Bookworm Meets Bookworm: NYE

I'm welcoming the new year with open arms and a happy heart. While 2012 was pretty great, I'm looking forward to some exciting changes that 2013 is sure to bring. I didn't complete as many books as I wanted, but realize that I really lost steam towards the end with all the stuff I crammed in. And I can live with that. I'll just have to try harder. I'm starting 2013 off right and should be finishing up Sarah Water's Fingersmith in the next couple of days and already know it's going to be one of my favorites.

I won't say that 2012 was exceptional in the reading department. I was proud of myself for finishing as many classics as I did, three down, 47 to go, which is a ton considering I wasn't really reading them at all the year before. So. That's something.

The holidays were a real riot. I had a relaxing Christmas celebration with my immediate family, and attended a 20s-themed NYE party with my closest friends. It was AWESOME. Dressing up is the best. Here are some snapshots (excuse all the instagram shots):

I made this sweatshirt for my Nana in '93 with two of my brothers (little James wasn't around yet) and it's awesome. Let's talk about how puffy paint and bedazzlers should be brought back from the depths. And that iron-on? We were way too cool for our own good.

I got my inspiration from season three of Downton Abbey (I'm looking at you, Lady Edith) and had so much fun! We sipped on champagne and had a big group hug when the clock struck 12.

I did some baking. Lots, actually. If you love chocolate and caramel, make these cookies now. They will change your life (sort of). Salted caramel stuffed chocolate crinkle cookies. The best.

So to the announcements:

There are some! And I can't even contain my excitement. Many opportunities presented themselves shortly before the new year and I just knew that it meant good things were ahead. First, I'll be reviewing books (both fiction and nonfiction) over at SadieMagazine.com beginning at the end of the month. The site is amazing. It's really for the women of today, featuring interviews with some incredible lady-entrepreneurs, musicians and the like. Offering advice on everyday living, fashion and today's buzz, it's a great source of relevant content that's fun and intelligent. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I'll be linking over to my reviews so you can take a peek!

I'm also joining the TLC tours and will be updating the blog with my first review of Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes on January 24th. Very excited to join everyone else who is already participating and share some great books.

There are other things that I must keep to myself for the time being, but believe me, are so wonderfully wonderful.

So, what's up with you? What are you anticipating for the new year? What did you complete in 2012 that you'll never forget?

Happy New Year, everyone!