2013 Goals!

I can't believe it's about to be 2013. Four years ago I entered college and was, honestly, quite freaked out. I had not idea what to expect from rooming with people, and moving from a small high school to a huge state college was very intimidating. Since then I've had my setbacks I've had to handle, but through it all I've done my best to remember what is truly important in life and learned from each lesson. I'm very excited for 2013 but also nervous and reminding myself to trust in the one who knows my future! And also if all else fails in a day, baking is always an option.

My goals for 2013 are:
1. Graduate College. How crazy does that sound!
2. Start Seriously saving up money. While I do pay for things now, I feel like once you graduate there will somehow be more bills and things to pay, and in order to pay them I need currency.
3. Enjoy my last two semesters. Yes I graduate next fall, I've had to come to terms with there being an extra semester. I'm going with the fact that a minor will be worth it, and also I'm ok with more time to prepare for after college life.

4. Take more pictures. I've honestly gotten into a really bad habit of not taking pictures. I've noticed that although I love capturing moments and having a camera with me I'm not taking as many pictures as I would like. My first step was buying my first lomography camera! I read then entire "how to use" section and then completely forgot and took 5 pictures before making sure the lens was pulled out. Oh well, live and learn.
5. Playing off of the above, Try new aspects of photography out. I would love to have this year be a time when I expand my knowledge about photography and learn more about aspects of lighting, and placement, and even learn about photography from both sides of the camera.

6.Decide where to live. This one is going to have a lot of different inputs. It will depend on Job opportunities, and prayer, and where I'm at after graduation, etc.
7. Most importantly at the end of 2013. I want to know more of who Jesus is and follow Him in all I do, and show that love to others in whichever way He gives me the opportunity.
Now looking over what 2013 has to offer, I'm pretty excited! Only a few more hours! What are your 2013 goals?

Thrift Shopping Book Finds!

Being in a new (or old) location can be very exciting. I'm finally home for Christmas and I went out thrift shopping today, surprise, surprise. I am not a big reader but I love books, sometimes I make no sense, but recently I have been wanting to expand my library of books I've read. I am so excited for all the books I found today!

I am so excited about all the books I found! I love that the huge Shakespeare Complete Works says "Compact Edition," oh you funny editors. Although the red cover is published in 1891 which makes it that much more lovely! I can't help but imagine all those who have read it before me, and I'm so excited to read it myself! Four new books, that's a productive day in my book. Wow, I promise I did not make that pun on purpose.

I Opened An ETSY SHOP!

I am crazy crazy excited about this announcement. I have been working towards this for so many months and been reading so many books about Etsy. I'm very nervous though because I don't want to miss anything, any advice or thoughts are always appreciated! I've been focusing on this for the last few days but I feel like it's worth it, sorry for the lapse in posting. I only have a few listings up so far, but I was too excited to wait any longer.

 Iam so excited please go check it out and let me know what you think :) Thanks
http://www.etsy.com/shop/AVintageJoy

Christmas Party Sweets

I love working with chocolate! I think part of it might be because it is chocolate, but I love how many different aspects you can create with chocolate! For my cheesy Christmas party this year I decided to try to make cake pops again, but this time I decided to not add the "pop" stick part and make it almost more of a chocolate piece. I also added some peppermint to both that dessert and to add it to some delicious pretzel chocolates. I did make actual food for the party but dessert is always my favorite type of food to make for a party.

DIY Christmas Cards

Making your own presents is so much fun! I've collected every card given to me from around age 7; I love looking back and seeing handwritten notes from grandparents and family.  Today, to carry on the tradition, I tried my hand at homemade Christmas cards. 

I loved making the cute little Christmas Tree, but I think my favorite is snow covered one. 

My Favorite Christmas Music

Every year for our annual Christmas Party I'm always looking for new Christmas songs to play in the background. I love the added ambiance music adds to any day, but especially at a party it's a great added layer. Here is my playlist for this years party:

(The entire Christmas cd. I listen to it every year)-NSYNC
It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas- Michael Buble 
Jingle Bell Rock- Blake Shelton ft. Miranda Lambert
Carol of the Bells (for 12 cellos)- The Piano Guys
Winter Wonderland- Damian McGinty
A Marshmallow World- Dean Martin
Let it Snow- Frank Sinatra
White Christmas-Bing Crosby
Frosty the Snowman- Movie Soundtrack
Baby it's Cold Outside (I've been listening to this song nonstop)- Dean Martin
Have yourself a merry little Christmas- Judy Garland 
Christmas Wish- She & Him
Christmas time is here- A Charlie Brown Christmas

What's your favorite Christmas Song?