Thankfulness

Today is about thankfulness.

Thankful for the small moments like this that happen and the perfect fall tree - so pay attention. 

I'm thankful for my family. My mom for being my best friend; my dad for being my confidant and inspiration; my brother for being my personal superhero and the only one to make me laugh without trying. My family for their unconditional love, support, and for being the best people to have in my corner. 

Thankful for God who formed this place that is full of life, love, and even the worst thing, death. Without him, I would not be blessed with all these "things." Thankful to live in a place that has four seasons with the wind, rain, sunshine, sleet, and snow...sometimes all in one day. It is a great place to grow up. 

Thankful for my brain for challenging every day ideals, thoughts and running my life to success it is, thus far. My emotions -- the ups and the downs, the happys and the sads, the goods and the bads -- because combined, they have created me. Thankful for choice. It runs my life, allowing me to make my own mistakes and celebrate my wins.

 

Thankful for my friends for laughing at my jokes, listening to me talk nonsense and always being up for an adventure. Thankful for the people who suck. They have shown me who I don't want to be. The same for the people who rock. They have shown me the power one person can have.

 

Thankful for Google. It has the answers for even the stupidest of questions. My phone, tablet, and Internet connection for keeping me close to those I love when I am miles from them. My Keurig for warming the water that makes my tea that warms my soul. Thankful for music for silencing my terrible singing voice and allowing my kick ass rhythm to dance and jam. Thankful for the brave, genuine, creative and intelligent authors that pen books, novels, short stories, and poems for my enjoyment. 

 

Oh and my eyes  -- I really like them.

 

 And I'm thankful for you for reading this.  You're beautiful.

What are you thankful for?

See you tomorrow!

Yours xx

Sephora, BBW & Ulta Collective Haul

 

 

 

 

I am a consumer. I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, a sale, and beauty products. I'm also a curious bee, and like to see what people have in their shopping bags so, I assume most people are like me and want to see what I have purchased in the last two months.

This is quite an accomplishment for me. All the items pictured were on sale, free, or with coupon/discount. I have become a coupon lady. I'm serious. I don't like to buy things unless they are on sale. Anyone have coupon tips? I'm a newbie and want to save all the money I can in the upcoming months -- big adult life plans and all that jazz.

First tip on saving money: Spend less time at Sephora, and Bath and Body Works. Yeah, that might be a good place to start....

Hope your Monday was easier than mine. I don't bounce back from a Gypsy weekend like I used too. That, or the 5am start time this morning is what hurts. (Thank god for naps.)

See you tomorrow!
Yours xx

Fashion Friday: Overdress

I have always been the girl in jeans; never in sweatpants. I was fashionably repressed by school uniforms from 1^st grade until senior year of high school. When there was an opportunity to wear something other than those navy slacks and my blue polo, I took it. Never dress down, always over dress. This was a tactic in style and fashion I learned very young and has stuck with me. I live in a place where this is not the norm. It is completely acceptable to go out in sweatpants, no makeup and poke fun at the woman dressed to the 9s. I have been that girl in sweats and it was one of the most uncomfortable situations I can remember. Jeans are my sweats.

I enjoy spending time on my hair and makeup. I enjoy dressing up to go to the grocery store or out to dinner. Nothing beats it. Make the occasion and dress for yourself. Every day is an occasion – dress for it! There are holidays, parties, concerts and weddings, but what if you want to wear your red shoes and red lipstick on a Tuesday? I say, why the hell not.

See you tomorrow.

Yours xx

#lovetober

The first step to overcoming an addict is admittance: I admit I am addicted to Instagram. I spend hours trolling through feeds and suddenly find myself liking images from people that live on the other side of the world and have 6 cats. Yeah, this is my life. #nofilter

When one of my favorite bloggers, Gala Darling, started #radicalselflovejuly, a month long Instagram photo-a-day challenge, I was all amped up on Mountain Dew to play along. I never imagined I would be one of THOSE people who participated in an Insta-challenge. Initially I find them full repetitive posts such as selfie, #tbt, your dinner; posts not involving a huge amount of creativity, consistency and, honestly, sense of community. #RadicalSelfLoveJuly was a different story. It was filled to the brim with love, creative images and belonging. I found some pretty sensational ladies on the last adventure. So, I just knew that when Gala started another challenge for October, tagged #lovetober, I would be an enthusiastic participant.

 

Starting yesterday with Flower Power and ending on the 31^st with Halloween! I would definitely recommend joining me, and the other fine ladies, on this, bound to be fabulous, journey. And, yes, I’m blogging every day in October as well as posting every day on Instagram. If you didn’t know me by now, October is sure going to inform ya!

