So it’s finally here…Valentine’s Day…and when you think of Valentine’s Day what comes to mind….chocolates, and candy and all other delicious treats…right? Well ok maybe a few other things pop into mind as well, but let’s not go there, huh? 😉
So the other day I was scrolling through one of my newly favorite blogs LaurenConrad.com and I came across this recipe for adorable Valentine’s Day inspired cupcakes! Take a look here
So I decided that being I have a day off today! I was gonna give it a shot and make my own cute festive cupcakes for my family!
These are Red Velvet cupcakes with “Vanilla” whipped cream frosting and I had some batter left over so I made a little heart shaped cake! I’m kind of the world’s worst cupcake froster… so I did my best! hugs and kisses to you and your loved ones today!
So being that my wardrobe this week has consisted of sweats and pjs, I highly doubt that makes a fashion statement…basically the only thing that is really says is “I’m sick and don’t really care to get dressed,” and well that’s pretty boring…so I’ve decided to take a page from my inspiration…
Actress Bethany Joy Lenz, mostly known for her role as Haley on One Tree Hill has a blog favorite where she does a #WardrobeWednesday edition. She shows a few of her favorite looks from the week and shares where she purchased her pieces…
She has been the inspiration for a few of my wardrobe posts…
So I’d like to share with you some of my favorite Bethany looks! Enjoy fashionistas!
So here are a few cool things I’ve come across that I thought I’d share…
1.) As you know, I am zombie obsessed thanks to #thewalkingdead so if you’re a fan go on and #DEADYOURSELF using amc’s new facebook app! I’m sure you can get it on your mobile devices as well!
It’s super fun here’s mine:
Zombie Girl Dead Yourself #thewalkingdead
2.) Music is also always on my brain, and I am sure many of you have probably heard “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers on your local radio stations… BUT have you seen the video…. this is by far one of the coolest videos I’ve ever seen! Very unique and makes me want to go have a big ole family dinner with these guys! See for yourself!
3.) So this week I’ve also been fighting a bit of a chest cold and so naturally I’m spending a lot of time on the couch, and obviously that means lots of tv watching…
the other day I caught that movie with Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy…”This Means War” and O-M-G it was pretty hysterical, Chelsea Handler is also in it and she’ll make you pee your pants!
Watch the trailer and see if you’d be interested in checking it out!
Every February it dawns on me…just a number of years ago I was in one of the most desired places in the world Paris, France. In 2009 I went on a week and a half trip to France with my high school. It’s still to this day the only plan ride I’ve ever taken in my life, but hey when you go, you should go big right?
The first day was long and rainy, and combined with jet lag, the walking tour was hellish. We came off a 6 hour flight and hit the ground running…visiting sight after sight. We were all cold, tired and hungry. And I think it’s safe to say we all just wanted to go home. Paris wasn’t agreeing with us…but once we all settled in…the magic soon began.
I have this box full of France momentos; train metro-cards, photos, the itinerary we followed, even a euro coin… all just little things I keep to remind me, of such a pivotal trip. It’s not every day you get to experience France with some of your good friends.
Paris is the type of place, you dream about, the type of place you experience through television and movies. But for me it was tangible. I could feel it, I could taste it, I could see it, in all it’s glory. Of course my single heart took a small hit when we went to see the Eiffel Tower, on Valentine’s Day… I mean if that’s just not a slap in the face I don’t know what is, LOL. First we actually saw it in the day time then went back at night for a boat ride, and watched as they lit the tower. Next, we got to go in and take the scary but magical glass elevator all the way to the top… nothing stands in the way of the awe you feel being at the top of the tower looking out over the city.
The lights twinkling about will make you weak in the knees. Naturally proposals were the talk of us youngings as some of us saw happy local girls agreeing to wed. That’s something huh? To be in some strange way a part of a couples history.
It’s going to be 5 years since my trip, and I still think back to it often. It was til this day, one of the most amazing experiences in my life. Of course every trip has it’s flaws, and the beauty that is France is no exception.
Because we were such a large “American” tourist group, the hotels we stayed at were a little too accommodating in the food department. So by the 4th or 5th night, we were all really sick of chicken, and potatoes, LOL. The main thing I can say is that we got to experience Paris on our own as well. We were able to roam the streets and then had an assigned meeting spot that we would have to be back at, for a certain time. This was the most exciting part because it allowed us time to really drink in the city. My friends and I would go off and wander on our own terms then meet up with other wanderers and gradually make our way back to our big group to continue our schedule.
France is a different world, the pace is different, the people are different, the fashion and food portions are very different! 😀 The life itself is different.
