Challenge Accepted

Hi everyone!

I know i've been away for quiet some time now but there are just not enough hours in the day since spring semester started. 

I will admit though that I have been kinda lazy about writing when I do have some free time, but no more excuses. 

Its become apparent to me that when I am not blogging, I seem to struggle to get through my days. There is just something about writing that relieves my stress and makes my worries seem so small. 

I thought today would be a better time than any to begin writing again and to get back into the swing of things. 

Yesterday I decided to join the 100 happy days movement. 

A couple days ago I began seeing some friends posting the tag #100happydays on Instagram and became intrigued. 

So naturally the googling frenzy began.

"Can you be happy for 100 days in a row?" the site exclaimed.

You would think thats an easy question to answer. Of course I can be happy for 100 days! Im always happy!

Surprising enough 71% of people that have attempted to complete this challenge failed quoting that they did not have enough time as their main reason. 

How do you not have enough time to be happy?

While the speed of life increases, there is less time to enjoy the moment that you are in. The ability to appreciate the moment, the environment and yourself in it, is the base for the bridge towards long term happiness of any human being. 

Its time to make a change.

Its time to start noticing the little things that make you happy, to be in a better mood everyday, to realize how lucky you are to have the life you have, and to become more optimistic.

I plan to fall in love with my life throughout the next 100 days by posting moments each day that mean something to me and define my happiness.

Follow my Instagram:x3laurwall in order to stay up to date with my 100 days of happiness as Instagram will be my main platform for this project. I am also going to be uploading my happiness to my other social media sites such as Pinterest, and Twitter whenever I can. I will try to keep my blog updated with my photos as much as possible along with my other social media sites. So follow along!

Im so excited to look over my happy moments when the challenge is over and remind myself about the beauty of my life.

Can you be happy for 100 days in a row? Join the movement and share your happiness with the world!

Here are my posts from yesterday and today!

[day 1] Sitting at my desk with a nice cup of coffee, my Mac and a candle. Relaxation at it's finest.

[day2] Did a little shopping for my spring break trip to Panama City Beach Florida. Only 7 days left!

A little catch up

Apologies for not being as attentive to my blog, as I would like to be lately. 

Last week I moved back to school in order to take a winter marketing class. Yeah, I only had a three week vacation from classes but that was enough for me. I have grown to like being on a set schedule and actually having things to do. 

Woah am I changing into an adult?!

And I mean maybe my new Mac desktop has something to do with my days being so productive. Just having a new updated computer, especially moving from a PC to a Mac, makes everything so much more awesome! You don't know how many random lists i've made just because I like using the new pages app. Not complaining though, i've been getting so many random little things done that i've needed to for awhile. 

I even began constructing my online photography portfolio, that I have always been too preoccupied to do. Its taking a little while to go through all the photos I want to add, touch them up and then actually make the website. But this is what I like to do, so the extensive amount of time spent on it, doesn't bother me. 

So basically I'm kinda sorta in love with this computer. She's a beaut!

Besides playing with the new computer, I've just been trying to get through the days. 

Mother Nature finally pronounced it to be winter and its absolutely freezing outside. My allergies decided to have the dial turned up to extreme this winter, its been a little rough. And of course, dealing with the girly problems of being pale, and having dry skin. 

Lately, my mood is just blah. Ya know the one, where you just don't feel like doing anything or going anywhere and you just want to stay curled up in your warm bed. Winter just stinks and is too cold for my liking. 

This is an appropriate time to use the oh so famous -_____- face to show my emotions. 

I don't do cold weather and thats why I need to move somewhere south. I need my warm sunny days to last all year, not just 6 or 7 months. Winter just isn't my season.

Writing is a fantastic outlet. A trip to the store might be happening tomorrow in order to get a journal.  

Oh yea, so I started the Shaun T- Insanity workout videos today. Its a month long program containing a 40 min daily workout. Boy is it intense! I completed the first month last winter and felt fantastic after. There are only 66 more days until round 2 of spring break in Panama City, Florida, so I need to start getting my butt up and working out.

Ill be sure to update you all through out the month on my progress. Fingers crossed I survive the intense month long workout one more time!

