Humor Me Friday

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{Hey friends...guess what....it's FRIDAY!}

Here's something silly to make you get through the last day of the week! The weekend is ALMOST here! :)

It's just the simple truth

It's FRIDAY :)

Sorry mom...

What goes around comes around

Five Question Friday {Linky Party}

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{{Hi friends!! Happy Friday!}}

Today I'm linking up again to {My Little Life's Five Question Friday}. So, here goes nothing! :)

1. What giveaway would you like to do on your blog?

If money wasn't an issue, I'd love to giveway some awesome clothes and fashion accessories. What woman doesn't want to be beautified? :)

2. If you had to choose between natural artistic ability and natural athletic ability, which would it be?

This is tough, because growing up I was always in a different sport throughout the year {gymnastics, basketball, softball, and volleyball were the sports I played} and I couldn't imagine not participating while growing up. But then again, I love all things artistic. I'm very creative and have a huge imagination...but one thing I've always wanted to be better at is drawing/painting etc. Oh, and also have an awesome singing voice {I can carry a tune but that's about it.} Okay, so where does this leave me? Mmmm, I'm going to have a be a stinker 
and say BOTH {defeats the purpose but I can't choose!}

3.  Do you ditch the coat the minute it becomes "spring" or are you a holdout for more cool temps?

100% ditch the coat the minute it becomes "spring." I'm not a fan of coats {unless it's for fashion purposes.} They're just so bulky and annoying. Ugh. So, the slight opportunity that I think the weather is getting nicer, I retire the coat {hence why I haven't worn one for about a month now...even though I'm cold today haha}

4. What would you do if you won the mega millions lotto of 1/2 billion dollars?

First...scream at the top of my lungs {probably do a little get-down dance!} Then I would do the responsible thing and get a lawyer to figure out what the best next steps would be. THEN, I would take a ridiculously outrageous vacation with all my family and friends {live the good life for awhile} Then I would get back to reality and pay off our debt and families debt. I would also start some sort of foundation or charity for children with a bad home life and children without families. I'd also start an animal adoption shelter for rescuing and 
finding homes for animals without one.  

5. You are at a hotel by yourself...what do you do?

Work out, take a bath...have a glass of wine, call Andrew {and probably my mom} and lay in bed and watch movies. {wow that sounds kind of amazing right now haha} 

{Link up and join in on the fun if you want! :)}

All About the Hair

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I'm all about mixing up my hair styles. I've notoriously gone from blonde to brunette nearly every year, but this is one of the longest I've kept my blonde color {I've added a lot more low lights over the past year to add some dimension though.} So instead of coloring or cutting my hair to mix things up...I've found some inspirations from {pintrest} to keep me from my hair boredom. 

fabulous braid

top knots

braid me sideways 

loads of curls

fish tails

bun me

{{Stay tuned for my own versions of these styles}}

Enjoying the Little Things

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We as human beings can really get in the way of our own happiness sometimes. We can get so caught up in what we have to do or what we should be doing, that we miss out on the simple everyday pleasures we receive. Life isn't always easy {and I apologize if I sound pessimistic} but it's true. 

Life can be a struggle at times. It's very easy to get wrapped up in life's challenges and makes you forget about life's blessings. I think it's very important throughout life to take a step back...take a big breath in...and look around at what you do have. 

There are times in my life that I forget about these little, beautiful moments that occur on a daily basis, because I'm too wrapped up in the negative. My mind sometimes prohibits me from enjoying these little things...these moments that remind me that life truly is beautiful...even when it is challenging.

Sometimes I'm so wrapped up in what isn't going right, that I'll find myself missing a beautiful simple moment...simple moments like....

the way my pups greet me at the door every time I come home...


and getting a voice mail from my niece and nephew just saying "I love you auntie!"...


or just breathing in the fresh spring air...

But when I do notice these beautiful simple moments, I find myself smiling...appreciating life just a little bit more in that moment...graciously accepting the simple moment of happiness.

I challenge myself, and for anyone reading this, to take a moment each day to appreciate the little things in life...whatever that may be.  Because life really is about the everyday little things that defines who we are and ends up shaping our lives forever.

{{What are YOUR simple moments that make YOUR life beautiful?}}

{source}

Standing at a Crossroads

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Do you ever wake up and think to yourself, "how did I get here?" Maybe it's where you live, the career path you have chosen, or the relationship you are in. Whatever it may be, nearly everything that has lead you to where you are in life has been based upon decisions you've made at one point in time. 

