Goal Setting

I remember back in middle school sometime during the first week or so back at school my homeroom teacher would make us all sit down and fill out a goal sheet. At the time I thought it was dumb. What was the point of writing down my goals. Of course I wanted to do well in all my classes. Why couldn't she just accept that and move on? Why did I have to be so specific as to what I wanted my grades to be like? At the time I didn't understand the importance of goal setting and making sure that I was setting SMART (Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) goals. By putting pen to paper and reflecting on what I want to or need to accomplish is very powerful for me. I can take the time to determine what has to get done and what I need to do in order to achieve that. For myself personally Specific and Timely are two very important things. I can say I want to do well in a class but what does that really mean? Being specific helps me get things accomplished. Timely is important too, it allows for me to follow up with my goals at certain time increments. With classes time is somewhat built in, I can determine how well I am doing after a test or a midterm and reevaluate and readjust from there. For personal goals I need to be more diligent in setting time to evaluate them.

Do you set goals? If so, what is important to you in goal setting?

Jaclyn

PS. Here is my free printable goal setting template.

School Bags

Top: Marc By Marc. Mod Cloth. Long Champ
Bottom: Chapters-Indigo. Cambridge Satchel. Urban Outfitters. 


If you're anything like me then your school bag goes basically everywhere with you during the school year and on the off chance you go somewhere without it you feel naked. On days when I don't have to lug around as many textbooks and my laptop I like to use my LongChamp bag. During midterms and finals however, I find I need an actual backpack.

What is your favourite bag for school?

Jaclyn

Pink School Supplies

All items from Chapter-Indigo

Being a total nerd I cannot wait to go back to school shopping. I can spend hours trying to pick out the perfect pen or highlighter. Rather then bore you with a typical list of binders and sticky notes, I thought I would mix it up with some fun pink accessories. I love all the cute new accessories that Chapters has for back to school. I can get sucked into looking at all the fun novelty items that they carry for hours. Their new Poppin Collection makes it easy to mix and match colours and coordinate your desk and accessories.

What is on your back to school list?

Also check out my full dorm packing list and The Good, The Bad and the Ugly of University.

Jaclyn


Please note this is NOT a sponsored post. 

Once again...

I have been bitten by the blogging bug. The random need I seem to get everyone few months to blog. It lasts for about 3 to 6 blog posts and then I am usually "cured" for a few more months until the bug strikes again. Life gets busy and the creativity runs out and I no longer feel guilty for not updating (not that I really have any readers anymore) and the blog falls by the wayside. Oh well, that's life for you. It seems to strike every so often, usually around the holidays and back to school. And hey, what do you know I head back to school for my second year of university.

I am getting really excited for my second year. Its my first year really on my own, out of rez and in a home. I honestly cannot wait. It seems as though all my friends are back already and I am dying to get back to school. Strange I know. I am enjoying school and I am actually *gasp* loving learning. I love that I get to study what I'm ACTUALLY interested in.

So much in my life has changed since I started this blog five years ago, I almost feel like I need to reintroduce myself. I know its hard to believe! I find it entertaining to go back to some of my older posts and see what I wrote all those years ago. How my interests have changed (or stayed the same in many cases). I am still that Gilmore Girl loving (although slightly less obsessed), nerdy girl that I was when this thing started. I still read blogs on a daily basis although the blogs I read have changed quite a bit. Though there are still some that I have been reading since the start. Many of my favourites have stopped blogging or I have out grown them. I am hoping that this blogging bug will stick around a bit longer this time.