I just want to say that writing is a fantastic outlet. A trip to the store might be made tomorrow to pick up a journal.

The 2014 Plan

Looking back, 2013 was an unforgettable year filled with good memories. Granted it wouldn't have been nearly as great if I didn't have the people in my life that I do today.

Isn't it crazy how we can look back a year ago and realize how much everything has changed. The amount of people that have left your life, entered and stayed. The memories you won't forget and the moments you wish you did. Its crazy to think that so much can happen over a year. 

You are always growing and experiences never stop. Thats life.

I have been thinking long and hard about this upcoming year and what I would like to happen with it. I never really make resolutions for the new year because I know, like most people, Im never going to follow through. 

But I have a good feeling about this upcoming year, so resolutions will be made and I will try my best to stick with them.

So here is my plan people! 

+Do all the things left undone; especially the things that make my heart sing. 

+Smile more. Laugh more. Have more fun.

+Give & accept compliments. 

+Stop beating myself up for skipping the gym on days I truly don’t have time. But also, stop     skipping the gym on days I had plenty of time to go.

+Rid myself of enemies. Apologize to where it is needed and forgive the ones you who did you wrong.

+Obtain a new pattern of thoughts. Radiate positivity. 

+ Quit worrying and just let go.

+Conquer a fear

+Create a new belief system in myself. 

+Speak in such a way that others love to listen to. Listen in such a way that others love to speak to you.

+Read more books. Use less technology.

+Take better care of myself. Create and stick to a routine.

+Live more from intention and less from habit.

+Show less insecurity, weakness, ignorance and ungratefulness. Be more trusting, confident, understanding and grateful.

+Be inspired and become an inspiration to others. 

+Work hard. Finish my last year of college on good terms. 

Im going to make it happen this year. 

I am thankful for a new year and a new beginning for a new me. For new adventures and new experiences. For being given the chance to forget past mistakes and rid myself of negativity. For a year to focus on all of the positive things life offers. For the ability to create new friendships. For another year to overcome my insecurities and believe in myself.

This is my time to shine and be comfortable in my own skin. Im ready to live my best active life.

READY, SET....GO! There is still so much to be done, don't lose sight. 

A Year in Review

We have finally made it to the last day in the year and what a great year 2013 has been. 

But my oh my, where did the time go!

Time really does fly and I can't believe how fast this year has gone by. As I get older I notice it more and more. It feels like I was just celebrating last New Years Eve with my friends. I would love to know where my life has jumped up and ran off to. Its bizarre to think that another year has come and gone (actually it scares the shit out of me) but its also amazing to realize how much can happen in a year. 

Even though this year included some negative aspects, it was still the best year I've ever had. My life is a million times different now than it was this time last year. I believe I have grown up a little and am beginning to understand what it is I need to do in order to live a happier life. For that I am thankful for all of the lessons I've learned, people who have come and gone and opportunities that have been presented to me.

Heres to looking back on a wonderful year and remembering some of the things that stood out. 

I kicked off the New Year at a friends house in Brick, NJ with some of the greatest people I know. It was one of the best New Year's i've had in a long time especially because I got to kiss my crush at midnight! 

I also was able to take part in a fun opportunity and work a concession stand at a Redskins game. Its not a glamorous job but I had a lot of fun bar tending and selling beers in the stands (even though I froze my butt off!).

I would say January is my new favorite month only because of one specific date. January 27th, this handsome man and I finally started dating. It was the best decision i've ever made and to this day we are still going strong. Its hard to believe that its almost been a full year with him but god damn its because of him that 2013 has been the best year of my life.

Even though the Redskins are number one in my heart (even if they do suck), it was fun being able to celebrate a Superbowl win with my best friends who are all die hard Ravens fans. And when I say all I mean every single one them. Over the year I have grown to like the Ravens a little more especially since its my boyfriends team.

This month was also a big one for sororities and fraternities. My sorority went through formal recruitment. It was hectic but a lot of fun since it was my first time being on the other side of recruitment. We gained some fantastic ladies for our chapter, some of which are now my closest friends. 

The fraternities were able to experience their first bid day, which is what sororities do during recruitment. It makes it more exciting when you get a new member because everyone is yelling and chanting while attacking the person who just joined your organization. Id say the fraternities had a very successful first bid day and recruited some great men.

