Elevating the Blogging Experience

I've always enjoyed a good conference.  During college, I found myself headed to leadership conferences, sorority conferences, philanthropic conferences, any excuse to travel and learn about something I am passionate about.  As you can imagine, I have had my sights set on attending a blogging conference, but spending hundreds of dollars on just my ticket, not to mention travel and accommodations is a little out of my budget right now. But my little blogging dream has become a reality!


This morning promptly at 9 AM PST, I bought my ticket to the Elevate Blog Conference.  I mean, really how could I not sit anxiously staring at my computer screen at 8:59 refreshing the screen like a maniac when: A- It's taking place only miles from my house. B-Some of my favorite bloggers, like Erin from Living in Yellow  and Ashley from Little Ms Momma will be speaking. C- There were only 40 tickets available.

And thank goodness I was so on the ball, because within just a few minutes there were only 15 tickets left!

But now my wise blog friends, as a blog conference virgin, I need some first time advice about attending.   What to expect?  What to bring? What to wear?  What not to do?

Leave me a comment with your best words of blog conference wisdom!

Va-va-va Vintage

A few years back I went through a Rachel Zoe phase.  I was obsessed with her show on Bravo, read Style A to Zoe, and religiously tore through The Zoe Report. Let's get real, I was never going to be the jumbo-sized, brunette Zoe.  My RZ obsession introduced me to two things, the constant use of the term "crazy-bananas", and the wonderful world of vintage!  I have to admit, I have never actually bought anything vintage, mostly because the jewelry I love I can't afford and the waistlines of dresses usually just fit around my thighs.  Imagine my excitement when I came across Ahka Vintage. 

Ahka Vintage is an online vintage store run by sisters, Lara and Tura!  They share a love of vintage, style, stationary and all things quirky and fun.  Their online store specializes in beautiful dresses like these:

My favorite part is that they embrace girls with curves!!

A few more things you should know about Ahka Vintage and how they run:

♥Striving for a green, eco friendly punch in the face to mass production.

♥We embrace womens curves with vintage for all sizes

♥ Not following trends but creating every girls own unique style and flair.

♥ looking fabulous and pulling of each unique look with grace and a little bit of attitude.

♥ This is not about having customers, but meeting new friends.

♥ known for amazing prices and next day delivery

♥ Loving each and every one of our friends for being a part of the journey.

Plus, they are offering OWIOWI readers a discount!  Yipee!!!  

Just enter the code OWIOWI15 and save 15% on any item in their webstore! 

Now you’ll have to excuse me, I have to do some shopping!

Want to know more?  Check them out via Blog, via Twitter, & via Facebook!

The Most Eclectic Workout Mix You Ever Did Hear

So the other day, I spent over an hour compiling a playlist of 91 songs that I thought were workout worthy- specifically sweat my ass off on every piece of cardio equipment worthy.  When I did my first workout with it (there was nothing good on Bravo that day) I was super impressed with my eclectic workout music taste.  Sure, I have some expected songs from Justin Timberlake, Rhianna  and Kelly Clarkson, but a lot of my choices are not what most would expect to hear.

Welp, here is a workout mix for weirdo's like me!



Green Day Brain Stew/Jaded-  For some reason this song just makes me want to work really hard.  Maybe it's because it reminds me a scene from Stick It when the spirited Hailey Graham has to get her body back into competative gymnast shape.  Yep, that's totally why!  Come on Stick It was the Bring it on of Gymnastics, or at least that's what the promos told me!



Wicked is one of my favorite musicals, so this was a definite pick!  It's funny, when I hear this song, I image a sort of movie montage, something like a female version of Rocky.  When you get past all the stuff about Wizards, it's as if I am running up those storied Rocky step, and glistening in the sunlight.  One thing is for sure, my tummy tire is doing to gravity defying while I run.


Oh The Format, The First Single really brings me back to some of my favorite high school memories.  Plus it's just got s good tempo to burn calories to!  Bummer, you have to link to YouTube to hear some of these.  What can I say YouTube isn't old enough to allow embeding on these decade old songs.



I went through a serious Saving Jane phase in college.  We would listen to The Girl Next Door with the windows down as we would drive down the canyon to lay out at the creek.  The whole CD is great for the gym!  This is one of my favorite songs on the album.  Don't stop now!


One Tree Hill junkies will know this one.  It's a classic, redone with some pizzazz!   