We got to see Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre; The Mona Lisa, The beaches of Normandy, many many many castles, many museums, many other churches, and got to sit in on a wine cellar presentation. Now I know what your thinking, it’s France right and in France the drinking age is what loosely anywhere from 14-18? Well let’s just say us “American” kids weren’t exactly allowed to participate in the wine tastings, but well maybe we found a way….hey maybe that’s when my wine obsession really began? Hmmm? 😉
France is an amazing place. We went to a bowling alley/arcade, ate dinner in a “cave”, and had a dance off with some kids from the UK…it’s safe to say U-S-A won 😉 And in all that time, memories upon memories where being made. Pictures are always there to remind us, but memories hold our own moving images. We commit certain things to memory in such a way that it allows us to relive it whenever we want.
I know you’ve heard the rumors, how the French hate Americans, and in my experience, well that would be true! LOL. When you have a giant group of kids come into your restaurant and only one or two speak minimal french, I guess you tend to get pissed. But it’s not to say that every run in was bad, we met some locals that were very welcoming. I think it’s all about how you carry yourself. If I were to go back today, on my own just to explore at my leisure, I think the experience would be even greater. I’m not the same person I was 5 years ago, I mean I still have all the same values, (and probably all the same quirks) but I’m just a little more mature, I’ve done a little growing up… (or at least I hope I have…LOL)
So France.. Honey, Sweetie, I do hope we meet again…and in the meantime…
Thanks for the memories…
Signed, Michèle (Michelle) 😉
xoxo
I had to….here’s a random music selection from my “Paris Playlist” I made for the flight:
Enjoy and Stay warm folks, “Nemo’s” coming in like a tiger!
I think this day in age, a lot of pressure is put on Valentine’s Day. Girls expect their guys to plan something great and even if they do, sometimes it just never measures up to what you envisioned in your mind. If you ask me, I think if your guy doesn’t treat you like your special the rest of your days together, then what does it matter if he does on Valentine’s Day. After all when you think about it, it is just another day of the week, like Groundhog Day. I’m just trying to make sense of the fact that you don’t need to have the world handed to you on Valentine’s Day, all girls really look for is to spend time with their boyfriends or fiances or whatever type of relationship genre they may be in at the moment; jeez this whole dating thing is complicated isn’t it? LOL Girls really just want to know that you’re thinking about them. Gentlemen start your engines…
BUT…Don’t burn a hole in your pocket fellas!…
Chocolate & Flowers ❤ #done
(then again you may have a crazy materialistic girlfriend…and for that I am sorry :P)
Happy Valentine’s Day ❤
P.S. If your single, you can have fun too…I had a “Valentine’s Day” Dinner last year that was the best Valentine’s Day Ever! I cooked, had some great desserts ready and my girls and I just talked, had champagne and really enjoyed ourselves. Valentine’s Day can be about the people you love in general, and my friends are my sanity and all deserved a great night!
Last Year we were Best Friend Valentines, but this year she’s upgraded 😉 #yougogirl xoxo
Little goodie bags for the girls ❤
Whatever you end up doing next week…
Whether you are one of these….
Don’t piss a girl off, who’s holding a bat!
Or one of these…
Remember to make someone feel loved…buy your mom a flower, give your brother or sister a box of candy, tell your friends you value their opinions, hug your dad… Appreciating those around you, is what it’s all about 😀
Happy Valentine’s Day Folks!
xoxo
-<3-
BTW: This song is on reply as we speak…acoustic versions are always better!!!
So I think it’s safe to say that in another life I was living in an old cabin writing by a fireplace and sipping on some wine with some type of jazzy/bluesy record playing in the background… it’s a wonder that I’m such an old soul. I love wine…I mean I’m not into the whole big fancy brands and all, I’m pretty cheap actually. Whatever is 20 bucks and under and tastes sweet I’m in! There’s nothing like grabbing a glass of wine with the girls and talking about life and all it’s annoying mysteries 😉
It all started two years ago when I went upstate to Warwick New York, to visit family and went to a town festival; Apple Fest. It’s this amazing huge town festival where you can find booths selling anything and everything. You walk along and there are booths
My friend Lauren picked up this adorable hand painted sunflower wine class for me, I had my eye on it during Apple Fest… how cute is it? ❤
with many types of foods, clothes, etc. My favorite booths are the jewelry booths, homemade jams, and of course wine! It’s a long walk through town, but definitely worth it! The wine stand was Applewood Winery and they even allow taste tests of all the different flavors they offer. My favorite is Ruby’s Kiss.
This next bottle of wine is Beringer’s White Zinfandel Moscato,
My best friend Kate, actually introduced me to this and we’ve been hooked on it ever since! Many local restaurants carry it!
This last bottle of wine is a house hold favorite for me and my girl Lauren! she comes over and we break open what we like to call the “blue wine,” it’s on the sweeter side. This is Bartenura Moscato.
Lucy Hale on Pretty Little Liars… that vest is just pure LOVE
Bethany Joy Lenz “Errand Running Look” #LOVE #WardrobeWednesday
Lauren Conrad…I’m obsessed with scarves! 😀
Paired with Red Jeans and although you can’t tell… a pair of nude colored flats
Personal Looks: Here’s my favorite leopard sweater worn in three different ways 😀
A dressier version…paired with black tank , black skirt, brown tights, and once again no shoe shot…but I had on gold flats (dang you instagram always cutting off shoes!)
