Les Misérables

I saw the movie for the first time in theaters right around Christmas. I guess I went in to the movie not really knowing the story line or what to expect but as it played out I really enjoyed it. My mom became obsessed with it and started talking about it all the time and even bought the soundtrack. I borrowed the soundtrack from her and it's all I've been listening to. So today, I decided I would spend a little "me time" at the movie theater. I have really been wanting to go see Les Misérables again since I know a majority of the songs now and I have also been wanting to go to a movie by myself. It's something I've never done and I just wanted to. So I went to the matinee and OH.MY.GOSH. I so very much enjoyed it the second time. I cried A LOT but was so happy coming out of the theater.

What a story it is. Love. Forgiveness. Grace. Three HUGE themes that run throughout the story line as well as a huge emphasis on  religion and Jean Valjean's belief in God. I'm blown away that Hollywood would put out a movie with such great moral fiber. I am so very glad they did. Victor Hugo wrote a beautiful novel (which I still need to read) and Hollywood produced a beautiful musical. It has joined my list of favorites. 

 Anne Hathaway as Fantine

 Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean

Aaron Tveit as Enjolras

"Do you hear the people sing?

Singing a song of angry men?

It is the music of a people

Who will not be slaves again!

When the beating of your heart

Echoes the beating of the drums

There is a life about to start

When tomorrow comes! 

Will you join in our crusade?

Who will be strong and stand with me?

Somewhere beyond the barricade

Is there a world you long to see? 

Then join in the fight

That will give you the right to be free!!"

So this is the New Year and I don't feel any different...

I'm quite behind as far as New Year's Resolutions go but that doesn't mean I haven't thought some through or made any. Today started a new chapter of my life and so inspired me to finally get my resolutions up.

1. God time. I've been slacking terribly and I know I need to spend time reading the Bible.
2. Room Overhaul. My bedroom at my parents' house (and now my current abode) has become the catch-all for everything that has come back with me from college. And while I have collected some great stuff of the years, there is plenty to be gotten rid of. I'm doing it this year. For real.
3. Take more photos. I have a great camera. I could always learn something new.
4. Do well in school. This resolution is what prompted my posting today. I started class for the first time since graduation in 2009 from the University of Arkansas! My 2 classes this semester will be Anatomy & Physiology 1 and Human Growth & Development. While I passed but didn't do great with my first major...I plan to have stellar grades this go-round.
5. Follow through with plans with friends. I fall victim to last minute cancellations on plans with my friends all too often and I don't want to be that unreliable friend anymore.
6. Read 12 books. I don't read enough...and that's only 1 a month.
7. Spend/Save money wisely.

Quite a few resolutions but hopefully I can follow through. I plan on revisiting my progress at 3, 6 and 9 months. And then 12 of course (:

Shoes for Snow [Playing]

On Christmas Eve I made a purchase for myself that wasn't impractical but also not completely necessary...and I couldn't be happier with my decision. I was reading a post on the Fresh Exchange about winter essentials. One of her suggestions was Sorel snow boots so when I was very last minute Christmas shopping at TJMaxx, these boots caught my eye because they were in my head. Like I mentioned already, I didn't necessarily NEED snow boots but I also couldn't leave these behind (and for the half price sticker, I was very excited to get such high quality and cute boots). 

 I love the pink stitching detail!

...now if it would only snow 2+ feet.

Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:10-14

¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ 

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

 and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with the ones they love. A few presents I received below...my family knows my love for pretty necklaces too well (:

VIA La Vie Pariesienne

VIA Ayala Bar

VIA Francesca's

Outfit + Seester Day + Family Time

Last night I enjoyed a tradition with my mom and sister and failed to get a picture of the three of us :( The night was still a lot of fun...we went and saw the Nutcracker at the Walton Arts Center performed by the Moscow Ballet. It was beautiful. I wanted to share my outfit because I LOVED it. It was my first time to wear this hi-lo dress from Riffraff! 

Bracelets/Necklaces via Riffraff and Groopdealz

Leopard Heels via Madden Girl

I spent the day doing last minute Christmas shopping with my sister. It was so much fun. We even explored a little on the Fayetteville Square.

@ Waffle House on Dickson Street

 @ the Fayetteville Square

With the cousins for dinner

Wonderful busy day! 3 days until Christmas!

BlogLovin'

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

...eventually. it's not exciting yet. not sure how to use it (:

6 days until Christmas!

Oh Christmas Lights Keep Shinning On

I love Christmas on the Fayetteville Square...

[my favorite tree]

...especially with my family (:

[all photos taken on my iPhone 4s]

7 days until Christmas!