2013: A Year to Remember

           Over the course of the last year, I have become increasingly aware of how quickly time passes. It has been the most eventful year of my life, though it seemed to have come and gone all too quickly. It was a hectic year of tying up loose ends with school (that final stretch of IB testing before graduation lasted for-EV-er),  making the final decisions of what school to commit to,  graduating, working, and finally beginning my freshman semester at Tulane University. Meanwhile, my family began their own adventure as they moved to Miami (hello, winter paradise).

Among all of the chaotic changes and new experiences I feel as though I’ve grown immensely. While at times I encountered frustrating new hurdles, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Perhaps I haven’t made a definite decision about what I want to do for the rest of my life, exactly what I want to get involved in next semester, or even what I want to wear tomorrow, but that’s A-okay. Right now I am still growing and figuring out my bearings in a brand new world. The important part is to keep working hard and moving forward, and the rest will come in time.

“2014: A new year, a new me” is a slogan that I’ve come across frequently over the past month or so. However, with such a host of new experiences from the recently ended 2013, I feel as though I cannot simply disregard them and completely begin afresh. In order to make 2014 the best year yet, it is necessary to reflect on the old and build upward off an established foundation. Here are the top five takeaways from 2013 that I plan on carrying into the new year:

  

Spread Your Wings

As you (and the rest of the world—let’s be honest) probably know, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was earlier this week. Personally, it’s one of my favorite televised events of the year. The lights, the runway, the performers, the Angels, and, of course, the glitter, makes for an amazing show that doesn’t have a dull moment aside from the commercials. More importantly, though, I find it inspirational. I find it motivational. I find it as a reminder to constantly put my best foot forward.

There may be many critics of the show’s contributions towards an unhealthy feminine image, but I disagree. These models are not the overly skinny, starved, unhealthy women that you will find on the majority of high fashion runways. They are extremely fit and toned. They work for the bodies that they have. Take Adriana Lima for example. She has two kids and she still has a rocking body. Why? Probably because she boxes like a madwoman. She and all of the models undergo intense training to maintain their figures, hence the visible muscle tone rather than all bones. 

Additionally, these women radiate confidence. They are beautiful and they own their beauty. It takes confidence to bare your skin for the world to see in heavy wings and tall heels, yet they manage to strut their stuff with smiles and a fierce confidence rather than as stoic stick figures. After they put in the time and effort to attain their goals, they are proud to show it.

Women everywhere could learn a lesson in loving themselves for what they after working for their goals. Rather than always picking apart flaws and never feeling good enough, rather than comparing ourselves to a set of beautiful women that exemplify the modern idea of beauty and griping about how we don’t look like them, let us take a moment to reassess what we can learn from these exceptionally gorgeous women. Work hard and continually push the boundaries of what you are capable of. Love yourself for the work you put in. And perhaps most importantly, whatever you do, do it with a smile. Do what you love and do it fiercely. The world is your runway, whether or not you take that literally or metaphorically. 

The Buzzzzzzzz: Current Craze

            Lately, I have been loving all things bee-related. I just can’t seem to get enough. The bee motif is not only adorable, but it symbolizes many of the qualities of the “golden standard”, which inspired the name of this blog. Bees represent focus, productivity, teamwork, and leadership, all of which are admirable qualities to pursue. Incorporating these elements into a cute, stylish product? Perfection.

I absolutely love this Sloane Stationery notebook. It would be perfect for to-do lists and little notes to self! How fitting is the busy bee pun?

Perfect to spruce up a messy bun on a lazy day (which I have more of than I should like to admit) or to add some interest to a more polished look, these hair pins are definitely a conversation starter. Too cute.

This Laura Mercier honey bath is oh-so-tempting. The smell of honey is certainly among my favorites, and I'm a sucker for creative packaging details like the honey dipper. The countdown until I can take a real bath begins... #dormlife.

And, of course, the Queen Bee herself. As finals approach and the dread of the impending all-nighters and caffeine binges sets in, there is nothing like some good pump up music to get the mood and the pace up. Beyoncé never fails to get the productivity going for me! And maybe, just maybe, the motivation could even extend as far as a visit to the gym. No promises.

What are your current favorites?