15 to-do's for 2015

Instead of coming up with a New Year's resolution (and ultimately setting myself up for failure) I've set some pretty realistic goals for things to do in 2015. Hopefully, by this time next year, I'll have them all marked off. Visit my Instagram to follow along as I accomplish them!

Learn how to play (super basic) guitar

Sign up for a relay triathlon with friends

Take a trip... anywhere

Read a few books

Get out on the river for SUP yoga or kayaking

Volunteer

Book an awesome Airbnb, I'm thinking treehouse or vintage camper

Indoor rock climbing

Go to the ballet

See a foreign film

Get a new cookbook/actually use it

Try to win the lottery

Watch all the classic movies on my must-see list

Ride a bike everywhere for at least a day

Get more crafty

One year blogiversary

I got rid of that hair, those sandals are broken, and that dress barely fits

Exactly one year ago, I started this blog.

Style&Things started out as a fashion blog, but as I put more thought into each post, I realized the description of "life, style and lifestyle blog" fits quite nicely.

I still have a lot of work to do but thank you, so much, for reading. I hope this has been as fun for you as it has for me! Here's a look back at some of my favorite posts from the past year.

12.20.2013//Adventures in OKC (who would've thought some of these places would become my stomping grounds?)

01.20.2014//Living the fab life

02.08.2014//Spotlight: Kitchen No. 324

03.31.2014//Weekend

05.18.2014//Weekend getaways are awesome (I guess I like weekends)

07.07.2014// Post-Chicago blues (and good pics)

08.22.2014//Four good ways to wear a hat

09.05.2014//Alone=lonely?

11.21.2014//Christmas fever

12.05.2014//To My Unborn Son

Good vibes Monday

At one point we've all had this on our Myspace bio or Twitter feed. Instead of just saying it, let's live it. Let's stop waiting for Fridays, for our lives to look up, for someone to fall in love with us... enjoy the unique moments that make up each day, after all, we only get one try at this.

To My Unborn Son

To My Unborn Son features students from the Yale College Black Men's Union and their incredibly moving messages to their unborn sons. Members of the group are showing their support for Michael Brown's family (and, in turn, families who have lost loved ones under racially-charged circumstances) through a letter to Brown's parents, followed by heartbreaking yet moving messages to their unborn sons.

See the rest here

Gifts that give back

Christmas gifts are tricky. These days, you need to get one for everyone and their dog, but sometimes a candle or picture frame just doesn't cut it. (Don't worry... we've all done it!)

What better way to break the mold than to purchase a gift or dedicate a donation in a loved one's name? Below, see four easy ways to make a difference this holiday season.

1//Pura Vida Bracelets: if you purchase a charity bracelet, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to that cause. Pictured: LGBT Pride Awareness Braided
2//Heifer International: view the charitable gift catalogue and decide what you want to give, either a full gift or portions of them, and donate in someone's name. There are a very wide range of prices and gifts to donate. (Please check this out!)
3//Booomers International: help support youth in rural communities by buying an environmentally friendly hand-crafted bamboo bike, bike stand or accessories. Pictured: ladies bike stand
4//West Elm: Buy this glass knot paperweight and $5 of the purchase price will go directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Cyber Monday

I don't know about you, but I am not one for shopping on Black Friday. I've been once or twice, but it was never a "tradition" sort of thing.

That being said, being in the fashion industry I am a huge supporter of brick-and-mortar stores, but with all the sales online its hard to always get out and do the shopping in person, especially for gifts. That's where Cyber Monday comes in.

Below is a round-up of my favorite sales today.

30% off and free shipping at J.Crew, and 60% off and free shipping at J.Crew Factory//This tee would be so cute dressed up for a holiday party. I'm also having Clueless flashbacks with this skirt

20% off sale and free shipping at Anthropologie//This would make an awesome gift

Up to 60% off at Nordstrom//Discounted Kendra Scott earrings

30% off at Flynn Skye//Forever obsessed with this dress

35% off at Soul Makes//They make the most beautiful dream catchers, and these coasters can hang out on my coffee table any day

25% off everything but subscriptions at Short Stack with code sscybermonday2014//I've had my eye on Vol. 12: Brown Sugar

25% off site wide at Ban.do//I just want all the bobbi pins