When faced with standing at a crossroads, we do our best as humans, to make the right decision for ourselves and for our loved ones around us. But what if we choose wrong? Sometimes the crossroads we are faced with isn't black and white. After all, most decisions in life have pros and cons to both "roads." Now mind you, I know rehashing all your decisions throughout life would simply make one go insane {I don't recommend it} But I do believe it's the utmost importance to re-evaluate your decisions from time to time.

Ask yourself....

is this what I really want...is this what I really need? Is this good for my well-being and my health? Are there options for changing my life for the better in a particular area? And if so, what are they? What are the steps I can take to make a better me?

Choosing a "road" to go down isn't easy {especially when it could change your life...potentially forever}  But the truth is, there are no rules or guidelines to follow when it comes to your life choices. You simply won't and will never know how something could have turned out if you went down the other "road." 

The decisions you make today could change your life forever. It's scary, having the unknown be...well....so unknown. Wouldn't life be grand if there were movie-like trailers that gave us previews to each crossroad we were standing at? Ah, but I guess life wouldn't be life then, now would it? That's the beauty of it all I suppose...its ambiguity.

I'll leave you with one last quote from one of my favorite books {and movies.}

"That's the thing about a human life - there's no control group, no way to ever know how any of us would have turned out if any variables had been changed."~Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

{source}

Wisdom Wednesday

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{all images taken from {pintrest}

The Carrie Diaries

Pin It Anyone else as excited as I am for the Sex and the City prequel, The Carrie Diaries?? And it's airing on the network I work for nonetheless, {The CW!}  

AnnaSophia Robb will play the young Carrie Bradshaw, which was famously played by Sarah Jessica Parker. I'm so excited for the series to air in May!

 What do you think about Carrie Bradshaw as an 18-year-old??

{source}

10 Day You Challenge {Day Ten: Ten Secrets}

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Ten Secrets

1. I've gotten one speeding ticket, but I've been pulled over almost a dozen times {whoops.}

 

2. I've been in only two serious relationships.

 

3. I get along with nearly everyone. As long as you're down-to-earth and genuine...we'll get along {oh, and if you can make me laugh...that doesn't hurt!}. If you're a manipulator, liar, exaggerator, or are conceited...we will NOT get along {pretty simple.}

 

4. The older I get, the more I think I want a destination wedding.

 

5. I'll buy an outfit or particular article of clothing and wear it a lot over the next few weeks. Then I'll usually never wear it again {we're talking inexpensive, everyday clothes...not work clothes}  Then a friend will usually borrow it and I'll never see it again {haha}

6. Though, I rarely borrow everyday clothes from friends....what I do borrow is comfy clothes. I'm kind of a comfy clothes hoarder {sweatshirts, sweatpants, socks...you name it....I try keep it}

7. I'm a lot more introverted than people may think.

8.I'm not into politics at all {I'm sure I'll become more passionate as I get older.}

9.  I hate rides...anything that's motorized that seems it will break at anytime. I've never been on a roller coaster and probably never will. But I love the Tilt-A-Whirl for some reason {there's always an exception to the rule, right?}

10. I've come to realize that no matter how heartless and cruel some people have been to me throughout my life...it doesn't compare to how I've treated myself. {self love folks...self love.}

Well, there you have it friends! I'm finally done with the 10 Day You Challenge! :)

Stop Dwelling on the Life You Wish You Had

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I believe to an extent that it's human nature to dwell on the life you wish you had. This person has this better and that person has that better...convincing yourself that you have it so much worse off. 

I've struggled my whole life comparing {that god awful word} myself to other people's lives, believing that their life is so much better. We all know though, that people are exceptionally well at portraying a perfect life, so it's rather strange that we continue to compare.

I've also always struggled with not giving myself enough credit. Nothing I do in my eyes is quite to the standard I want...even though if it were a friend or family, I'd be incredibly proud. Nothing is ever "good" enough and nothing is ever quite as satisfying as I'd had hoped. Ultimately this leaves me with never being completely happy and content in life {{I'm striving to work on giving myself more credit, I promise.}}

I got inspired to do this post from one of my favorite websites, {Tiny Buddha}. Tiny Buddha says it so eloquently...so I'll let it speak for itself from here.

This type of thinking also manifests in the suspicion that I could be living another life.

Let me explain: We sometimes get stuck, thinking the past, or our “lost opportunities,” as we like to label them, are better than the present.

Our thinking might sound like this:

“If I had done such and such, I would be living my dreams.”

“I could be living this adventurous life in another city doing something else.”