See you tomorrow.

Yours xx

Something about October

 

There really is just something about October. It is the calm before the Holiday storm. The time of year when pumpkin patches can be found on highway roads. Autumnal colors of burnt orange, red, and yellow blend together in the canopy of trees on your street. Summer waves good-bye and winter wiggles in quicker with each passing weekend. I spend humid August and September afternoons lusting after overcast, breezy October evenings. My favorite color is October. There is nothing particularly exciting about October in my planner. No major holidays spread throughout it, no vacations planned, no pressing appointments – just another month in the turn of 2014. This is why I’m blogging my month of October.

 I am going to be blogging every day. I did this last year with Blogtober. Previously Blogtober focused on prompts but, this year I am just going to let the writing spirits take control. I’ll share everything from “Life Lately..” to product reviews, #ootds, and all the goodies you’re used to finding on here. Thank you for letting me have this little corner, erm, more like the edge you fold over to hold your place to answer a question asked to you while reading a novel (…sorry, I digress), to share my October with you.

See you tomorrow.

Yours xx

Blogtober Day 28: Lessons that School Won't Teach You

School didn't teach you...

what concealer to use to cover up 2 inch black-blue bags under your eyes.
how to survive 2 feet of snowfall while driving a car not built for snow.
who you are.
how to live on $20 until your next paycheck.
who is the "right" person for you.
how to jump start a car.
how to ask the right questions.
that it is okay to cry.
how to explain life and death to a toddler.
to not use your credit card to go out to dinner with your friends, again.
what makes you the happiest.
how to travel.
ignore gossip.
to let it go.
to know your limits.
to brush your teeth after breakfast.
that really, truly, the only opinion that matters is yours, and your family's.
to check your ego at the door even if you are the only one who did.
the best coping mechanisms are exercise and sleep.
that you are the stronger than you know.
that the lessons they don't teach you in school, you can learn in school, if you pay attention.

Yours xx

Blogtober Day 26: Listmaking Professional

October 26: List all the fear you have when you woke up this morning.

Blogtober why must you make me discuss my fears. This is the second time we've had this discussion and you are really pushing the "selecting positive thoughts" mantra I'm rolling. So I'm breaking the rules (again).

I purchased a book a while ago called "List Your Self: Listmaking as the Way to Self-discovery" as a tool for creative writing. I'm just going to randomly open the book, and make lists.

List What's Under Your Kitchen Sink

                       

 

Yes, the area under my kitchen sink actually looks like this. I didn't clean anything or move it at all. (A bit OCD, perhaps??) Mostly, as you can see, I've got cleaning supplies on the right and my obnoxious stash of Bath and Body Works candles.

List the Items in Your Wallet
Driver's License
Barnes and Noble Members Card
Sephora Beauty Insider Card
Ulta Ultamate Rewards Card
2 Starbucks Giftcards with no money on them
My Starbucks Gold Card
Debit Card/Credit Card
Target Card with Pharmacy Rewards Card
Random restaurant and shop punch cards
A ticket stub for a Colorado Rockies game from July 2 of 2011
A Minimalist's Train of Thought which is...

Less money spent means more money saved

More money saved means the longer you can live in financial peace and security

Financial peace and security comes from owning less

Less stuff owned means less to carry around, move or have to travel with

Less responsibility for your stuff also means less maintenance and more time

The more time you have, the more relaxed you will feel

The more relaxed you are, the less you will care about stuff

If you care less about stuff, it means you’ll care less about image

If you care less about image, you will care more about experiences and memories

If you care more about experiences and memories, you will be happier with less

If you are happier with less, you’ll never want or need for more

The less you want or need for more, the more you will feel free.

Are you a list making?? I totalllllly am! :D

Yours xx

Blogtober Day 24: The One about a Dream

October 24: Write down your most recent dream.

I have some really odd-like dreams. I love the jokes that go around about "Hey, wanna hear the dream I had last night?" "Hmm, no but you're going to tell me anyway, right?" Dreams are not conversation starters but, in this case, I shall make an exception.

I have had this dream like 12 times in the last month. I am out on a walk on the paths near my apartment and a Golden Retriever comes up and starts walking beside me. I wasn't freaking out at all, just like he is mine. So, we continue our walk back to my apartment and he sits outside my patio door. I go outside, sit next to him, and he just looks at me like "Can I be yours?" I, like any sane human being, start up a conversation. He's got no tags, and I called all the local places and no one has reported him. I continue to have like a 20 minute conversation with this dog ending with: "I guess you'll stay with me, then? And I shall call you...hmm, Neville."