Whenever this song comes on, I just wiggle all over.  Which is awesome for car dancing, but a little hazardous on a treadmill- and mildly embarrassing.


I almost don't want to tell you what I think about this one, but I will because I love you all! So this is a great running song, but I have a really great vision of how one day I will do a flash mob at my wedding to this song.  It will be epic.  Steal my idea and I will hunt you down.  Just kidding, things aren't that serious.


This is a great happy song. When I am running and I am about to quit, this song reminds me how blessed I am to be able to run, to love and to live.  Yes, I have been blessed.

This was never a single, but it is my favorite song on Katy's first CD.  "I'm gonna make my mark, gonna run it hard, I want you to remember me."  Hello motivation!



I always catch myself smiling when I hear this song.  People look at me funny when I am nearing an hour on the eliptical and smiling like a fool.  I'd look at me funny too!

And, that my friends a glimpse into my random workout playlist.

What's your favorite workout song?

* * * * * * * *

The Biggest Loser: Blogger Edition, brought to you by Ashley, Chelsea and Jenn!

Our version of The Biggest Loser is a little different than the one you see on TV!  In Blogger Edition, no one gets kicked off, and we aren't just trying to lose weight.  Instead we are creating a place to go when you need a little motivation, when you need to voice your frustration, when you are looking for a healthy recipe, when you are looking for a new workout to try.  This is the healthiest link-up on the net!

So link up with your health goals, your struggles and your triumphs.  Tell us about why it's been hard to lose the weight,  why health and fitness is important for you or what you've learned.    Share your favorite healthy recipe from the week, the fitness fad you are loving and the triumphs you've overcome. 

Then visit all the other ladies who've linked!  leave them some love and together we will create a community of support. This is the year you will meet your health and fitness goals and we're going to help you get there!

So grab a button, link up and enjoy!  This week you can win $25 to Lulu Lemon!

Want to sponsor The Biggest Loser: Blogger Edition?  Email us! 

  

Cheap Textbooks and a Good Cause

Ah, college, a time I look back on with great nostalgia.  I loved it so much I still work with my sorority on an advisory basis. That said, I was broke as a joke!  One of the things that always irked me was buying textbooks.  I spent hundreds of dollars on books each year that (don't judge me) I rarely opened.  

So today, I am going to tell you all about a little company I learned about that can save you some serious cash on your textbooks. This one's for your college friends!

Campusbookrentals.com is a great site that will rent you your books at 40-90% off bookstore prices.  What?!  Shipping is free. You can highlight in them as if they were your own. They have flexible rental periods and great customer service.  

Plus, if you have a collection of textbooks (Like I always did because I was being spiteful about the pitiful amount of money the bookstore offered me to buy my book back) and you want to make some spare cash, you can use the company's new program called RentBack!  RentBack allows you to rent your books out to other students!  Renting your books allows you to make 2-4x's as much as selling them back to your campus bookstore at the end of the semester!

The other thing I love about this company is that they give back!  CampusBookRentals.com partners with Operation Smile.  This organization performs life changing cleft lip surgeries on children whose families could not afford the surgery on their own.  A portion of each rental goes to Operation Smile to fund their programs.

So whether you are working on your bachelors, your masters or even your doctorate,  check out CampusBookRentals.com and save some dough!

*I was compensated for this post however all opinions are my own

Getting Crafty: DIY Jewelry Holder

I would love to live in an upscale department store.  The clean lines,  the clothes neatly folded or displayed  and not crammed onto a single bar rack, whimsical window displays, plush furniture.  Ah!  I'm on an ever constant quest to make my room feel like an upscale boutique.

I also love organization.  I need everything to have a home.  Especially jewelry!  I love to be able to see what I have to get ideas on how to wear it.  So I decided to make my jewelry a home of it's own!  It was super easy and now my bedroom looks a little more like a boutique.  So today, I thought I would share with you how to make one for yourself!

What you need:
*I didn't use one, but if I were going to redo this project, I would find an old large from from a thrift shop to go around the pegboard.

Then head over to Lowe's or Home Depot or wherever you like to go for home improvement items.
-Get a pegboard. I think mine was like $5
-A can of your favorite shade of spray paint.
-The 43-piece Pegboard kit $12
-A 50 lb+ mirror/picture hanging kit. (I got mine from Target)


Before you leave, have your pegboard cut to the size you'd like!

I liked the 43- piece set because it came with these little buckets.  I use them to store my  stud earrings and pins.