This March I got to travel to Panama City for Spring Break and of course this was one of the best experiences of my life. Everyday was amazing and I will never forget this wonderful week spent in Florida. All cares were thrown out the window, everyone lived it up and had the time of their lives. Of course were going back again in 2014 with 20x the people. Im ready for round two!

Even though Im a tom boy and like to wear sweatpants everywhere I go, I do enjoy dressing up in a pretty dress every now and then. Sig Taus grab-a-dates are always a good time. There is never a dull moment. Im so glad that my best friends have the same friends and we get to attend these fun events together. 

I was extremely lucky this year to take a little in my sorority. She is gorgeous, hardworking and a ton of fun to be around. I couldn't have asked for a better little. This month she got initiated and I am so proud of her! She made me the perfect plaque that I am absolutely obsessed with (the tribal print is so me) so of course I had to show it off.

May was jam packed with a lot of fun things. 

Every year my school participates in Relay for Life, and I was able to be my sororities Relay for Life chairman. I designed our booth and what our fundraising activity would be. The overall theme of our Relay was the red carpet so each booth was able to choose a movie as their theme. I chose The Little Mermaid. Our activity was pin the starfish in the mermaids hair and in doing so you could win a real life goldfish. We also had a mini bake sale where we sold starfish cookies and seashell shaped chocolates. It was a lot of fun being able to plan a table for such a great event. 

Sig Tau hosts a weekend where all of the brothers and their dates head down to Ocean City. We get to relax on the beach and attend their White Rose Formal. This year I was lucky enough to win and be their fraternities White Rose for a year! I have never cried so much from being so happy. Being White Rose basically means Im allowed to be the only girl in their fraternity for a year. I have never felt so blessed and thankful for winning this position. It truly is an honor to represent these men. 

I also surprised my boyfriend with a cooler I had made to take with him to the beach. I slaved over this thing for months making sure it turned out perfectly. Im so happy with the way it turned out and he loved it which is all i could ask for!

After taking a class all semester long on the history of Venice, Italy, I was able to study abroad with my class in Italy for two weeks. This was my first time out of the country and man what an experience it was. Theres too much I could possibly write about this trip, so I will save that for a future post (lets just say I basically ate my way through Italy). It was a beautiful country and I loved being able to experience my heritage. I hope I am able to travel back someday!

My birthday month! Finally the day had come where I turned 21. I was actually still in Italy for my birthday but was surprised by my friends with party when I returned to the states. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend such an important birthday.

For the second year in a row, I was able to be a promo model for the brand Fox in Ocean City's Dew Tour. Four long days of entertaining all of the fans but its definitely worth when its all over. The plus side is I get tons of free stuff, like clothes and accessories which is always nice!

At the end of the month my entire family stayed at the beach for a week, making this our first family reunion. We are the most dysfunctional family to ever exist, but I had a blast seeing family I rarely get to see.

July was just any typical summer month of working, going to the beach, testing out the Ocean City and Salisbury bars and spending beautiful sunny days with friends.

Karl finally turned 21 this month, so I surprised him with a beer olympics. All of our friends traveled back for it which I was so thankful for. Of course our team, Team America, kicked everyones butt!

My family, boyfriend and I traveled to Smith Mountain Lake in Southern Virginia for a relaxing weekend. My aunt and uncle own a place on the lake with a boat and other fun water toys. My boyfriend and I spent the few days we had learning how to wake board. By the end, we were pros and by pros i mean we didn't fall as much. This was easily one of my favorite weekends with Karl. I can't wait to go back!

September was filled with getting back into the groove of classes starting, Brew River nights and catching up with the friends you didn't get to see all summer.

October is hands down the busiest month every year. 

Being White Rose I got to co-host one of their fundraising events. Every year they host a butler auction in order to help raise money for their philanthropy. This year they raised more money than they ever have. So proud of you boys!

I was able to participate and walk in two fashion shows for the Salisbury area. It has always been my dream to be a runway model so if this is the closest I'm ever going to get Ill take it. It definitely is an adrenaline rush but a lot of fun at the same time.

