Me + 2015

The beginning of the year always feels like a fresh start, doesn’t it? We each get the opportunity to wipe our slates clean, start new, start different. It’s a blessing to be given the chance to experience the gift of another year – to grow, to learn, to change. Since there are quite a few of you who are new to these parts, I thought it would be fun to kick off the year with a little re-introduction!

Hi y’all, my name is Alexa! I’m 25 years old, currently living in New York with my husband Macky and my sister Melissa. Oh, and have I mentioned that I love reading? I started Alexa Loves Books on a whim, familiar with the blogging world but never managing to hold onto a blog for long – and look at me now, three years plus and going strong. This is my safe place on the Internet, where I’m able to share everything bookish (reviews, discussions, events, fun posts) and most things personal (stories, travels, musings). Everything here is designed to read like I’m chatting with friends, which is the kind of relationship I want to have with my readers!

Here are a few fun facts about me with all of you – slam book style:

Nicknames: Alex, Lexi, Lex, “A”, Manang

Birthday: August 5

Places I've Called Home: Maryland, Virginia, Bacolod, Manila, New Jersey, New York

5 Words to Describe Me: optimistic, nice, thoughtful, sensitive, smart

Hobbies: reading, playing video games, writing, scrapbook-making, traveling

Favorite Color: Blue (though I have a soft spot for gold, silver and pink)

Favorite Eats: I love dessert! Cookies, ice cream, cupcakes, cakes, pies… Yum. Oh, and coffee.

Favorite Musical Artists: Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, The Script, Westlife, One Republic

Favorite TV Shows: The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Friends, How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, Once Upon a Time

Favorite Places to Shop: H&M, Zara, Modcloth (I’m starting to like J. Crew too!)

In case you wanted to find out more about me, you can check out my newly revamped “About Me”! I’m also (at some point) adding “All Stars” (a list of my favorite reads + authors, inspired by Kelly, Hannah & Rachel), and most definitely encourage you to check out “Features” for all of the fun blog stuff I do.

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Every year, without fail, it is always fun to talk about the personal goals I’m setting. It isn’t about ticking items off a list; it’s more about having guidelines for the year ahead. I was extra ambitious in 2014, raring to go and accomplish all these things. This year – this 2015 – I’ve decided to keep it simple and set three personal goals.

Learn how to manage money better. I’m fairly decent at making sure I have enough money for the things I need, and even, on occasion, the things I want. But with Macky’s help and guidance, I’d like to become smarter about how I spend, save and invest it.

Build a home. Within this month, Macky, Mel & I will be moving to a new apartment! We’re looking forward to buying furniture, filling it up with our things and just making it a homey, welcoming, warm place for all of us. Interior design (or a passable attempt at it), here I come!

Travel, travel, travel. Every year, I put travel on this list. I love getting out of town, and going someplace new to explore, whether it’s on my own or with my loved ones. I’m definitely wishing for more fun trips this year, and hoping to visit at least one new place in the process.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me! And now it’s your turn, because I want to get to know YOU! Share your slam book answers, introduce yourself, tell me your goals - I just want to take this opportunity to get to know you a little better.