Paired with green jeans, a green scarf, and black uggs…of course here you actually do see my feet but my uggs are off and I’m wearing my Christmas socks! LOL
Check out that kindergarten signature style haha 😉
Michelle: (2L’s people, 2L’s!) Means “Close to God.” Of French origin…feminine form of Michael: Who is like God…Gift from God.
Urban Dictionary: (I swear if you ever need a pick me up…look your name up on Urban Dictionary)
^^^^ Michelle: A good girl; someone who believes in doing the right thing at all cost. Believes in fate and has high morals. Dislikes lying and thinks family is important. At times can be stubborn and not think. Clumsy. Tends to be nice to people, but gets annoyed easily and doesn’t trust very well. Tends to have pretty eyes. Unique and often called odd. – Urban Dictionary
Aries Fact: Very friendly, intolerant to injustice and defends the weak.
Sunflowers are better …just sayin’
Birth Flower: Daffodil (although i prefer sunflowers, but watevs lol)
Symbolizes rebirth, respect, and unrequited love. hmmmm?
Birthstone: Aquamarine
Signifies peace and serenity; used to soothe and calm and alleviates fears and phobias. Releases anxiety and restlessness. I need to wear these suckers more often!!!!
Something many may not know about me is that I’m kind of infatuated with zombies. My family is hooked on AMC’s The Walking Dead, (if you don’t watch it…well…you should!) and every Sunday that it’s on, you can bet we gather around the tv and watch together. Usually it involves me and my brother screaming at the television and calling “Andrea” a big whore, (pardon my french…but if you watch it you’ll understand) because she sleeps with every single man who challenges Rick and the remaining survivors. Unknowingly of course, but seriously can someone really be that oblivious!
Anyhow… Moving on…Now that we’ve finally hit February, it’s only a matter of days until the second half of it’s 3rd Season hits our screens. When we left off, our favorite survival team was in quite a pickle, left entering a new world orchestrated by this devil of a “governor.” The survivors have lost many friends along the way, and now they’ve got to worry about whether or not they’ve lost one of their main front-men; Daryl, who has been taken (without their knowledge)… and well… for lack of a better analogy “thrown to the zombies.”
Rick
Rick (a cop and the team’s leader) leads his people into this new world in search of two more of their own; Maggie and Glenn who have been taken and held captive. In their search, all hell breaks loose. Waging war on a newly found set of survivors is proving to be quite the ballsy task.
Maggie
Glenn
These characters I’ve mentioned are definitely my favorites, but there are some that have been killed off that I seriously disagree with (Dale, Shane,T-Dog, and “Whore-y Lori”…just a little nick name I’ve given her haha) and then there are tonsss of characters still living that I think are useless…case in point… Carol…she does nothing. And that blonde chick whose name I will never know because I just don’t care! Anyhow I’m super stoked for the new episodes to start, I think we’ve only got a taste of what’s to come. But let’s all agree, the best part of the show is all the awesome zombie kills and, I think it’s safe to say Glenn is responsible for about half of them, haha. He’s turned into such a major bad-ass! All I can say is BRING ON THE ZOMBIES!!!!
Zombie Prep…
**Inspired by the show….my brother and I had a “Zombie and Friends” Halloween Party this past year… take a look at the transformation…. (it’s pretty hysterical!) All actual party photos taken by “Zombie” Photographer Robert DeSantos Jr. 😉
I got this cool slashed neck piece and then poured blood all over my neck….guess zombie girl was on someone’s shit list…lol
P.S. My brother and I made a party promo video too…
check it 😉
Zombie Wardrobe
My wardrobe consisted of a flannel shirt that I ripped and tore up, and then poured fake blood and coffee grains (blood & dirt) all over it, making it seem like I put up quite the zombie fight what with “rising from the dead” and all. Under the flannel shirt I wore an old white t-shirt that was covered, and i mean covered in fake blood, and a pair of old beat up skinny jeans and moccasins. Whatever she was a hipster zombie girl… those exist 😉
The Zombie Experience
“Zombie Rob”… Rob Zombie meets #thewalkingdead LOL
How freakin’ awesome is this?
I have to say all in all everyone had a really great time, our guests were totally game for taking really hysterical photos and just really embraced the whole zombie entity of the party, taking on the roles of their costumes as they posed for pictures, running from zombies, or fighting back. We had some Army brats home for the weekend, a Geeky couple, a Vampire-ress, a Lumberjack, a Cat, Dorothy and Todo stopped by on their way to Kansas with a Cowboy in tote, Waldo was finally found, even Spiderman and President Obama made an appearance. But the zombie siblings definitely dominated 😉 It was a great time had by many! The zombie experience was awesome, it was daring for me because I’ve never done the whole scary Halloween costume thing, so it was a lot of fun, and worth all the prep! If you’ve never been a zombie…do it, it’s a blast!
Michelle Leigh Writes 