Italia!

Well, the big news for 2012 is out., but I can't stop with No Buy 2012/Disneybound challenge. I have other news to share...

I AM GOING TO ITALY... IN JANUARY...FOR TWO WEEKS...TO STUDY ABROAD!
I received my tickets and travel information in the mail yesterday. I had to share!

One evening in October, Laura Kay and I were talking about what we were going to do during Union's mini semester, Jan-Term. We knew of the Italy trip that Union takes every year. It is a study abroad opportunity to earn credit for World Lit. I, World Lit. II, Arts & Western Civilization, and the Walking for Fitness PE credit. You are only allowed to take 7 hours. I was in need of these classes. So, I casually emailed my mom to see if the trip might be a possibility. I told her that whatever the decision was, I would be fine. She replied the next day. "Daddy said Yes! Go ahead and register." I couldn't believe it for a minute. I did a happy dance and squealed, "I'm going to Italy!"

This trip is open to all Union students, staff, and faculty. They CLEARLY state that on the information guide. Sorry, Mama! The program is Sponsored by the English Department and assisted by the Art Department. When I return from Italy, I will have earned 6 hrs worth of credit: 3 for World Lit. II and 3 for Arts and Western Civ. Why not study those subjects where a lot of the material being studied was drawn, painted, sculpted, and written? The lecture part of the Arts and Western Civ. portion took place before I came home for Christmas Break. We crammed almost 20 chapters of Art and Music into 5 class periods. As we looked at each piece of art, talked about the Sistine Chapel, and learned about Vivaldi, I swelled with excitement! I realized that this trip will a be a once in a lifetime trip!

Click here to see our itinerary. We will start in Rome, travel to Florence, then on to Venice, and then finally finish in Milan. Once we arrive in Rome, we are on the move until we get on the plane in Milan to head home.  I will be gone from Jan 9-23.  I can't wait to share all about it with you once I return. Don't worry, two Disneybound outfits will be crossing the ocean and sported on the streets of Italy!

Challenge Accepted!

It was a hot day in July. I was gearing up to take Statistics at Union. My sister was helping me unpack the stuff I would be living on the month of July. She unfolded shirt after shirt. After seeing how many articles of clothing I brought with me, she suggested we do a "No Buy July" project: no clothes purchases for the month of July. It was a loving way to keep me accountable...I protested inwardly for a minute. I came to my senses. We succeeded and did not buy any clothing for the month of July.

It was a warm day in December. (It happens in the state of Alabama!) I was cleaning out my closet at home. I recalled a statement my sister made in November. "I think I'm going to do "No Buy 2012." I thought, "That's great for you but not for me!" After seeing how many articles of clothing I had, I knew I needed to do "No Buy 2012" to appreciate all I have been blessed with and save money. I sent Eo the fateful text saying that I was planning to do it...

So, here I am. It is December 18 and I am getting ready to embark on "No Buy 2012." I have been a little scared from the beginning, but Eo helped me overcome some fears with good ol' Pinterest. If you don't know what Pinterest is, click here. Dear Pinterest has a whole "line" of Disneybound pin boards. Disneybound takes characters from Disney movies/other movies and creates stylish/posh/retro/"I would so totally wear this in 2012" outfits. To see what I mean click here. Do you love it? I know I do!

Here is the challenge Eo and I are accepting. First, we cannot buy any new clothing except necessities during 2012. Second, we have to create a similar outfit for at least one Disneybound character (or other creations based on other movies and books)  AND wear it one day of the week. My friends, if you check my blog weekly, by January 1, 2013 you will have seen 52 outfits that are Disneybound inspired that come directly from my current wardrobe. Let me just tell you that I AM ALREADY LOVING IT! I have been going through my clothes and putting together the "Amiee" version of Disneybound. Here are the characters I have already worked on: Flounder, the Beast, Snow White, Faline, Down on the Bayou, Hogwarts school girl, and Willy Wonka. (If you didn't click the link for the example, please do so now. Hopefully you will find this a little less crazy!)

I am so excited to do this. I have always wanted to make a resolution or give myself a challenge to conquer. God has blessed and continues to bless me with more than I deserve. My salvation through Jesus Christ is the number one blessing on the list, and being able to choose from more than one outfit each day is near the top. We quickly take for granted the ability to open our closets and choose from multiple shirts, pants, shoes, etc. Jesus told us that "to whom much is given, much is required." I have been blessed with clothes, now I need to do my part and use what God has given me.

The Challenge has been accepted: No Buy 2012 + a Disneybound Creation for each week during the year! Please stay tuned to see it come to life!