Book Review: Around the World in 80 Dates

So I just finished a book called Around the World in 80 Dates by Jennifer Cox. This book was witty, romantic, a tad bit crazy, but mostly, really enjoyable. It also allowed me to get a lot of insight into the world of dating and the search for one's 'soul mate.' The book is based on the actual journey that Jen took to find her own 'soul mate.' This Londoner was in her mid thirties and fresh out of an unsuccessful 5 year relationship. She was then forced to reevaluate love and life. An avid traveler, Jennifer came up with the idea to be set up with 80 different dates around the world in hopes that one of them would turn out to be her one true love. Whether this was an act of desperation or inspiration, the trip proved successful and Jennifer not only fell in love, but found a new part of herself.

Next I want to highlight a few key things I learned from this book.

1. While soul mates do exist, you may not only have one.
Jennifer said that she believed in soul mates, but also believed that it was possible to have more than one in the different phases of you life. This seems true, as many people fall in love young, then find the person they actually marry and spend the rest of their life with later in life.

2. Evaluate past relationships to make positive changes in the future.
Looking at who we dated in the past gives us a sense of what worked and what didn't, and what traits we will look for and should try to avoid in the future.

3. Making a list of what you're looking for in a partner isn't necessarily a bad thing.
While most people believe that making a list of expectations sets us up for failure, in actuality, making a list actually helps us determine what we really want and value. Now while a list is a good thing, when they are more materialistic, unrealistic, or excessive is when problems arise. But by making a short list, such as tall, caring, and an interest in travel is not too much to ask for at all, than one should try to settle for nothing less than what they deserve.

4. Opposites may not attract in relationships.
In the book, Jennifer meets a man who studies the concept of love. He tells her that people fall in love with and are more compatible with people who are similar to them or reflect them, as if you love yourself, you would just as well love someone just like you. While it may be exciting to date someone completely different than you, in the long run, you want someone who is like you to settle down with.

And lastly
5. Don't give up a good thing when you find it.
After meeting her soul mate, Jennifer knew he was the one, but still went on other dates just to make sure. In the end, she cut her trip short to be with him, as she realized that she had felt a deep connection that, although she may be able to replicate with someone else, the timing was now to be with him.

This book made me laugh and reevaluate my own tactics on finding love. While her plan is something I might decide to do someday, right now I'm just too young and in a good place. While I may not be in love of have a significant other, I'm going to wait a little while longer before I trek around the world in search of something that, for all I know, could already be right in front of me. But if I become a single 40 something and still have yet to find love, then, just maybe, I'll hop on a plane, and look for love.

Fashion Icon : Lauren Conrad

This will be my first feature on one of my favorite style icons. Lauren Conrad rose to fame through Laguna Beach and The Hills, but her real success in her career is just now getting into full swing. Fashion designer, author, and socialite are all titles that describe LC. She not only has a high end line, but also designs a line for Kohl's, so the everyday woman can also wear looks inspired by Lauren.

To me, she is a fashion icon due to her effortless and relaxed style that is always polished and put together. She is classic with a boho feel, and her outfits inspire me daily. Below is a feature on some of my favorite outfits she has worn.


This is a casual every day look that is something very similar to my own style. A basic tee tucked into a cute skirt is one of my favorite combos, and works for many different events.

Colored pants are a really big trend right now that I'm itching to try out. LC pulls it off very well with a plain white shirt, attributing to her cool yet casual style.

This outfit is more dressy than an everyday outfit, as it is for a big event. She is working another trend of lace, and paired with nude pumps, the outfit works perfectly.

While Lauren has written actual novels too, her Style book is my favorite. She covers everything from accessories, to hair and makeup, to dressing for any occasion. This book gives a great look into how she comes up with her own outfits and tips for your own style.

 This is an array of outfits from the book, going from dressy to very casual. A great reflection of Lauren's personal style.

Exploration.

So today I felt the need to get out and go for a walk to ease some frustration. Little did I know this would result in an almost 5 mile walk around the city. My feet are a little sore, but my spirit could not be brighter. I was feeling a little lonely before, but after exploring the city and enjoying myself alone, I felt much better and happier. Sometimes it's good to just get out and remind yourself of why you are where you are and all the wonderful things in life, and in my case, Boston.
Below is a little photo log of my trip.
Starting from the top left a view from the Charles, then an apartment on commonwealth that I love, then another picture of the Charles, and lastly, me.
Second row is an inlet from the Charles, then from another view, followed by a few more pictures of the water, and finally, the women's history statues on Commonwealth.

Overall, an exciting and beautiful day. Hopefully many more to come this summer! :)

Hello Worldwide Web

This is one of those cliché blogs about a small town girl living out her big city dreams. I don’t intend to over embellish, create something magnificent, or be read by millions, but I do desire to share my love of life, the city, and fashion and incorporate it into a blog of my summer adventures.

I’m starting this as a summer project to keep me busy while working and playing in the great city of Boston. I just finished my freshman year at Emmanuel College, and what a whirlwind that was. From moving from a small town in New Hampshire to the big city of Boston, to making new friends, to the good and the bad; freshman year was a life changing experience.

This blog will probably be rough at first, but I hope to find a clearer direction as the summer goes on. As of right now, I’ll just be sharing Boston adventures and my favorite fashions, I hope you enjoy!