“I´d be so happy if only I had…”

This is where the problem lies.

Lost opportunities happen when we are nowhere instead of now here.

We are nowhere when we live in the present lamenting the past, dreaming of a future that may never come if we are not mindful about our present, about the now here.

No one can be happy if not in the present.

 So, how can we get out of this rut? How can we live our lives and be more present to ourselves? I’ve developed this list for myself, and it just may help you too:

1. Breathe.

Breathing brings us to the present and it connects us with our higher selves. Whenever you see yourself comparing and going to the past, take a deep breath and bring your awareness to the present moment.

2. Listen to music.

Nietzsche said, “Life without music would be a mistake.” When you start getting down on yourself, turn up the volume of your favorite song. Soon you’ll be singing along, getting in the zone, and feeling good in the now, since music is the language of love.

3. Say a mantra.

I have learned that mantras can be incredibly powerful tools for mindfulness and empowerment. The one I like most is: “I am the Light. The Light is in me.”

4. Say affirmations.

I have made my own and have copied others that appeal to me, and I repeat them every morning before I get up.

If you find yourself dwelling on the past, affirm to yourself, “I accept all that is. All is well. I trust the divine order. I cherish all that I have and all that I am.”

Claim these words and really feel it as you say them.

5. Do some yoga poses.

Whenever you feel stuck, get your energy flowing with some yoga poses, such as the child posture, downward dog, or the tree pose. If yoga is new to you, you may want to start with some basic stretches, syncing your breath with the movements.

6. Marvel at nature.

Nature is here to nurture us. If you feel empty or lost in your negative thoughts about yourself and your life, step back and look at the world around you. I like to look at birds that come to eat in the backyard in my house. I see how free they are, and it reminds me I can be free, as well, if I choose to be.

7. Be thankful for all you have and are.

Gratitude is powerful because it helps us recognize all the good things around us, instead of dwelling on all the good things we think other people have. In fact, a good mantra is: “Thank you for everything. I have no complaints”.

8. Read inspiring spiritual messages and blogs.

One good blog is Tiny Buddha! It always uplifts me and puts me in a Zen state.

9. Do one tiny thing to create the life you want now (instead of dwelling on the life you could have had).

Ask yourself: what can I do right now to actively create the future I visualize?

10. Enjoy the present!

Being present means noticing the thousands of things around us that make life interesting. It also means making time for fun. It can be listening to your favorite song and singing along, or going out for a walk, writing in your journal, or savoring your favorite food.

Enjoy being here now and experiencing this beautiful world. Most importantly, enjoy the person who you are right now, exactly as you are!

I still have moments when I wish I lived a different life, but I see them as opportunities to practice being in the present and cherishing all that is happening now. I am learning to see these moments as tiny reminders of living in the moment.

How can you embrace and enjoy your life as it is today?

{{Hopefully you will take what you want from this...and if anything...help you live better in the present moment...happily.}}

Miscellany Monday {Linky Party}

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I'm joining in again on Miscellany Monday from {lowercase letters}.

Here are my random Monday thoughts {last Monday of March...can you believe it??}

1. In my old vehicle I knew how far I could push the limit with the gas gauge being on "E"...well let's just say I mis-judged my new vehicle's limits. I ran out of gas this morning {such an idiot move Cathryn.}

2. But luckily I'm blessed with an amazing friend named Louise, who rescued me {I love you Lou!}

3. I'm normally not a dessert person but for some reason I've been craving Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream alllllll the time lately.

4. I haven't seen The Hunger Games yet because I was sick..and I'm stressing out about it. Luckily my best friend is awesome and is going to go with me again this week.

5. Andrew got back from Miami tonight. All I want to do is cuddle with him and the pups so I'm going to get off the computer.

That's all folks. Happy Monday night! :)

Instagram Love

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Oh my babies :)

sweet clouds outside our place. 

my baby :)

My man is in Miami. His best friend sent this photo to me. Miss my baby

Sent this photo to Andrew, reminding him how much we miss him!

A Lesson Learned From a Five Year Old

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About a month ago, I received an email from my sister-in-law about what occurred one day with my nephew at the park. I found it so inspirational that I wanted to share it with all you wonderful people. So without further ado...I'll let my sister-in-law share it in her own words.