Assembly:

-Spray paint your peg board and let it dry.

-*If you took my advice and got a frame, place pegboard into frame.

-Place hooks in desired locations.  Once locations are selected, you can secure them in place with the    

  fasteners that come with the kit.  I didn't, but I'm a bit of a daredevil.

- Attach the wire from the hanging kit.  I basically just used the holes in the pegboard to tie the wire.  There

  is probably a more professional way to go about this, but "nobody got time for that!"

- Hang your fabulous new jewelry holder on the wall.

- Adorn it with all your favorite jewels.

- Celebrate what an awesome job you did and buy something new to add to your collection

I got myself this ring.  And I "love" it!

Now all my jewelry has a home and I am just so happy when I accessorize in the morning!

Happy crafting!

Biggest Loser: Blogger Edition- Week 2

I went to the gym 4 times this week, which is more than I went in the previous 3 months, so now I consider myself an expert on gym motivation.  This week I have 5 tips to make going to the gym a little easier.  Seriously, these are gems!

1. Wear a bikini to the beach when you are not bikini ready.  The horror you feel will be all the motivation you need to make it to the gym.  Okay, so I didn't have the lady-balls to actually go to the beach in a bikini.  I looked in the mirror, cried a little and changed into a tankini and shorts.

Newport Beach

2.  Schedule your workouts during your favorite TV shows.  I always stay on the elliptical a little bit longer when I those Real Housewives are in a cat fight.

Sorry so blurry, but its hard to run and photograph.

3.  Keep a mental note of how many calories you burned at the gym.  It makes us a lot easier to put that chocolate cream pie back on the shelf when you see its 410 calories a slice.

4.  Do yourself a favor and go to GNC and get the Be Hot Turbopaks.  They are awesome!  Seriously my workouts go to another level when I use them.  I am all about putting in the time to get the body I want, but I also believe in working smarter rather than harder.

My obsession.

5.  Reward your hard work.  Set a goal and when you reach it, go get yourself a cute new Lulu Lemon top or a massage.

I've got my eye on this!

Plus we're giving away $25 to Lulu below.  Don't forget to link up!

*****

Hello lovelies!  It's time for week two of  The Biggest Loser: Blogger Edition, brought to you by Ashley, Chelsea and Jenn!

Our version of The Biggest Loser is a little different than the one you see on TV!  In Blogger Edition, no one gets kicked off, and we aren't just trying to lose weight.  Instead we are creating a place to go when you need a little motivation, when you need to voice your frustration, when you are looking for a healthy recipe, when you are looking for a new workout to try.  This is the healthiest link-up on the net!

So link up with your health goals, your struggles and your triumphs.  Tell us about why it's been hard to lose the weight,  why health and fitness is important for you or what you've learned.    Share your favorite healthy recipe from the week, the fitness fad you are loving and the triumphs you've overcome.  

Then visit all the other ladies who've linked!  leave them some love and together we will create a community of support. This is the year you will meet your health and fitness goals and we're going to help you get there!

PLUS each week you link up, you have a chance to win something fabulous from one of our sponsors! 

So grab a button, link up and enjoy!  This week you can win $25 to Lulu Lemon!

Congratulations to Jamie of Things in YOU winner of 2 months free ad space on OWIOWI

Want to sponsor The Biggest Loser: Blogger Edition?  Email us! 

  

The Facts Of Me

I couldn't resist a chance to link up with Whitney, so here I am and here are some facts about me.

You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and then you have...

The Facts Of Me (and a nostalgic moment remembering the days I would watch The Facts Of Life while eating breakfast before elementary school.)

Fact: The dessert that I crave all day every day is a chocolate dipped cone from DQ.  Nothing makes me happier than a little vanilla ice cream covered in hardened chocolate.

Fact: I don't like ice in my drinks. It's a space waster.

Fact:  I am thinner and happier with a tan.  To prove this theory, I spent my day off at the beach, but in the meantime, this is what I look like tan.  Okay, so I had to go back into the archives for this one, but look how thin and happy I look!

Fact: Every time I am on vacation I dream of what it must be like to not work.  Remember the good ole' days when we had the summers off and our job was education.  Ah, memories.

Fact: I am messy, but it's only because I am obsessively organized. If everything doesn't have a place then nothing does.

Fact: Things are better in miniature.  Mini burgers, mini desserts, mini beers...

Fact:  I own 8 pairs of sunglasses.  Each pair cost me less than $15.  What can I say, I love cheap glasses.

