Book Update: Chapter 1 Is Finished!

Chapter 1 of my first book is officially "in the books"- pardon the intentional pun. I'm so proud of myself for putting in the work and staying on track. My goal is to write something everyday. The first chapter is a little under 3,300 words. I'd like to be finished with the entire book, query letters and proposal by May.

I'll most likely need to step-up my writing in order to get 5 chapters done per month. But this first week I was only concerned with getting used to writing the book. My only goal was to get chapter one completed and I did!

My goal for next week is not necessarily to finish another chapter but to have atleast 10,000 words written. That should equal about two more essays. It's hard to tell because I'm not sure how long each one will end up being. I have about 18 stories on my chapter outlines. To have a long enough book, each chapter or essay should be around 3,300 words. This would take me to about 60,000 words. That's a little short but I have seen memoirs that are only 210 pages. I believe that would account for less than 50,000 words.

Length of chapters aside, I am trying my best to write in a style that I would enjoy reading. Although I consider myself an "open book" when probed, I generally keep things to myself. However, I have been so excited and proud of my book that I did share what I wrote with a select group of people whose opinions matter to me. They all found the book to be relatable, funny, creative and original. These are things that I am striving for and I am taking their advice into consideration!

I'll be sure to keep the blog updated on my progress! Wish me luck :)

Love,
Krista


Now Playing: "Crystalised" by The xx

2011 Astrological Guide!

This afternoon, Sydney Omarr's 2011 Astrological Guide for Aquarius arrived in the mail! If you know me well, you know that I love astrology. I have always been drawn to it but over the past few years, I have studied it further. I had last year's edition and loved it so much that I had to get it again. It provides a daily horoscope along with a ton of valuable information on the planetary positions and moon phases. Fascinating!

I was excited to read that Jupiter is in Aries in 2011. This is great news for Aquarians. The book said that 2011 is the perfect time to write a book, blog or communicate with people in a tangible way. My goal for this year is to complete my book, blog regularly and start my YouTube channel. The stars are aligned!

Speaking of my book, I am really proud of my progress during this first week of writing! I have about 2,000 words completed and hope to finish my first chapter today or tomorrow! I have read what I have so far to my sister and cousin and both really responded to the material. This made me so happy! :)

I'm expecting a few more things in the mail this week. I'll be writing beauty blogs on those goodies, so be sure to keep a lookout for the new posts!

Love,
Krista

#Now Playing: "The Cave" by Mumford & Sons

2010 Favorites!

2010 was far from my best year and I am happy it's now in the past- but I do have some favorite products, songs, movies and memories!

Songs: "Cosmic Love" by Florence + the Machine (It came out in '09 but I listened to it constantly this year), "OMG" by Usher, "Like a G6" by Far East Movement, "Terrible Love" by The National, "Everlasting Light" and "Next Girl" by The Black Keys, "Crown on the Ground" by Sleigh Bells, "Little Lion Man" by Mumford & Sons, "Icarus" by White Hinterland, "Walk in the Park" by Beach House

Movies: There are still a handful of movies that were released in 2010 that I want to see! The Town, The Next Three Days, Sex and the City II, The Kids are Alright, Alice in Wonderland, She's Out of my League, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Up, Easy A, Hot Tub Time Machine, The Social Network

Concerts: Bonnaroo '10- The Dead Weather, Jay-Z, The Black Keys, The xx, The Temper Trap; The National at Carnegie Music Library, Portugal. The Man at Mr. Smalls

Sporting Events: Penguins vs. Sabres on my 24th Birthday! Sidney Crosby scored a hat trick! Steelers vs. Saints on Halloween in New Orleans- we didn't show up to play but the trip was amazing! WVU men's basketball in the final four- not a great outcome but still a great showing! WVU vs. Pitt, Backyard Brawl!

