you are never too old.

C.S. Lewis nailed it with this quote, eh? The ending may sound a bit like Les Mis (which is never a bad thing), but I believe it wholeheartedly. When someone asked how old I was last week, I couldn't remember. It took me ten seconds to remind myself I was 28. I don't know when that happened really. The good news? 28 is just a number and I still have plenty of life ahead of me. (Leave it to Buzzfeed to nail it with this list about your late 20s.) 

Here's the thing: my dreams at 28 are infinitely more exciting than the ones I dreamed at 18. The difference? I didn't know what my life would look like at 18, but I have a pretty (happy) idea of what my future looks like. Today's post may be short and sweet, but my hope is that you'll pin this quote and remember it when you need it most. Dream that new dream, folks. You've got this. xoxo {av}

P.S. Are there any other quotes you'd like me to bring to life? Share them with me here or comment below!

it's time to plan ahead.

1) Erin Condren 2013-2014 Party Pops Life Planner {$50 with a 2-week lead time}

2) May Designs Notebook {starting at $19 with a 2-week lead time}

3) P.S. #Stationery - 15 flat A6 white cards with envelopes {$29 with roughly a 3-week lead time}

4) Jennifer Ann Style Personalized Double-Sided Blanket {$84 with a 4-week lead time}

5) Design Darling Monogrammed Coasters {$40 with a 3-week lead time}

6) Swanky Press Striped Monogram Cell Phone Case {$40 with roughly a week lead time}

7) Moon & Lola Acrylic Block Monogram Necklace via BaubleBar {starting at $58 with a 4-week lead time}

8) Mark & Graham Linen Satin Stitch Dinner Napkins - Set of 8 {$99 with only a week lead time}

9) Mark & Graham Rustic Leather Tray {$99 with only a week lead time}

10) Design Darling Navy Cuff with White Monogram {$54 with a 3-week lead time}

Though it is difficult to believe, the holidays are sneaking up on us. With a month until Hanukkah and eight weeks until Christmas, there are bound to be a flurry of gift guides coming soon. The one I realized I needed this weekend? A guide on how long it takes to get the best personalized gifts for your friends and family! 

Whether you're shopping for your impossible-to-buy-for dad, your picky teenage cousin, or your sister who just had a baby, the ten options above meet a variety of budgets and tastes. The best part? Your loved ones will know you really planned ahead with these gifts. (Ok, maybe they'll think you paid crazy overnight fees--but let's be honest, no one loves those rush fees.) 

What gifts do you struggle with finding? Have you found any other great personalized gifts? Even if it is a few weeks in advance, it's time to start sharing the holiday love. Have a great Monday! xoxo {av}

P.S. Don't forget about J.Crew's lovely monogram shop -- their options are endless!

friday's fancies #152.

find it here:  Nicole Miller Midnight Sequin Stars Gown // Henri Bendel Waldorf Drop Earrings {both from Rent The Runway -- $20 off any rental of $75+ before 11/2 with promo code SPOOKY13} // Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer // MOYNA Solid Foldover Clutch // NARS Pure Matte Lipstick // Chinese Laundry Imagination Heels

In true Friday's Fancies fashion, we're concocting some boo-tiful ensembles in preparation for the upcoming festivities. Halloween is less than a week away, so this is perfect inspiration for all the procrastinators out there ;) Even if your post isn't spooktacular, any fashion post from this week is absolutely welcome for Friday's Fancies!

As always, much love and gratitude to everyone linking up today! New and old, I'm so lucky to have you for Friday's Fancies. Have a happy weekend, friends! xoxo {av}

An InLinkz Link-up

how to make time to read.

Warning:  this post highlights my extreme nerdiness. I hope you'll accept me all the same ;)

I grew up a voracious reader. I sometimes attribute it to my inner only child, but once you handed me a book, I couldn't put it down. I was the girl who rode her bike to the library and would spend hours combing through the shelves. Weirdly, this memory made me realize how much things have changed. What parent would allow their child to just ride herself to the library at age 12? I digress. 

The same thing happens when I pick up a book today. I literally get engrossed in whatever story I'm reading, so much so that {cv} would rather me finish the book than put it down. The only problem? Since I started blogging, I have noticed my free time to read has diminished greatly. I love traveling because I actually have time to read. Much like eating better, I know reading is good for me--and I desperately want to do more of it.

I'm being sneaky with the title of this post because I'm really coming to you for advice: What in the world can I do to find more time to read? While I was in Jamaica, I breezed through two books and realized just how much I missed it. I really want to make the time to read--without feeling like I'm missing out on something in the blog world. (Hello, FOMO.) As a blogger, I am the first to admit that I have a hard time shutting down the computer. By the time I crawl into bed after a long day, my eyes are already half-mast. Any help for this nerdy girl would be very much appreciated! Have a great Thursday! xoxo {av}