He looks at me, barks, smiles and says: "Okay, Haley." *wakes up*

Yeaaaah, I know. Weird, right?? I'm sure I've told you this before, but I do want a Golden Retriever and I will name him Neville...but I didn't ask for a talking dog. Oh, my brain.

Anyone else got any weird dreams??

Yours xx

Blogtober Day 23: An Ode to my Favorites

Day 22 has been in my head for a while but, I just didn't get any nanosecond of time yesterday to write it out.

October 22: Write a sequel, in the form of a poem, to your favorite book or movie.

I learned a lot during my Creative Writing class on Poetry. I learned about myself plus my writing. The biggest thing I learned is that Poetry comes in any form, even a form without words. I wrote a small poem but, I think you'll be able to guess my favorite book and where this poem is inspired from...

"Mother, will you tell me how you and Daddy fell in love?"
"Was it me or you who was Proud??" 
"Oh, Elizabeth, it was you. I was Prejudice."

Did ya get it? Haha! I hope so! I may share some more of my poems later, too. (Such a creative writing geek!) But, for now...

October 23: An ode to your favorite article of clothing.

Dearest Gray Waffle knit infinity cowl scarf,

You may be new to my collection, but you, sire, are quickly becoming own of my favorite articles of clothing. The convenience you have in structure is easily the best part. I just toss you over my head and adjust to perfection. Yesterday morning at 5:30am when I made my way to work, you protected my face in the freezing rain. For that, I owe you big time. I was really hesitant when I first purchased you. You were far more expense that I had wanted to spend, but you've really made yourself a staple in my wardrobe. In fact, you are going to be in my monthly favorites as a reward. Now, if you're ready, let's go outside for an adventure!

Yours xx

Blogtober Day 20: You Little Rebel

October 20: Share a photo of something old. Maybe something that has personal history for you, that was passed down to you, and that has special meaning to you. Tell us about it and why it's special.
 Yup, not following the prompt.

I thought it might be best on this cloudy, relaxing Sunday to share with you some of my recent pins. Sometimes life gets a little hectic and it is best to just hang out on Pinterest pinning the day away while you "watch" Disney movies. (I may or may not be doing this right now.)

Happy Sunday!

Yours xx

Blogtober Day 19: Dear Facebook Friends,

October 19: An anonymous letter to your Facebook friends. Be as snarky as you'd like. (but don't include people's real names.) 

I don't think I could add anything  to the absolutely cliche Facebook Ecards because, dammit, they are so right. Plus, I can't be to snarky. I do chose to be "friends" with them and follow their feeds. Plus, I know I am victim to all of these.

Here's a collection (Excuse the swearing and name calling):

Oh, irony.

I am just as guilty of all of these things as my Facebook Newsfeed but, hey, isn't that the point.

Yours xx

Blogtober Day 18: Tea & Love at the Falls

October 18: Go to a coffee shop. Order a favorite drink. Write about what makes you happy and what makes you sad. Or write about anything you'd like! Bonus points for including a photo from the coffee shop. *if you can't make it to a coffee shop, at least leave your usual space and write someplace new.

So I didn't exactly go to a coffee shop but, I did go to Falls Park with my Starbucks Chai Tea Latte, my fall favorite.

As I was walking down from taking this photo, I spotted an older couple...probably in their late 50s attempting to take a selfie with the Falls in the background. I giggled to myself..it was pretty funny to watch. I offered to take their photo.

The woman was elated for me to offer! She handed me her iPhone, asking if I knew how to work this thing. I laughed and said, "I think I got it." She began to tell me why they had come to the Falls. See. This couple has been married for 47 years. They came back to celebrate their collegiate homecoming this weekend. The man began to laugh and said: "That's not the only reason, honey." "Oh right. In this exact spot, we had our first kiss." Que swoons! 

As I took their picture, they were both looking at each other smiling and laughing -- she grabbed his face and kissed him! He popped his leg and pulled away laughing: "Still got it!" 

They were the absolute sweetest and kindest people, and that is something that made me happy!

Yours xx

Blogtober Day 17: The Moment My World Crumbled

You may have noticed I skipped the "Write a review" but I'm saving it. So, today...

October 17: Write about a time you screwed up - a mistake you made.

Luckily, I can only recall little, itty-bitty baby-like mistakes. 'm a big rule follower and get very uncomfortable about breaking the rules.

But, ahem, of course I make mistakes. This is a screw up that is particularly embarrassing as well as funny.