A Lesson Learned From a Five Year Old

"Yesterday, we all went to a small pirate park. Evan {my brother} and Isabella {my niece} wandered off on their own and I stayed with Ethan {my nephew}, watching him as he played with other kids. After a while, the kids Ethan were playing with left so he went on looking for other kids to play with. He goes to one side of the pirate ship and there's this kid inside playing alone with a toy sword. When Ethan tries to go in, the kid tells him he can't. Ethan tries a couple of times from different spots (so do other kids) and I say to this kid that all kids can use any part of the park...but then I just step back.  So Ethan proceeds to ask him why. The kid says "because you're not part of the club". Immediately my mommy antennas go up. Ethan then says "well, can I be part of the club?" The kid says "no" Ethan then says "why not?" The kid says "because you don't have a sword". When Ethan turns to me, the words are already forming in my head and I'm ready to say "you're right Ethan, that kid doesn't own the park. Some kids are just not taught how to share (while staring hard at the kid) and don't know proper behavior and blah blah blah. Let's just go play together on the other side". Instead, he completely surprises me when he says "mami, I need a sword". Pretending I haven't been eavesdropping I say "what for?" Ethan says "so I can be part of the club" and he starts walking and looking around. While I follow behind him I say to him "it's ok Ethan, we can just do something else". My instinct is just trying to protect my child from not being accepted and I want to shield any bad feelings. But Ethan doesn't even look at me and says "come on mami, just help me find a sword". I take the first stick I see and hand it to him. He goes to the kid and presents his sword. The kid says it's not an acceptable sword and I just want to tell him my son is playing there or else! (the whole time I'm looking for this kid's parents!) So Ethan turns around and goes looking for another sword. This time he finds a thicker stick and brings it over to the kid that has monopolized the ship. And what do you know? voilà! Ethan found himself the perfect sword that got him into the club. They went on and played for a while until it was time for us to go home.

So, what did I learn from my five-year-old son? That we all (big and small) face rejection at some point of our lives, several times and in different forms. It's simply part of life. It could be friendship, love, work, school, health, etc. Most of the time it's not even personal. Just like Ethan, it wasn't about him, it was about not having the proper equipment. Once he solved that issue, he was in the club and having fun. Take a look at yourself, ask questions and act upon it. You may need to try, make some adjustments, and try again. Don't give up (but don't fall into the insanity thing either).  Oh and you have to do it on your own, you will always need a support system but ultimately it's you and only you."

Whether you're a parent or not, I think we can all relate to this story. It just so happened, it was taught by my five year old nephew....bless his sweet, amazing heart.

{{Thank you to my amazing sister-in-law for sharing this story...I love you with everything in me!}}

my adorable nephew with bell and zo zo :)

10 Day You Challenge {Day Nine: Nine Loves}

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Nine Loves

1. Andrew Blake...he's the love of my life...enough said.

2. My amazing family...I'd be lost without them.

3. My beautiful friends....couldn't be more blessed...seriously.

4. Bella and Zoë...my other loves of my life.

5. Photography...one of my creative outlets. It's very calming and relaxing for me.

a photo I took last year after one of the many crazy storms

6. Yoga...exercise and relaxation at the same time for me

{source}

7. Blogging...it has become like journaling. Very therapeutic.  

8. Reading a good book...just bought Pandemonium on my Ipad...looking forward to starting it today.

9. Fashion...there's just something about putting together a great outfit.

Well there you have it...my nine loves! What do YOU love? :)

Humor Me Friday

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Happy Friday friends! 

Pretty much sums up all my friends and me haha

Have watched all six seasons this month. Obsessed with this show now!

It's a comin'!! :)

Hope I put a smile on your face this Friday morning! Have a great weekend!

12 Lies to Stop Telling Yourself

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I stumbled upon this inspirational blog called {Marc and Angel: Practical Tips for Productive Living} and I fell in love with a particular post about lies you need to stop telling yourself. Here's a little inspiration for you on this Thursday evening! 