Every year for Breast Cancer Education and Awareness month, my chapter participates in handing out pink ribbons at the breast cancer Redskins game. It amazing to see how many people support and thank us for what we do. Its an honor to help out with such a big philanthropy. 

I went to the pumpkin patch with Karl and his family. We made sure we picked out the best one that we could find in the field.

Sig Tau had another grab-a-date, which of course was a blast!

Our school finally got a band worth seeing to come play this fall. Rebelution was one I had been dying to see, so I made sure I was one of the first in line to get a ticket.

I spent the entire month whining about not knowing what to be for Halloween and it was not until three days before that I finally decided to be a mermaid. Its too expensive these days to buy an actual costume from a party store. I decided to make my outfit out of a skirt and sports bra I already had. I am actually obsessed with how it turned out and it was a huge hit at the costume parties. 

Punkin Chunkin one of the DelMarVas favorite days of the year (you may even consider it a holiday). The college kids never actually get to see a pumpkin being catapulted across a field but its always a good time hanging out with friends in a closed off play pen. If you've never experienced the chunk, add it to your bucket list now.

Zeta Crush party, where one of my proudest moments is winning the award "Most likely to be the first girl to join a Fraternity".

I became brave enough to start this blog and am so glad I did. It has really helped me in being an outlet to get the tangled mess of thoughts in my head organized. I can't wait to look back at my blog next new years and see a full year of what had an impact on my life.

And of course Thanksgiving. Surprisingly enough I used to not like any foods served at Thanksgiving besides the turkey but this year I made sure to try it all. Sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top are definitely my favorite. It turned out to be a nice evening with the family.

We ended the semester with Sig Taus Semi-Formal, which of course like any other Sig Tau event is a lot of fun. 

I ended this years semester with the best GPA I've ever received. I got a 3.6 and made Deans list. Hard work really does pay off.

I always love trying to figure out the perfect gifts for people. So this year I got Karl tickets to the Ravens vs. Patriots game since he told me that at the last game he went to he was 10. Even though the Ravens did terrible, I still had a great time experiencing an NFL game with him. 

Christmas was fantastic. It turned out to be a nice day with the family. I was lucky enough to get my first MAC desktop from my mom. Im so thankful for this gift! This is my first blog post on the new computer and I am obsessed. I can't wait to get back to school and set it up in my room.

My best friend Nick came home from California for the holidays. Its been over six months since I last saw him and I missed him so much! A group of us got together and went to Fed Hill in Baltimore while he was home. This was my first real bar experience and its safe to say that Fed Hill won.

Well that took ten million years to complete. Props to you if you made it this far!

But just like that were welcoming in a brand new year. It was fun being able to go back and see all of these wonderful memories this year has given me. Are you happy with how your year went?

I know everyone says this, but i really think that 2014 is going to be my year. I have a good feeling about it, but more on the new year tomorrow. All I've got to say is bring it on!

So with that being said Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014! Embrace the new year with open arms! Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one!

Cheers and have a wonderful New Years Eve!

New Perspective

Last night I finished watching the television series The Office. 

I started from season 1 episode 1 and watched all the way through. I can honestly say that The Office is one of the best tv shows I've ever watched and I don't regret a second of the time I spent watching it. 

Even if it did consume a good amount of my life for a bit, I was hooked from day one!

If you ever get a chance to watch it all the way through, please do. You would never think that a tv comedy about a paper company would contain so many wonderful life lessons and really put your life into a new perspective once you finish the series. 

In my opinion the finale was the best ending to a show I have ever seen. It really connected with you and made you not want the series to end. 

Of course, I was a little baby and cried every time something cute happened in Jim and Pam's life. There love story will always be one of my favorites. They're love is so imperfectly perfect that they give us hopeless romantics a reason to keep believing. 

Imagine going back and watching a tape of your life, you can see yourself change, make mistakes and grow up. You can watch yourself fall in love, make friendships that will last a lifetime, and deal with the hardships life throws at you everyday. 

Andy Bernard states "I wish there was a way to know your in the good ole days before you've actually left them."


Take each day one step at a time. Live it to the best of your ability. If theres a problem, really step back and see if its worth the stress because most of the time it isn't. Laugh a lot and don't take life too seriously. Take any chance that your given, one day you might regret not taking it. Theres a lot of beauty in ordinary things, so don't take anything for granted.

