And here we go:

1. Kicking old habits. This is going to force me to get pretty vulnerable for a moment (so don't judge me). I've been a nail-biter for as long as I can remember. Not a make-my-fingers-bleed biter, but a chew-when-I'm-nervous-or-bored biter. I know it's unappealing. I know it's gross. I know it's unhealthy. But it's a habit, people. Aren't they all generally defined as such? Anyway, about a week and a half ago, I was hanging out with my sister and one of our closest friends, Blair. We were doing the girl thing - chatting, drinking a glass of wine, and painting our nails. I decided to manicure along with my pedicure for the heck of it. I floundered through painting my left hand, and asked Blair to paint my right. As it turns out, painting .004 inches of space is difficult for anyone. My nails, fingers, and parts of my knuckles were covered in a lovely shade of "Wine Not?" (ironically appropriate) After I cleaned them up a little, I discovered that I love having my nails painted. I felt feminine and chic - and though they were still little nail stubs, they looked greatly improved. So I gave it up. Tossed in the towel. No more nail-biting for me. I'm keeping them coated in paint so I won't give in to temptation, and it's easier than I thought. In high school, my dad once told me that he'd give me $10/nail for each one I'd grow out. I think I'll see if I can still collect.

2. Harry Potter. I feel like I will probably come to regret this inclusion. But it's true. I've jumped on the Hogwart's Express and I'm fully committed to the world of muggles, wizards, and quidditch (could I have formed a more nerdy sentence? Really?) Truth be told, I didn't want to like Harry Potter. My sister is (to put it extremely mildly) a huge fan, and she's been harassing me to give it a shot for months. After my Twilight fascination, I wasn't sure if I could handle another series and come out sane (or with a husband, for that matter). Well, as it turns out, my draw to over-the-top fiction is just too strong. I haven't actually started on the books yet, but I'm on the third movie and I'm hooked. If I ever end up at one of those conventions dressed up like Hermione Granger, someone just take me out.

3. Clinique High Impact Mascara. I am going to step into make-up snob world for 2.5 seconds so bear with me. I'm a firm believer in good quality make-up - I've been this way since the very first time I slapped foundation on my skin (thanks mom! :)). It also should be noted that I'm a firm believer in not wearing an overwhelming amount of make-up. My rule of thumb is this - one should never look like a completely different, unrecognizable person without any make-up on. That's just weird. Which brings me to my point: good quality make-up allows you to use less. It's true! I'd swear by it. Cheap foundation may be easier on your wallet, but it's lackluster condition compels you to lay it on thick. Which in turn, screws with your skin. I'm also a firm believer in taking care of your skin (who knew I was so ridiculously passionate about this topic?) My skin is sensitive, so I refuse to put something on it that is going to make it angry. Much to Ben's dismay (though he's beginning to understand :)), I'll pay the extra bucks to ensure facial happiness. To be more specific (and to get back on track...wow I'm long-winded), I adore a good mascara. Clinique High Impact Mascara is not the only great brand out there, but it consistently impresses me with it's longevity and result on my lashes. Mascara (well, and lip balm) is that one product I could use without applying any other form of make-up. So I want it to be fabulous. :)

4. Top Chef. I love to cook. I don't do it enough, but I love it. Top Chef is one of the few shows I just get really excited about. Season 6 just started this past Wednesday, and I'm already engrossed in the competition. It's fast-paced, intense, fun, and they use words like "ceviche," "mise en place," and "carpaccio." Come on.

5. Smoothies. I've been trying to get creative with breakfast lately, because I feel like I neglect it. Breakfast is like the redheaded stepchild of my meal family. I do like a really fantastic smoothie, so I decided to try a few recipes. I found one I really enjoy from Food Network's Emeril Lagasse. It's super simple, but delicious. I actually tweaked the ingredients a little, and my altered version is listed below (here's the original):

-1 banana (broken into pieces)

-1 cup of hulled strawberries

-1/4 cup raspberries (or blueberries)

-3/4 cup of vanilla fat free yogurt (I use Publix brand - it's the best :))

-a couple splashes of orange juice

-1-2 T of honey

-3-4 ice cubes

*Throw all ingredients into a blender and process until smooth. 

I also tried this with several other combinations - it's easy, healthy, and filling. :)

1. My cell phone skills. Let me be honest - I really despise talking on the phone. No. Actually, let me rephrase - I prefer to hang out in person because I'm really terrible at talking on the phone. I like interaction right in front of me because I am a person who thrives off of body language, non-verbal communication, and emotion. Talking on the phone stresses me out for a couple of reasons (aside from not being able to actually see the person I'm talking to); one, I cannot get anything else done. As a person who is usually juggling 53 things at once, this is difficult. I need both of my hands. And I absolutely refuse to get a bluetooth. So I'm stuck pacing the house, passing by at least 46 of my responsibilities. Two, my phone is almost never fully charged. So while I'm chatting, I'm constantly worried that my phone is going to die unexpectedly. This is especially nerve-racking while I'm talking at 11:00 at night on some dark back road. Three, I always forget about my voicemail. Since I have an iPhone, once I listen to a voicemail, it no longer shows the little red circle to indicate that the message is new. If I don't have time to call that person back after listening, I tend to forget about the message. It's an awful, vicious cycle that leaves me feeling dysfunctional. I'm not saying this to deter anyone from calling me, I'm simply saying that I need some mercy when it comes to this area of my life. I just can't seem to get it together.

2. Speidi. Does anyone really think Heidi and Spencer are great? Well, besides Heidi and Spencer? I didn't think so. I like to be entertained by celebrities to some degree, but Speidi crosses over the line of entertainment into "obnoxious." They are wearing ridiculous, attention-craving masks in the photo above. I mean, seriously.

3. Uneven tan lines. Over the summer, I sometimes help out at a local summer camp by lifeguarding. I also spend some of my days going to the beach, lounging by the pool, or kicking back on a boat. All of these activities are fairly typical for a Florida resident. And all of them require one common element - a bathing suit. However, the unfortunate part is that it's not the same bathing suit for each activity. So this results in some crazy, erratic tan lines. Oh man - SO HOT.

4. Sinus headaches. Is there a worse thing? Ok, maybe Speidi.

5. Scary movies. Something about paying $10 to get the crap scared out of me, be on panic mode every time I'm home alone, and contemplate buying a nightlight at the age of 24 doesn't really appeal to me. Give me a comedy any day. Or even an action flick. Slasher films are just not my cup of cinema tea.