This song played constantly on the radio during middle school and I would loudly sing this song every time. Whether at the pool or in my room, I pretended I was in a music video singing to my imaginary man at the fountain (I hope you watched the video...). 

One time, in the car with my mom and my friend Annie, the song came on and Annie and I both started singing. All was well until we go to the refrain. See, I sang this:

I try to say goodbye and I choke/Try to walk away and I stumble/Though I try to hid it, it's clear/I blow bubbles when you are not near.

Whoopsie. Not the lyrics. Imagine the shame and embarrassment of this mistake. So confidently for months now I had been singing the wrong lyrics. Then, my mind immediately lists all the people that had heard me sing the wrong lyrices and shame falls on me!

I feel like I'm one of those people that lives their life trying very hard to not make mistakes -- or I make light of them. The mistakes that I have made constantly make me a better person and teach me invaluable lessons. So, I guess mistakes aren't so bad..until the privilege to make them becomes abused.

Anyone got a mistake worth sharing?? Painful and embarrassing as mine? 

Yours xx

Blogtober Day 15: Life Lately

Eeek, day behind. Whoopsie.

October 15: A "life lately" post. What you're up to, how you're feeling, how you're doing on your goals, etc. Bonus points for great photos!

Hmm, life lately. *deep sigh*

Over half my time is spent at work and the other half is spent doing things that I just love: reading, watching obscene amounts of television and Youtube videos, blogging and, of course, shopping.

I think the biggest thing that I have been working on is what I really want to do with my life. Seeking out things that make me happy ... trying to decided if I want to go back to school or continue out on the job scene. I have been missing the environment of being in school. Nerd Alert: I like school. I like learning and sitting in a classroom surrounded by peers creating discussions out of thin air. I guess you could call this phase: College Withdrawal.

Mostly, I'm trying to do things that make me happy. I've started this "new" way of organizing my thoughts. I'm visualizing an apple tree -- my thoughts are the apples -- and I'm only selecting the perfect ones -- positive, happy, constructive -- to make my pie -- day. Check that analogy!

So, I guess, that's life lately for me.

How's life lately for you??

Yours xx

Blogtober Day 14: Images of Comfort

October 14: React to this term: comfort. 

Yours xx

Blogtober Day 13: A Fiction Story

October 13: Creative writing day: write a (very short) fictional story that starts with this sentence: "To say I was dreading the dinner party would be the understatement of the century."

The story does not necessarily need to have a conclusion - you can leave your readers wishing for more!

To say I was dreading the dinner party would be the understatement of the century. I hadn’t seen these people for 10 years. All they wanted to do was judge me and my non-existent career path. See, I have been living in a one-bedroom apartment trying to earn my doctorate. I have dreads, tattoos and a serious craving for pickles all the time. This party is going to be the pain of my existence. But, I have to go. I’m never one to turn down an invitation to a dinner party because that would be impolite. The food can/will include those itty-bitty cucumber sandwiches which could be a pro. I’m 10 years too late to the happy couple picture on Facebook and the sharing of those simply adorable baby pictures of them wearing socks that look like sneakers. But, honest, I don’t feel bad about it.(Most of the time.) How does one have a conversation with an investment banker who is a father of 3??

Sigh. Here we go...

The perfectly manicured lawn surrounding the stone pathway leading to a large brown door, I reach for the obnoxious knocker. Is that a lion?? Yes, I may be cynical and cruel towards this dinner but, shit, you would be to if all these people were going to do the minute you walk in is have physical reactions, non-pleasant I might add, to your appearance and laugh when you say you earn a wage by working at a bookstore. The lawyers, bankers, doctors and this girl...hmm, could only end badly. *knock knock* “God, it even knocks judgy.”

Yours xx

Sometimes you just gotta write and see what comes out... (I'm such a creative writing NERD!) 

Blogtober Day 12: Literary Tour of England

October 11: A memory you would love to relive. 
October 12: Only photos

Day 12, as promised on Day 11, is a collection of photos from my trip to England. This day is more focused on the "Literary" portion.

I a ridiculous amount of photos from this trip. These are the major (relative) Literary highlights.

Jane's Writing desk *breathes into paper bag*

Where is got reallllly creepy -- The view outside her bedroom....

Weary Travelers :D

The cute (very British) sign in front of that tree.

I was a bit late for my Quidditch lesson from Oliver Wood.

This did not happen. It is an illusion.

Bronte Parsonage

Lawn Library! How cool!

Inside the Globe Theater on our last night before returning to the States.

Yours xx