Today I wanted to go a little more on the serious side of things, and talk a little bit about self worth. It’s something that a lot of people struggle with at times, and we all can question when certain life events take place.
As humans, we are creatures of habit. We go through the motions of our day to day lives, and we come across people on a consistent basis. Psychology itself tells us that just the mere repeated exposure of these people will lead us to like them, but I think this plays a bigger role than we tend to realize when it comes to our interactions with these people. Breaking change is hard. Having the confidence and courage to stand up for yourself in the face of adversity can wear on a persons mind and soul. We come into situations where we stand between a rock and a hard place because someone we see in our everyday lives is treating us badly, and we ask ourselves how to handle the situation. I have been seeing lately that more often than not, people tend to make excuses for these negative people in their lives because it is easier to justify than to stand tall. Not for lack of wanting to, more so because we see these people so often and become so accustom to having them in our lives that we can’t see the other side of things. If we were to stand up for ourselves and not accept the negativity, what would that be like?
I want to challenge the people in my life, the people of the world, anyone needing this right now to stand up and not accept anything less than you deserve. No one in this world has the right to make you feel less than 100% worth it. Your feelings matter, your thoughts matter, and more than that the actions of OTHERS matter. People never have the right to treat you with disrespect. It is ok to set a bar, and hold people to it. It is ok to only accept the best for yourself, and to remind yourself that you deserve anything your heart can dream of. The only way to achieve is to push through adversity. No matter what kind it is.
I am a lover of people with kind hearts, people with great minds, and people who do their best. Remember to do your best in times of struggle, and to not fall down in the face of routine. Remember we get comfortable, and we let that be an excuse to not accept the very best. People come and go in life, but your mind, your body, your well being is forever.
Stand up and be great you guys. Always remember there are people in your life who are standing in the bleachers cheering on your every move. Believe it.
One of the best things about a new year is the ability to sit and reflect on the one that has come to an end. 2013 was a year of ups and downs, filled with learning moments that will guide us through the next 12 months ahead. Taking the time to create some top lists filled with memories, places, people and the things that really made a difference in the previous year can bring everything full circle and turn it into ammo to hit the ground running!
To launch this life style blog and let everyone get to know a little bit more about me, I thought I would list my top favorite of 2013 in all of my favorite categories- “Mallory’s must haves,” if you will. Fashion, music, movies/TV, food, drink, beauty and books. These categories house all the things that give my life style color. Let’s jump right in!
Fashion Must Have of 2013
For me, fashion is a way of life, not just something I throw on. Cliche? I know, but if you know me you know that I take my clothing choices about as seriously as Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada. Bold statement, but a statement of truth. Picking a must have of 2013 is hard for me, but reflecting on my year it has definitely been
—> Collared shirts, buttoned all the way to the top!
Add a statement necklace and boom! You have 2013 Mallory in a nut shell. This look is timeless, creating a sophisticated style that can be paired with a high waisted jean, high waisted skirt, shorts, and anything else you can think of. A cardigan over the top can dress it down or a shorter skirt and heels can bring it to evening chic. A staple for any girls closet!
Beauty Must Have of 2013
Makeup is by far my guilty pleasure. I could read about it, blog about it, talk about it, live it and love it for days! My favorite for 2013 was easily chosen though a little broad, but
—> MAC Cosmetics
MAC Cosmetics really brought it home for me this year. From the foundations (I swear by MAC Pro Long Wear) to the eye shadows (I can’t go more than a week without using Brown Script for an eye shadow look), the quality and color ranges really just speak for themselves. Recently I have been loving the MAC Strobe Cream, but that is a post in itself!
Music Must Have of 2013
2013 was an amazing year for music. I have been an avid concert goer since junior high, and 2013 definitely was no different! Choosing a record for the entire year is close to impossible for me, so I am going to go with my most listened to.
—> Fall Out Boy’s “Save Rock and Roll” & The Front Bottom’s “Talon Of The Hawk”
Music is so subjective and can speak to people in different ways, but these are the two records I have kept coming back to throughout the year.
Movie Must Have of 2013
This film season has been insanity. I am a lover of good directing, quality writing, and tear jerkers that will make you wonder why you put yourself through it in the first place! This year has been great for film, but I have one stand out that I would choose above the rest:
–> Her
The movie Her stars Joaquin Phoenix and was directed by Spike Jonze. This is another one that is very subjective to each persons taste, but it really blew my mind out of the water if you know what I mean.
Food Must Have of 2013
Food! My number one love. I am excited to do some blogging about food in the future, and really share with everyone my hidden gems, favorite recipes, and delicious things I come across! My food favorite of 2013 is what I found myself loving most, embracing, and really finding new ways to eat:
—> Quinoa
A strange food of the year, but definitely mine. I discovered quinoa at the beginning of the year, and ever since have been going crazy for it! Delicious whens team with veggies or chicken, and very very healthy for you. A delicious alternative to rice or noodles as well. I will post my favorite quinoa recipes in the future.
Must Have TV Show of 2013
TV is something that I just can’t get enough of. It is sort of a college kids job to be a Netflix addict… right? Well, surprisingly enough over 2013 I didn’t find my must have on Netflix, but I did find one of what is now my favorite TV shows of all time:
—> Shameless (US Version)
The Gallagher family has brought me many laughs, tears and everything in between since starting this series over the summer. Very dark themes and writing coupled with family bond, love and other themes make this show something you will never be able to predict. Amazing work!
Must Have Drink of 2013
I turned 21 in 2013, so my must have drink is one with alcohol in it! If you know me, you know I definitely have one drink of choice:
—> Whiskey & Sour
Nothing like a good old whiskey sour. Need I say more?
Must Have Book of 2013
To end this favorites list, I thought I would go with my most loved book of the year. I have a soft spot in my heart for writing, and sometimes at the end of a hard day, you just need to lay down with a good book and get lost in another world.
—> Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
This is a classic book that has been around for a while, but I read it over the year and fell in love with the darkness in the plot. So much television these days has themes that resonate to this piece of literature, and I love seeing these connections after picking this up. Definitely a classic that everyone needs to enjoy in his or her life.
There you have it folks! My must have’s of 2013, and a little sneak peek into the life style of a 21 year old college student, beauty enthusiast and overall lover of all things creative. I’m excited to share more about this crazy life I lead with you all in the future!
The Lifestyle Rookie 