Love,

Belle

Hey Everyone,

Summer is basically over. I have no idea where it went and a small part of me wants it to come back. It went way to fast. However I move in to Rez tomorrow at university and I am extremely excited, scared, nervous, sad, but mostly excited. I cannot wait for the most part. I want to meet new people make new friend. Yet I also want time to go slower, I am not 100% prepared to leave home yet. I still don't know where I stand with this blog. I don't want to delete it because I still have the urge to write a post here and there. However I do feel less pressure to post and there is basically no guilt when I don't post which is nice. It is no longer a chore. I went to New York City with my family last week and being there I wanted to blog about it and it helped to inspire me to get back to posting here again. I don't know if this feeling is going to last and if it does how long. I am not promising anything right now. I am hoping to do a post about New York soon but I know that with moving and university and all it will be tough. I would love to start doing outfit posts but to be honest with you all I am extremely lazy. I don't have a tripod and I don't have anyone to take photos for me. Half the time after I wear an outfit and go out somewhere and think wow this would have been a good place to take a photo I either a) don't have my camera on me or b) think of this after the fact when I get home and see the other photos that I took that day.

Well thats all for now.

belle

Getting Older...

Wow! It's hard to believe that summer is almost over. For me it means that in about four weeks I will be moving away from home to go to school. Granted I'm not moving that far. Only about 3 hours away but still its far enough for me. I am very close to my family and I know that I am going to miss them. I am very excited to start school though. I really can't wait to see what September has in store for me. I can barely contain my excitement. Today was a tough day. One of my best friends is leaving in a couple of days for school. She's leaving the country and her school starts earlier then mine. Meaning that tonight we all said good bye to her and had one last hang out session before she leaves. It still doesn't seem real. I can't believe that my little group of friends is being broken up. Its hard. I hope that I will be able to keep in touch with them while we are all off doing our own things in different parts of the world. After spending four years together being practically inseparable its strange to think that we will not be going to class together again next year. I know that everyone feels this way as they are about to start university and I know its time to let go of my high school years as strange as that is. The other day I said I'm going to hang out with my high school friends and I felt incredibly old. Have you ever noticed that you always feel younger then you are. When I was in grade nine the grade twelves seems so old and it was hard for me to picture myself as one of them. Now that time as come and gone and I still in some ways feel like I am in grade nine. When I think of university students I think of people much older then myself and yet here I am about to start university. I am no longer a high school student but a university one. I feel like just when I've come to accept what I am its already over. Getting used to being in grade twelve and then before you know it I was graduating and the year was over. It flew by. It was an amazing year full of good times with friends and classmates. Getting to know my teachers better and being able to focus on subjects that I am really interested in. Grade 12 for me was probably my best year of high school and the one that I most enjoyed. I have no regrets about the past year and I would do everything exactly the same if given the chance. I did everything I wanted to do. I got involved in everything that I wanted to be involved in. That made the difference for me I think. Being able to do everything I loved and accomplish the goals I set for myself at the end of last year. Showing not only myself but everyone else that I could do it and that I was a known figure in the school. It was important to me and while I was often stressed out and looking back I don't really know how I survived. I am glad I did everything that I did because I am a stronger person for it. This past year was one that I will never forget. It was full of great memories and I was able to strengthen my friendships with those who meant the most to me. I know who my real friends are and I am happy with the person that I am. I know who I am. I may not know what I want to do in life right at this very moment or what the future holds or what I will be doing this time next year but I am okay with that because right now I like who I am. It took me a long time to get to this place, but I am happy with who I am. For now thats more then enough.

Love,

Belle

The last first day

Hey Everyone,

So today was my last first day of high school, so of course yesterday, I had to watch the episode of Gilmore Girls where Rory starts her senior year. I was kind of disapointed to wake up and not find my mother sitting in my room waiting to wish me a happy last first day. I can't seem to find the clip on youtube to share with all of you, so you should just go and watch the entire series. Its worth it.

It was really great to see everyone again at school, I really started to miss everyone. It however felt like I had never left, the summer felt more like a weekend, then 3 months. It was back to routine which I still have to get used to. I am very happy with all of my teachers, thankfully. My two homeroom teachers are hilarious and will make being at school at 8am on a Monday morning a little bit nicer.

I really hope to do well this year, I want to have a good time and many laughs with all my crazy friends.

Sorry for the short post. There will be many more to come (and they will be more interesting with pictures, I promise.)

If you went back to school today, or last week or whenever, I hope that your first day went well.