One of Pam's final words at the end of the finale really connected with me..."I didn't watch the whole documentary. After a few episodes it was too painful. I kept wanting to scream at Pam. It took me so long to do so many important things, its just hard to accept that i spent less years being happy then i could've been. Jim was 5 feet from my desk and it took me 4 years to get to him. It'd be great if people saw this documentary and learned from my mistakes. Not that I'm a tragic person, I'm really happy now but it would just make my heart soar if someone out there saw this and she said to herself, Be strong, trust yourself, love yourself, conquer your fears. Just go after what you want and act fast because life just isn't that long."

If your life was being documented on film and 10 years later you were able to go back and watch it, would you be satisfied with the way you lived? Its never too late to make a change.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Now that I am older and we have a new little girl in the family, we celebrate our Christmas morning at my aunt and uncles house. She gets so excited when my mom and I have a big sleep over at her house.

I'll be spending my day waking up at the crack of dawn by my little cousin, monkey bread, relaxing with the fam, a big delicious Italian feast and ending with a food coma from all of the Christmas cookies I will consume. 

I hope everyone has a fabulous, carefree day spending time with your loved ones and a happy holidays!

I'm still here don't worry!

Hey all, don't worry I'm still here!

Sorry I know I have been MIA for a little over a week, but it's crunch time! It has come down to finals week, the very last week of fall semester. A week that all college students dread.

I've finally decided to take a break from all of the madness that has consumed me the past 2 weeks. A nice thing about being an art major is that I don't really have finals the week that finals are usually given. For me its the week before where it is time to hand in portfolios and all of the projects are due.

Last week I had one portfolio due for Photoshop, a ten page paper for Art History, a paper/presentation and a test for Spanish 2. It was mayhem but I got through it!

Now all that stands in my way of the semester being over are two three page essays for Art History. They are administered online so thank the lord I don't have to move anywhere or change out of my sweats. (not like i wear anything other than sweats to campus anyways)

I return home for the holiday season on Saturday, but will be back at school January 2nd to start my three week winter class...Principles of Marketing Management. Cramming all of the information given over 13 weeks into 3. Sounds like a fun time, I know.

It's weird to think that I only have a year left in college. This is so crazy!

These past four years, especially this semester has gone by so fast. I don't even want to think about how fast these last two are going to go.

Then again I am pretty psyched to jump into the real world. It's starting to hit me that I'll have a real job soon and hopefully get to do something I'm passionate about. Every now and then I get a sudden wave of anxiety and nervousness for what is to come after I graduate, but then I remember that its just a new adventure! A new chapter in my life that I'm excited to embrace with open arms.

Good luck to everyone on the rest of their finals this week if you have them. May the odds be ever in your favor! :)

I've been able to get some crafts and drawings done this week which is pretty exciting. I realized I don't draw or paint enough, or take enough photos like I should be. It's what I'm passionate about so be prepared for a wave of art posts over the next couple of weeks.

I can't say what the crafts are that I've been working on because they are Christmas gifts for my family, and I know they will snoop on my blog. I will show you all soon though!

I was able to get a drawing done that I'm pretty proud of. I love working with oil pastels and the texture it brings to my drawings. Its so fun blending the colors together with my fingers. There's such a wide range of things you can do with oil pastels. I'm going to be focusing on working and improving my pastel and charcoal drawing skills.
This past weekend was also my boyfriend Karl's semi-formal for his fraternity. I had a great time with all of my favorite people. I couldn't have picked a better way to end the semester! And of course its always a lot of fun getting dressed up in a new pretty dress.
One more thing before I go.

Today holds my absolute favorite thing about the holiday season...

THE VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW aka the sexiest night of the year!

I have never missed a show and of course like any other girl I dream of being on that stage! It's been my dream to be an angel the first time I set foot in a vicky store! These ladies are perfection and so inspirational. Miranda Kerr will forever be my favorite angel! Do you have a favorite?
So bring on the wine, the millions of girls tweeting about starting a workout plan, but never really do (were all guilty of this, don't get offended lol) and the half naked ladies!