12 Lies to Stop Telling Yourself

1. I don’t have enough yet to be happy. – In every mistake and struggle there is a message.  Some people miss the message because they’re too busy berating themselves for the mistake, or fretting over the problem.  To be upset about what you don’t have is always a waste of what you do have.  The happiest of people aren’t the luckiest, and they usually don’t have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes their way.  The reason so many people give up is because they tend to look at what’s missing, and how far they still have to go, instead of what’s present, and how far they have come. 
2. My dreams are impossible. – Don’t let someone who gave up on their dreams talk you out of going after yours.  The best thing you can do in life is follow your heart.  Take risks.  Don’t just make the safe and easy choices because you’re afraid of what might happen.  If you do, nothing will ever happen.  If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.  Let your dreams be bigger than your fears and your actions speak louder than your words.  Do something every day that your future self will thank you for.
3. I am stuck with people who hurt me. – Life is too short.  Look out for yourself.  If someone continuously mistreats you, have enough respect for yourself to leave them.  It may hurt for a while, but it’ll be OK.  You’ll be OK.  Often times walking away has nothing to do with weakness, and everything to do with strength.  We walk away not because we want others to realize our worth, but because we finally realize our own worth.
4. My failed relationships were a waste of time. – There are certain people who aren’t meant to fit into your life.  But no relationship is ever a waste of time.  If it doesn’t bring you what you want, it teaches you what you DON’T want.  We rarely lose friends, we just gradually figure out who our real ones are.  Never force someone to make a space in their life for you, because if they know your worth, they will surely create one for you.  And remember, when you’re up, your ‘friends’ know who you are, when you’re down, you know who your ‘real friends’ are.  It just takes a little time to figure it all out.
5. Things will never get better. – There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them.  That’s not how we’re made.  In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall.  Because that’s part of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time.  This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.  When you find yourself cocooned in isolation and cannot find your way out of the darkness, remember that this is similar to the place where caterpillars go to grow their wings.  Just because today is a terrible day doesn’t mean tomorrow won’t be the best day of your life.  You just got to get there.  
6. Failure is bad. – Sometimes you have to fail a thousand times to succeed.  No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying.  Don’t get so hung up on one failed attempt that you miss the opening for many more.  All of your ideas that don’t work are simply stepping stones on your way to the one idea that does.   And remember, failure is not falling down; failure is staying down when you have the choice to get back up.  Always get back up!  Oftentimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.
7. Great things will come to me effortlessly. – We are who we choose to be.  Nobody’s going to come and save you, you’ve got to save yourself.  Nobody’s going to give you anything, you’ve got to go out and earn it.  Nobody knows what you want except for you.  And nobody will be as sorry as you if you don’t achieve it.  Never leave your key to happiness in someone else’s pocket, and don’t wait on someone else to build your dream life for you.  Be the architect and keeper of your own happiness.  The more you take responsibility for your past and present, the more you are able to create the future you seek.
8. My past is 100% indicative of my future. – At some point, we’ve all made mistakes, been walked on, used and forgotten.  We’ve let people take advantage of us, and we’ve accepted way less than we deserve.  But we shouldn’t regret one moment of it, because in those moments we’ve learned a lot from our bad choices.  We’ve learned who we can trust and who we can’t.  We’ve learned the meaning of friendship.  We’ve learned how to tell when people are lying and when they’re sincere.  We’ve learned how to be ourselves, and appreciate the truly great people and things in our lives as they arrive.  And even though there are some things we can never recover and people who will never be sorry, we now know better for next time.
9. I never need to meet anyone new. – It sounds harsh, but you cannot keep every friend you’ve ever made.  People and priorities change.  As some relationships fade others will grow.  Appreciate the possibility of new relationships as you naturally let go of old ones that no longer work.  Trust your judgment.  Embrace new relationships, knowing that you are entering into unfamiliar territory.  Be ready to learn, be ready for a challenge, and be ready to meet someone that might just change your life forever.
10. I can’t live without those who are gone. – If someone comes into your life and has a positive impact on you, but for some reason they can’t stay, don’t mourn for too long.  Be thankful that your paths crossed and that they somehow made you happy, even if it was just for a short while.  Life is change.  People really do come and go.  Some come back, some don’t, and that’s okay.  And just because one person leaves, doesn’t mean you should forget about everyone else who’s still standing by your side.  Continue to appreciate what you have, and smile about the memories.
11. I’m not ready because I’m not good enough yet. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises.  Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.  Stop berating yourself for being a work in progress.  Start embracing it!  Because being a work in progress doesn’t mean you’re not good enough today; it means you want a better tomorrow, and you wish to love yourself completely, so you can live your life fully.  It means you’re determined to heal your heart, expand your mind and cultivate the gifts you know you’re meant to share.  You are ready.  You just need to start. 
12. I have way too much to lose. – In the end you will not regret the things you have done nearly as much as the things you have left undone.  Trust me, you’d rather look back at your life and say, “I can’t believe I did that!” instead of, “I wish I would have…”  It’s better to think “Oh well,” than “what if.”  It’s better to have a lifetime full of mistakes that you learned from, rather than a heart full of regrets and empty dreams.

Hopefully you can take some inspiration from these 12 tips. I know I sure did... :)