Love,

Back to school

Heyy Everyone,

I can't believe summer is coming to an end. It went so fast. I have lots to share with you about my summer which I will do very soon I promise, I'm working on the posts, but every time I start I get sucked in by spider solitare. I am slowly becoming addicted its an issue. I will try to get the posts up soon.
This time last year I was doing a back to school post about uniforms, which took forever and was totally worth it. I have mixed feelings about going back to school this year. I'm really excited for my last year of high school, but also sad. I know I am really going to miss my school. It has been like a second home for me for 6 years now and part of me doesn't want to leave. I am excited to visit universities; decide where I want to go and what I want to do, but part of me is afraid to leave the safety of my school. By starting school it will be the beginning of an end, grade 11 flew by and I know grade 12 will too. I remember being in grade 9 and looking up to the grade 12s thinking that they were so much older and that I would be that much older and mature when I reached grade 12. However I still feel like I'm in grade 9, it doesn't feel like I have changed, and now that I'm in grade 12, they don't seem so much older. I know that grade 12 will be stressful to start, but I once everything gets going, I know it will be a lot of fun. This summer went by really fast, its feels like it was just June.
Anyways I hope you all enjoy what is left of your summers.
I will post again soon promise.
Love,

Journals and a DIY

Heyy Everyone,

So I must confess, I have an obsession with journals. I love them. I love the idea of an empty journal and all the possibilities that it holds. I however always start writing in journals and then stop halfway through them or after a couple of weeks.

Each journal has a different use, and therefore they never get used up. Some are travel journals, some are regular journals (the diary kind), a few are blank, one is full of lists, and the one with cat on it is full of quotes, pictures and other random things.

Lately, I have become obsessed with making journals. The blue one is an old journal that I covered in felt. The polka dot one has post-it notes in side (originally posted here) the other one is made up of random scrap paper (originally posted here).

My new obsession with making journals lead me to make this:
The front
The back

I got the idea and instructions on how to make it here.

Well tomorrow is back to school. I'm really not ready for the break to end. I have no idea how I am going to wake up tomorrow. I really want to post at least once a week this year, hopefully I will be able to keep it up.

I hope everyone has a good day back,

Love

belle

Majolie

Heyy Everyone,

I survived my first week of school. It really wasn't that bad. My classes are all pretty good, I have good teachers and friends in all my classes. Most of my classes are small which is nice. I already have homework in most of my classes. I have been avoiding my physics homework, which is not a good sign seeing as we are only 3 days into school. The weather is turning cooler, which is bitter sweet. I love fall clothes but I love the sun. Seeing as it is cooling down I decided to post about another Canadian Designer, she designes handmade knit wear. I have been lusting after these beautiful peices for months. Here are some of my favourites:

I love the simple design and the colour of this sweater. It can be worn forever, because it is so simple and classic.

This black sweater is another one of those peices that can be worn forever. It is simple and classic. I love the subtle detail of the argile print in the sweater.

These next two sweaters are from last years collection:

I love the colour of this sweater. It looks so warm and cozy, yet it still is fashionable.

This is another sweater that can be worn forever. I love the design down the side of the sweater as well as the charcol grey colour.
check it out here

That's all for me for now.
I will try to post regularly once a week on the weekends, so try to check back.
I hope everyone has a great week.
Belle

Uniforms

Heyy Everyone,

It's that time of year when everyone is posting their back to school wish lists.

My school has a uniform, with which I have a love, hate relationship. I hate not being able to wear whatever I want, but on the other hand knowing exactly what I am going to wear in the morning is a big time saver. It also makes the days when you can wear your street clothes a lot more fun. Many people put more effort into those outfits, since they can't wear them all the time. My school is very strict on what we can and can't wear with our uniforms. The only way that we can spice up our uniforms is with accessories, and even some of those are limited. So I decided to do a post of different accessories that I can wear with my uniform and some of which I wouldn't mind getting. I got my inspiration from Gossip Girl, so you will see a mix of Blair, Serena, and Jenny inspired pieces. I will do a non-uniform wish list soon. The post is pretty long, however there are a lot of pictures.