Fact: I would really enjoy being a talk show host.  I'm patiently waiting for that offer to come in.

Fact:  I am not a "clubber", but on the rare occasion I do club, I end up taking pictures like this.

Fact:  I love the feeling of completing a workout, but I absolutely hate the feeling of starting a workout.

Fact: I love awkward situations.  It's just so entertaining.  

Fact:  I hate the Lakers.  

Fact:  Half of my closet is filled with black clothing, but I prefer to wear color.  I also have over 25 pairs of heels but I prefer flip flops.

Fact:  The smell of pancakes make me want to vom.  There was an incident when I was little.  It involved a contest, over a dozen pancakes, and never ever eating them again.

Fact:  I like to break out into dance whenever appropriate... or even inappropriate.

Fact: I can't eat gummy vitamins because I have no self control and will eat the whole container.

Fact: Foot and/or hand massages are the way to my heart.  

Fact: This is my drunk face and these are my drunk chins.

Fact:  My blood probably has more Diet Pepsi in it than water.  I actually think my body has evolved to run better on diet soda than water.  Don't be jealous.

Fact:  I buy shaved Parmesan cheese just to eat it out of the package.  only about 10% gets used on food, the rest is really more of a snack.

Fact: I love giant Jenga more than any other game.  And trust me, you want me on your team!

Fact: This post has entirely too many pictures of me.  All of this self reflection has made me want a beer.

Go Link up loves!

Lean Into The Discomfort

First off, can I just say a big THANK YOU!  When I sat down to write last night, I was mostly just trying to get down all the thoughts floating around in my head about my upcoming high school reunion.  High school, both when you're in it and going back to it, can be a tricky thing.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit nervous about it.

I had no idea the response I would get from those words and I was truly overwhelmed by all the kind and truly thoughtful comments you all left for me. Thank you for understanding me, sharing in my personal growth and letting me in on yours! Reading those comments was truly the peak of my blogging experience so far.

Thank You!


Secondly,  I've been (committed to) blogging for about 10 months and if I can give you newer bloggers one tip, it would be that authenticity is the most attractive thing you have to offer.  A calendar full of link ups and giveaways is great, but spilling your guts yields the most rewards, at least in my experience.  I love pretty outfits as much as the next person, but a post that makes me feel something is like hearing a great song on the radio.  It touches the chasms of your soul. It helps you reflect.  It helps you grow.  It inspires you.

So my advice to you is to lean into the discomfort of stripping yourself down.  Blur the line between the blogging taboo and the socially acceptable topics.  Be authentically you, even if you lose a few followers.  You'll gain much more.

So in the spirit of authenticity (and shameless self promotion), I thought I would share some of the posts I'm most proud with all the new faces around here.

The one where I talk about my divorce...
The Part I left Out

The ones where I talk about things I've learned...
What My Twenties Have Taught Me... So Far
12 Things I Learned In 2012

The one's where I rant about something...
What is Beautiful?  What Is Healthy?
It's Okay and Chik-Fila-A
A Day Unlike Any Other
I Caught The Fever

The one where I compare blogging to dating...
Blog Attraction

The one where I compare relationships to baseball...
Hitting A Homer


Enjoy your weekend loves!

It's Been 10 Years

It's been almost 10 years since I thought I had it all figured out.   I had been accepted to my college of choice.  I had a boyfriend that I thought was the one.  I had plans of graduating with a degree in journalism and advertising, moving to New York City and figured in 10 years, I would be the lifestyle editor for Instyle on the fast track to editor in chief.  I would be married to that boyfriend and he would probably be the head trainer for the Knicks or the Jets or something.  We'd have 2 kids, a boy and then a girl and with chic style and endless amounts of energy, I would manage it all with a smile on my face.   I would come back to my high school reunion without hesitation, because big time New York editors totally have time to fly across the country to see people they were too shy to talk to in High School.  Yep, I had a pretty awesome plan.

Source

Then I graduated from college and those big dreams got a little smaller.  A new boy was in my life, and he was "the one" for sure.  We'd been together for almost four years and a proposal was right around the corner.  He planned to continue on and get into the Physical Therapy School.  In just a few short years he's be making tons of money and we could travel the world together, because you know we'd have tons of time off.   I wasn't so sure about having kids anymore, although I didn't admit it to anyone. We'd just have a couple of dogs to keep us company. After a couple of hiccups and degree changes, I graduated with a dual degree in public relations and advertising.  By the time my high school reunion rolled around 6 years later, I was sure I would own my own company and be a self-made success, who spent most of her time traveling with her hubby.  I mean, when you own your own company, you don't really have to work right?  

