New Beginnings

Notice anything different? Or perhaps you think you clicked on the wrong link? Well don't worry; you're in the right place. My blog just got an AWESOME makeover, thanks to Elisabeth from Thimbles + Things. Didn't she do a fantastic job? It's exactly what I wanted and more.

My blog isn't the only thing that's going through some changes. I love Virginia, especially in the fall. I've never seen such rich and vibrant colors on one tree. One of these days I'll brave the cold and snap more photos to share with you, but in the meantime, here's one I took last week.

To go along with the awesome design change, I also have some fun, new posts planned, so stay tuned!

Also, while you're here, why not enter my giveaway?

Look for the "Current Giveaway" button on the right.

Love and (a book) light,

~Dorothy

A Life Post: What to Wear to the Happiest Place on Earth

Some of you know that I spent a week at Disney World not too long ago. I had the most magical time! One of the things that can help you make the most out of your Disney trip is being comfortable attire wise. Being the girly-girl that I am, I wasn't about to go galavanting around Magic Kingdom in my work-out attire (or, I should say, what I would wear if I actually worked out). Unfortunately, I was not extremely prepared with the most comfortable attire, and after the first day I had to give up wearing my cute jeans. I ended up having to go to Wal-Mart to buy hideous cargo pants.

Hence, I decided to write this post so you don't have to suffer the same fate I did. Here's what you need to be prepared while also looking like the dainty lady you are.

Disney World Attire by thekindledscholar featuring flat heels

• A loose-fitting top is great for the Florida humidity.
• Wear shorts that aren't too short and that won't ride up or chafe your legs after 10 hours of walking and standing in line.
• A flowy romper is also comfortable and chic at the same time.
• Both of the shoes above are Crocs; yes, ladies, it's time to get over the ugly Crocs stigma and accept that they do have some cute shoes in their line-up; plus, they are incredibly comfortable and are exactly what you need when you are going to be walking for hours. You can thank me later.
• Hair ties -if you don't believe me and you insist on leaving the hotel with your hair down, promise me you'll at least bring a hair tie with you. The humidity will turn your head into a ball of cotton candy if sweat and water rides don't ruin it first. 
• Don't forget to protect your eyes! Always bring sunglasses.
• Bring a small bag for essentials like some of the small items listed here. If you can get away with just your pockets, go for it! If you do bring a bag, make sure it sits on both of your shoulders so you don't put too much strain on one side. Pack lightly!

As far as makeup goes, I would go minimal at the most. 

• I would definitely advise against wearing any kind of foundation. It will slide around your face all day. You should always protect your skin, so do wear sunblock even if it's not going to be a sunny day.
• Mascara is ok, but be sure to wear the waterproof or water resistant kind unless you want to look like a raccoon by the end of the day. ;)
• I wouldn't bother with lipstick or lipgloss -who wants to worry about reapplying? However, just like your eyes and skin, your lips should also be protected. Wear a lip balm with SPF. 

I know not wearing any makeup at all may seem like a challenge for some of you already, but I'm going to up the ante: I challenge you to not bring your phone. Oh yes, I went there. 

Listen, I know you want to tweet all those fantastic pictures of you with Princess Jasmine, or the one with you thrusting your arms towards the sky with Cinderella's castle in the backdrop. But having to tweet and text and tweet some more takes some of the fun out of it. Just enjoy your time at Disney and be truly present in the moment. When you get back to the hotel and put your feet up, you can tweet all you want. :)

I hope this will help those of you that are planning a Disney trip in the future, or a trip to any theme park for that matter.

Love and (a book) light,

~Dorothy

A Life Post: My New Planner

I recently received my Erin Condren Life Planner in the mail, and I have been loving it! There are many designs to choose from, but when I saw the one called our favorite things, I just had to have it. It has mine and Blair's name on it so it's technically for both of us. You can only imagine how thrilled he was when I showed it to him. While I was jumping up and down and squealing about how cute it was, he goes, "cool", and then gives me a weird look that translates into "it's just a planner!"

But let me tell you, it's not JUST a planner. It is THE planner. I find myself wanting to plan things just so I can write in it. I'm a loser, I know, but at least I have a cute, personalized planner.

It is pretty big, but I actually don't mind the size. I like having space to write plenty of details. It also has a goals and to-do list for every week. It has wonderful, inspiring quotes for every month. There are also stickers that you can use for birthdays, parties, and even hair appointments! I like to color code, so I have 5 different colored pens that I use (no joke) plus a highlighter!

If you like to be organized, then this is the planner for you. If you think your life could use a little more structure and organization, then this planner will push you into that direction. Go get your own! It's absolutely worth it. I don't think I'll ever have a different planner from now on. 

I also recommend the "our favorite things" design, because it is very personal and glimpsing it is enough to put a smile on your face.

I don't think they'll mind if I give you a code for $10 off your purchase -WELCOME10

If you get one, let me know which design you chose. My second choice would have been the one with this quote by Henry David Thoreau - Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined.

So inspiring, yes?

Love and (a book) light,

~Dorothy