to learn about the bloggers that I follow and I hope you do as well!

Here goes nothing!

What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?

My favorite indoor activity is shopping. I am a firm believer in "retail therapy" and the wonders it can work on a bad day. My favorite outdoor activity is playing kickball or baseball with the Miller family on holidays!

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What sound do you love?
This is kind of a tough one...I love the sound of a timer when the cookies you're baking are done, the sounds of familiar voices on the phone, the sound of the heat coming on in my apartment because I'm always freezing!

If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like and what would it be for?

Two of my cousins are engaged and hearing about their weddings makes me so excited for my own (in an unknown amount of years, to an unknown groom haha.) I am so excited to plan my bridal shower! I just feel like I have so many ideas, via Pinterest of course! It would be beautiful! 

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If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I would love to learn how to sew. I don't need to make my own clothes or anything, but it would be nice to know how to fix a button, etc. I'd also like to learn how to cook and then find time to do it!

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

I actually love my name, so I wouldn't want to change it, but, if I HAD to, I might go by my middle name, Caroline! I think Caroline is such a classic, elegant name.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?
I would have to say Elle Woods! She's cute, preppy, smart, and funny! Did I mention she has an almost all-pink wardrobe? I can't complain about that!

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When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?
If I have a free moment, I'm usually simultaneously using Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and catching up on the blog posts I haven't read. At school I don't usually have free time, so when it does come, I treasure it.

What story does your family always tell about you?
I'm still a little embarrassed about this one, but when I was in 4th grade, I made it to the school-wide spelling bee. It was held in the gym and the whole elementary school along with parents were there watching the competition. It was my turn, and the word was "truth." Out of pure fear and nervousness I spelled it T-R-T-H, completely leaving out the "U" and I got out during the first round. I don't think I'll ever live that down!

Do you like your handwriting?
I do like my handwriting, it's not anything amazing, but it'll do. One little tidbit about myself, I can't write in cursive, except my own name. I never learned in elementary school and still don't know how!

What book are you reading now?
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
I loved Angels & Demons and The Da Vinci Code, so I thought I'd read his newest as well.

I hope you enjoyed learning a little about me! Happy Monday!