Source

Three years later, I was in a tailspin from a serious quarter-life crisis.  I had married "the one" and he decided I wasn't "the one" and we were getting divorced.  Meanwhile, I realized I hated PR and took a job in sales that made me die a little more inside each day.  All of a sudden, I was dying to become a baby-making machine that could rival the Duggars- because you know, getting divorced meant I would never be in love again and and probably die alone.  I was living alone in an apartment I couldn't afford with a surly cat.  Not exactly what I expect my life to look like at 24.  I racked up credit bills like nobodies business trying to buy security, comfort and hope.  I wasn't showing my face at any reunion.  Hi, I'm Ashley.  Divorced, in debt and usually drunk.  No thanks!

Source

I had almost succumbed to the idea that this was as good as it was going to get, when I decided to give dreaming another shot.  I no longer had a plan.  I just knew that this wasn't it.

Source

Fast forward another three years.  

Here I sit on my laptop.  I have almost 3 years of non-profit/event management/online fundraising experience- a career that has given me numerous opportunities I never would have imaged when I was 17. I work on a regional level and have fun at my job every day. I write a lifestyle blog, which if you ask me is kind of like a magazine because people subscribe to it and actually choose to read what I have to say.  I have a passion for online communication and social media; mediums that were almost nonexistent 10 years ago.  I am single and not currently dating like my life depends on it, because finally, being single doesn't sound so bad.  I live in California (a place I swore I would never live) in a two-bedroom apartment with a girl I met on craigslist and I love it.  But most importantly, I'm not worried about the future. 10 years later I am absolutely content with the unknown and I can't wait to find out what life has in store for me.

It might be time for my 10 year reunion, but I'm not going to be looking back on what I have or haven't accomplished up until this point. Instead I plan to just enjoy this moment because 10 years went hella fast.

The Biggest Loser: Blogger Edition {link up}

Hello lovelies!  It's finally here!  The first day of The Biggest Loser: Blogger Edition, brought to you by Ashley, Chelsea and Jenn! 

Our version of The Biggest Loser is a little different than the one you see on TV!  In Blogger Edition, no one gets kicked off, and we aren't just trying to lose weight.  Instead we are creating a place to go when you need a little motivation, when you need to voice your frustration, when you are looking for a healthy recipe, when you are looking for a new workout to try.  This is the healthiest link-up on the net!

So link up with your health goals, your struggles and your triumphs.  Tell us about why it's been hard to lose the weight,  why health and fitness is important for you or what you've learned.    Share your favorite healthy recipe from the week, the fitness fad you are loving and the triumphs you've overcome.  

Then visit all the other ladies who've linked!  leave them some love and together we will create a community of support. This is the year you will meet your health and fitness goals and we're going to help you get there!

PLUS each week you link up, you have a chance to win something fabulous from one of our sponsors! 

So grab a button, link up and enjoy!  This week you can win 2 months free ad space on Oh Wells Instead Of What Ifs!

Want to sponsor The Biggest Loser: Blogger Edition?  Email us! 

  

What's Been Weighing Me Down

Source

I was a very thin, healthy and athletic kid.  I even had some success with modeling, although, I was always told I should try and lose a few pounds.  I danced during every waking hour that I wasn't at school and I ate crap.  It didn't matter to me because I never gained a pound.  On competition days, I would have my grandmother bring me a Chicken Nuggets Family Meal from McDonalds.  I would put back both large french fries, all 20 nuggets and both cokes and then ask to stop for ice cream on the way home.  But then I got older.  Injuries plagued me and eventually I couldn't keep up with the activity I loved.  Unfortunately my diet didn't change.

I was off to college where I drank a days worth of calories 4 out of 7 nights a week and ate a diet of pasta with cream sauces, fried chicken sandwiches, Ramen Noodles, and anything they served at "Fat Kids" (the name we lovingly called the campus dining hall).  I walked around campus and even managed to fit in a few workout classes for credit, but that was the beginning of my weight struggle. I would crash diet before formals and my weight yo-yo'd a lot.

After college the walking stopped, the required workout classes stopped, and I got a sedentary job behind a desk.  Sure, I have had some success with diets and workout fixations, but in the end, I always gained it all back and more.   I have gained almost 100 pounds since I left for college.  That's 10 pounds a year.  