The basic pieces of my uniform are a kilt, white button down shirt, a tie, and either a sweater or a blazer.
We are allowed to wear shirts that aren't from the school here are a few that I found:

From American Eagle:

I really like this one; it has three-quarter length selves. It still keeps you warm and it looks good with a vest.

From Forever 21:

From Nordstorm:

Another 3/4 length . I really like the detail on the sleeves, with the buttons.



We have to wear black shoes, and I personally like them with a small heel or no heel at all, since I have to wear them all day long.

From Coach:

I really like these Coach shoes, they are extremely cute, and I love the buckle.

From Forever 21:

These are cute, if you would like something higher.

From Steve Madden:

I love the button and the slight heel. I am thinking of getting these ones for my school shoes.

From Aldo:

I really like these ones as well. I love the crisscross straps. They are different from the other flats that I have seen at Aldo.These a fairly simple and cute.
I really like the slight heel in these as well, and also the knot detail at the front.
I personally love the inside pattern of the shoe.

Serena is well known for wearing boots. While we aren't allowed to wear boots during school hours we can wear them to and from school.

From Aldo:

I really like the colour and the buckle detail on this boot. The heel on this boot is the perfect height. It is low enough that it would be comfortable for a long period of time, yet high enough so you feel like you are wearing heels.

I really like this suede boot.

From Nordstorm:

It looks more like a riding boot, and reminds me of the boots Serena wore in the first episode.

Jenny tends to wear a lot of hats. Here are some cute ones that I found:

From Aldo:

I really like the black trim on this hat, as well as the bow.

This beret is really cute, and I really like the pom pom!

From Anthropologie:

From Shopbop:

From Forever 21: From Fashion Flare:
I love this plaid. This hat came in a few different colours, my favourite was red, but I couldn't get a full picture of the hat.

From Gap:

From Juicy:

I really like both of these hats, (its the same hat in different colours, but they looks so completely different!) I really like the bow detail.

While all the character's wear headbands, Blair is the best known for them. Here are some Blair inspired headbands that I found:

From Forever 21: (Most of these come in different colours)
I love skinny head bands

The sequin is amazing. My friend has this and I am always stealing it.

From Heart on your head by Mary:

I love the leopard print and the bow The three hearts are so simple and cute

We wear either knee-highs or tights with our kilt. Here are some of my favourites:

From Forever 21:

These tights look thicker and would be better for the winter months

I really love the texture on these tights, its adds more to your uniform with very little effort.

From American Apparel:

I like the texture on these tights also.





All the girls on Gossip Girl have great statment bags. Here are some that I found:

From Aldo:

I love the lock and key on the bag, it such a cute detail.

From Coach:
I love this colour!
From Juicy:
From Urban Outfiters:
I love the plaid.


The Girls from Gossip Girl tend to wear bright interesting and eye poping coats.

From BB Dakota:
I love the sleeves on this jacket

From Gap:

This is a great little leather bomber. From Forever 21:

I think that this coat looks the most like the one Serena is wearing above.

From Urban Outfiters:
From Delia's
I love the colour of this coat.

I tend to not wear a lot of jewerlly at school, as it gets in the way. I do like to wear bracletes becuase they are easy to put on and they can be seen the best when I wear my uniform. We are not allowed to wear huge necklaces so bracletes are the best way to go. Here are some of my favourites:

From Anthropologie:
I love the bow!

From Coach:

From Tiffany's and Co:

I really want a charm braclete from Tiffany's.

From Urban Outfiters:I love the feather design
These are two bangles. I really like how they look together, but they can also be worn apart.

The Cast of Gossip Girl looking good in their uniforms:

So I didn't really mean for this post to be so much about Gossip Girl, but I really love how they wear their uniforms. Although it seems fitting what with Season One coming out on DVD today.
I hope that you enjoyed the post and found it useful/helpful. Even if you don't wear a uniform I hope that you took something from it.
Have a great week,
xoxo,
Belle