Pantone Colour of the Year: Radiant Orchid.

I decided I need more colour in my life this year. I'm not too picky, but a good place to start looking for inspiration is usually with the current trends. If everyone else is loving it, why not check it out? I think the "Colour of the Year" craze is just fantastic, and it's so fun to see different interpretations and uses for the colour that is picked!

"Radiant Orchid". Isn't that just the most gorgeous title? I've never been big into purple, but this is a shade I could really have fun with. I can definitely see it popping up in my outfits and home decor choices over the coming months!

What are your thoughts on this year's choice? Loving it or skipping it? Let me know in the comments! 

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Corinne

Changes & Improvements.

I think we can all admit that we begin every new year by saying that things are going to be different this round. We're going to get in shape or save more money or start a new hobby. Which is great, you should never stop setting goals for yourself! It doesn't always work out the way you intend, but you can't go anywhere until you take the first step out of the door. We're about two weeks into 2014 and already I can see that this is going to be a year full of change!
First of all, I have a new job! I'll still work a bit at the thrift store that I have been with for the last year, but starting January 27th, I'll be working for an insurance company, as part of the call center! I'm very excited about this new opportunity, it has amazing benefits and frankly, I'll be making twice as much money as I ever have in my life. And that is a very helpful thing.
Secondly, this is the year that I (finally) get to marry the love of my life! It seems like we've been engaged forever. Our wedding is in September, but I've got plenty to do in between now and then.
I'm also hoping to make a lot of changes in my personal habits. Eating healthier, maybe some exercise if I can manage it. I want to be healthier, happier, and more productive. Vague goals? Sure. Still worthy goals? Yup.
So hang with me, blog-wise. I'm doing a lot of brainstorming and decision-making when it comes to this space. Content-wise, it will probably continue to be a mixed bag with a bit more fashion than anything else. I welcome any suggestions on what you'd most like to see from me!
Thanks for reading, and may your new year be the best one yet!
xoxo

Money Rant.

I never seem to have enough money.
Now, here's the thing. I don't actually make that much money to begin with. I work approximately 25-30 hours a week, at minimum wage. But when I do the math (and I have done the math a bazillion times), it seems like I should be able to pay my bills and maybe even have a tad left over afterwards. NOPE. Never ever ever works out that way.
I blame fast food and pretty clothing.
OKAY FINE. I blame myself. I don't know what my problem is, I really don't. I have no self-control. Which is why every single diet I've ever tried has failed (miserably, with many potato chips and Oreos), and why every budgeting attempt I've made has also...failed.
I think the only thing that would even work at this point is making someone else control my money for a while, until I get out of the habit of spending whenever I want. But since I'm the one who takes care of all the bills in our house, I don't see that happening.
It's not that I'm thousands of dollars in debt, or failing to pay bills. I'm approximately $1100 in debt on my credit card, and I have monthly student loan payments as well. All in all, not actually that terrible. I get my bills paid. It's just that I don't have anything left over. And at this point in our lives, I NEED to be saving money. We're getting married in September and the only money I have saved is rattling around in a plastic jug on my bookcase. It's pathetic to look at.
Problem is, my hours are getting cut. And Tyler's job (carpet cleaning) is slowing down for the winter.
I don't know what the point of this post is, other than to lament about my financial woes. Maybe I'm hoping that writing it out will help me come to a solution. But really, I know (and you've gathered by this point) that my problem is me. And it's hard to fix yourself. I've never been good at it. Maybe because sometimes I struggle to define what it is I should be fixing. I grew up being consistently discouraged and put-down, and that's left me with an oddly skewed sense of self-worth. Buuuut guess what. No money for therapy.

What are some of your money-saving strategies? Can you direct me to any other blogs who have posted about this subject? Thanks for putting up with my ranting. I promise the next post will be happier!!

Christmas at the Carlson/Estabrooks Home!

Happy Friday, everyone! Christmas is REALLY REALLY close and I'm freaking out a little because I have not wrapped a single gift and I'm not quite done buying them either. Pair that with about 4 different bills being due between now and my next paycheck, and I'm about ready to crawl into bed until this whole season is over. But instead of going on about that, I thought I'd share a few pictures I took of my very first Christmas tree in our first home together! I've never had the freedom of doing all my own decorating and I might have gone a wee bit overboard buying ornaments...but that's okay. Tis the season to spend waaayyy too much money on things for the season. Or is that not the saying? Enjoy ;)