Even though I don't like to admit it, I know why I keep gaining the weight.  It's not because I can't control what I eat.  It's not because I can't get to the gym.  It's not because I don't know what to do.

It's because in my heart of hearts, I don't believe I deserve it.  I sabotage myself every time I commit to a health or fitness goal.  Those issues are worthy of their own post, but for now let's just say, I crave love from others, but I need to learn how to love myself first.

This year, I am finally saying enough is enough.  I deserve more.  I deserve to be healthy.  I deserve to be happy with the person I see in the mirror and most of all, I deserve the incredible life I have been denying myself.  

I got a Kate Spade Idiom Bracelet for Christmas that says "This is the Year".  Those 4 words have become my mantra.  

This is the year I lose the weight.

This is the year I will learn to be proud of myself.

This is the year I will try new things.

This is the year I will grow my faith.

This is the year I will drink more water and give up soda.

This is the year I will get more involved with my community.

Damn it, this is the year!

Link up with The Biggest Loser: Blogger Edition with me!

I Love to Co-host!

<a href="http://www.peacoatsandplaid.blogspot.com/search/label/gfc%20collective" target="”_blank”"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/bre916/BLOG/newhopbutton150_zps0ae6c5c9.jpg"/></a>

Welcome to the weekly "GFC Collective" party :) This is a link up for bloggers who want to gain followers and meet some awesome new bloggy buddies. I have met some pretty neat people by following them with GFC. It's so easy to keep up to date with all of my fav blogs :)

Not sure if this is the blog hop for you? Listen to what other bloggers have to say...

"Just to let you know, your blog hop is the best I've participated in for gaining new friends!!! I couldn't believe the results!! Thank you!"LL

- Danavee, This Vintage Grove

Has the GFC Collective done wonders for your following? Let me know, shoot me an email at peacoatsandplaid(at)gmail(dot)com

Bre @ Peacoats and Plaid

Autumn @ The Busy Bee

Heidi @ Antlers & Roses

and our lovely co-host for the week

Ashley @ Oh Wells Instead of What Ifs

...want to co-host? Email Bre at peacoatsandplaid(at)gmail(dot)com

A Little Housekeeping

A couple of things for you to digest before you start your weekend...

1.  Did you make health resolutions?  Well Jenn, Chelsea and I are going to help you keep them!!  Come visit us every Wednesday and link up to The Biggest Loser: Blogger Edition.  We won't be kicking anyone off, you will get the chance to earn prizes and best of all, it's your chance to share your triumphs, challenges, workouts, recipes, motivation and inspire each other as we all make 2013 the year we keep our health and wellness goals.  So join us Wednesday to share your story!

2.  I did a little guest post on This Won't Hurt A Bit.  If you have a road trip coming out, check out my tips and spend some time getting to know Renee as well!  She's an absolute doll!

3.  The Life: Stylish had a big week!  My first blog makeover went live this week!  Check out the design I did for Kim's blog Slice of Life!  Does your blog need a touch up or even a complete makeover? Check out what The Life: Stylish has to offer!  I'm super affordable and will do everything I can to make your ideas come to life...err screen.

4.  I saw this on Pinterest and I am totally obsessed so, I had to share!

Source

Have a fan-freakin-tastic weekend lovelies!

Hunter Knows What the Ladies Like

So, every time I hear Wanted by Hunter Hayes, I almost cry.  I mentioned yesterday that I am a total sap when it comes to music (among other things) but the thing is, little Hunter hits the nail on the head.  The feeling I love/long for, more than anything, is to feel wanted.




So dear future husband, take note!  If you say or write any of the following to me, I'll melt.  I won't even care that a man child gave you his words to use instead of your own.  And to make it simple, here you go!