Drinks: After a year spent sampling "beers of the world", I have grown a deep appreciation for quality brews. My favorite beer of the year was Chimay Blue. Favorite alcoholic drinks included the famous Hurricanes at Pat O'Brien's in NOLA and Hand Grenades on Bourbon Street. I also really liked kalimotxo's (red wine and coke- I first heard about them on The Real Housewives of New Jersey)

Television Shows: The Real Housewives of New Jersey, DC, Atlanta, New York and Beverly Hills, Jeopardy!, The Office, Real Time with Bill Maher, The Bachelorette, Chelsea Lately, Jerseylicious, Guiliana & Bill

Websites: Google, Twitter, YouTube, Dlisted.com, WhoWhatWear.com, Amazon.com, Ebay, Sephora.com, The Sartorialist, AstrologyZone.com, Facade.com (Tarot)

Radio Stations/Programs: NMEradio.com, WYEP, WQED-classical, Coast to Coast AM

Fondest Memories: Getting my dog, Ireland in January 2010 and celebrating her 1st birthday in November, Going to the Pens' game with my sister on my birthday, Bonnaroo with Valerie, Maggie's Engagement, New Orleans on Halloween, Seeing Bill Maher Live, Chelsea Handler and Heather McDonald (my first time at Consol Energy Center), Tammy's Wedding on New Year's Eve

Stores: I was very low on cash this year so I made the most of what I had and shopped at thrift stores a lot! I found so many things I loved :) My favorite thrift stores are Community Thrift in the North Hills, Goodwill (N. Hills, South Side), and Red, White and Blue in Bellevue. I also shopped online quite a bit this year. Amazon.com and Ebay were favorites.

Books: "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang" by Chelsea Handler, "Official Book Club Selection" by Kathy Griffin, "You'll Never Blue Ball in This Town Again" by Heather McDonald, "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch

Magazines: Elle, Harper's Bazaar, InStyle, Vogue

Perfumes: Daisy by Marc Jacobs, Addict 2 by Dior, Chance by Chanel, Dream Angels Desire by Victoria's Secret

Fashion Trends: Scarves, Trapper Hats, Ladylike bags (turnlock closures), Camels/Cognacs, Faux Fur, Gold

Beauty Products: Nails- Ski Teal We Drop by OPI, Glitzerland by OPI, Lollipop by Essie, Cotton Candy by Revlon; Makeup- MAC's Holiday Collection "A Tartan Tale". I got one of the cosmetic bags and I'm obsessed! I'll post a blog of all the products I got! NARS Albatross Highlighter Blush/Powder, Shimmer Pink Pool Blush by Lancome, Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Pop Culture Terms, Etc: "Hide ya kids, hide ya wife!" (Antoine Dobson), "Cabs are here!" (Jersey Shore)



Now Watching: The season premiere of yet another edition of The Bachelor, shhh.

Happy New Year!

I am so happy that 2011 is here! I'll be turning 25 in exactly one month. Because I was born early in the year, I always feel like new year's day comes at the perfect time! It is an opportunity to put the past behind you and look forward to a new year of opportunities to make your life what you want.

I had the pleasure of going to a beautiful wedding last night- I think I want to get married on New Year's Eve! I always said I wanted a fall wedding because it is my favorite time of the year (my parents were married in October) but there is something magical about saying "I Do" on one of the wildest nights of the year. That's a long time down the road, though. I need to find a boyfriend first, lol. Although I did get a "proposal" last night, haha! I missed the bouquet toss but my sister caught it! She's also single. So who knows what can happen in a year's time?

Back to the upcoming 2-5! I'm sure as a little girl if I could have seen myself at 25 I would be surprised. You have a different perspective on age when you are younger. I probably thought I'd be married and planning kids- haha! For some people this is the perfect age but I know I have a lot of life to experience and things to learn before I'm ready for that.

One thing I know I want for myself this year is to follow my dreams and live up to my full potential in all aspects of my life. I want to lead a healthier lifestyle- physically and mentally. I am going to write my book and find a literary agent who will help me get it published and turn it into a best seller! I want to be a better daughter, sister and friend. I want to keep this blog updated on all things I enjoy and start vlogging on YouTube to build a following of potential readers of my book.

I want 2011 to be a monumental year for me (and I know it can be)! I want to look back a year from now and be proud of my efforts and know that I am living the life I envisioned for myself as a little girl. We have one chance to make our dreams come true and I know 25 will be the year mine start to come together!

I hope that anyone who reads this post is following all the dreams they have for themselves! May 2011 bring you health, happiness and success :)

Love,
Krista


Now Playing: "Dog Days Are Over" by Florence + The Machine