You know I'd fall apart without you  
I don't know how you do what you do  
'Cause everything that don't make sense about me 
Makes sense when I'm with you   
Like everything that's green, girl I need you 
But it's more than one and one makes two 
Put aside the math and the logic of it 
You gotta know you're wanted too 
{I was never that good at math anyway}

'Cause I wanna wrap you up 
Wanna kiss your lips 
I wanna make you feel wanted 
And I wanna call you mine 
Wanna hold your hand forever 
Never let you forget it 
Yeah, I wanna make you feel wanted 
{holding hands is just about my favorite thing}

Anyone can tell you you're pretty
(Yeah) You get that all the time, I know you do
 But your beauty's deeper than the makeup
 And I wanna show you what I see tonight 
{It's it funny that we think we are prettiest when we are all done up, but feel prettiest when that special someone tells us we look best without it?}

When I wrap you up 
When I kiss your lips 
I wanna make you feel wanted 
And I wanna call you mine 
Wanna hold your hand forever 
Never let you forget it 
'Cause baby I wanna make you feel wanted 

As good as you make me feel 
I wanna make you feel better 
Better than your fairy tales 
Better than your best dreams 
You're more than everything I need 
You're all I ever wanted 
All I ever wanted 
{This verse really makes me melt.  If the love that is waiting for me is better than all the fairy tales and my best dreams, then I can't wait to be in it.}

And I just wanna wrap you up 
Wanna kiss your lips 
I wanna make you feel wanted 
And I wanna call you mine 
Wanna hold your hand forever 
Never let you forget it 
Yeah, I wanna make you feel wanted 
Yeah, baby I wanna make you feel - Wanted 
'Cause you'll always be wanted
{I want to know I will always be wanted... so far always hasn't happened yet}


Something about this song gives me faith that there is an extraordinary love out there for me.  One that makes me feel wanted.

What songs give you hope?

20 Things to Know About Me

1. Rum makes me cry...always.

2.  Speaking of crying, I am very moved by movies, music, plays and sometimes even commercials.

3.  I have an unhealthy obsession with things that sparkle, specifically chandeliers.

4. If it were work appropriate and socially acceptable, I would only wear flip flops.

5.  I love things that are black and white.  Movies, Accessories, Clothes...

6.  I always read the last two pages of a book before I buy it.

7.  Giant Jenga is my favorite game.

8.  Just like Kym, I drink pickle juice from the jar.

9.  I dip any and all finger foods in ranch.

10. The beach is my happy place, any beach.

11. Even though I work in online communication and live for social media, I refuse to use digital 

planners.  I prefer a hard copy.

12. I had scarlet fever as a kid.

13. You know what they say about girls with big wrists and feet?  Bangles hardly ever fit and 

most shoes have to be purchased full price.

14. I'm cold 95% of the time.

15. I was in a Christian rock music video once.

16. I eat Ramen noodles far more often than any financially stable adult should.

17.  I hate watching the news and don't do it unless forced.  I would rather read about whats going 

on in the world.

18.  Highlighters and post it notes are by far my favorite office supply and I hoard stock up on them.

19.  I don't channel surf.  It drives me crazy to switch back and forth.  I commit to one show at a time.

20.  I just decided I liked cucumbers about 3 months ago.

Only a few hours left to link up with Kym from Travel Babbles and share your 20 things!

Holy Vegas

Vegas did me in.  I don't know if it was the 152 jello shots, the staying out way past my bedtime or the excessive liver damage, but I'm not going to lie to you,  I sound a little like Demi Moore.  My voice is super sexy.  Don't be jealous.

Since I am still trying to get my life back together (and can't get my brain to focus enough to write anything meaningful) I thought I would just overload you all with pictures from my two week vacation.  Enjoy!

1) A gorgeous sunrise welcoming me back to Arizona.  2)  A shameless selfie after I went back to my natural hair color
3) present wrapping on the wild side!  4) The gift of great makeup!  I just love benefit cosmetics and Too Faced! 5) Doing a little design work- and I mean a little.  Sooo behind! 6)The family tree  7)The holiday sweatshirt I wore out to the bars on Christmas night.  One man told me I was too pretty for such an ugly sweatshirt and then asked me to arm wrestle.  I didn't know how to respond, so I got another drink. 8) I gave my sisters all my old dance costumes.  Now they have the best dress up clothes in town.  Mom, you're welcome!  9)  Took my brothers to a basketball game.  It was one of my favorite nights home.  10) Reunited with some of my best friends.  Lauren and I did the usual, Suns game and then drank our sorrows after they lost.  11) Inspiration for my next art project.

And then Vegas happened... 1) This is what 152 Jell-o shots look like in your fridge. 2) Some of my favorite girls, at The Bank.  We're so money!  3.  We found Alan and baby Carlos on the strip after our scavenger hunt. 4) Another shameless selfie.  5) Partying with Lil 'John at Surrender. 6)  The beautiful bride to be! 7) The whole gang.

So there you have it, my life for the last two weeks.  What have you all been up to?  I feel so out of the loop!