Month: May 2016

My Weekend in Outfits-Part 1

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

This past weekend I went out to celebrate my best friend’s 25th birthday. We enjoyed a really great Mexican meal and danced a bit at a club filled with a fog machine, a disco ball, an electronic bull, and a whole lot of Spanish music. Sometimes I act my age. Other times, I’m 25 going on 85. #GrandmaSouls

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As the summer weather begins to creep in, I wanted to create a fashion look both cute, and comfortable. Something that I would survive the heat in.

So here’s what I came up with and I have to admit, I was happy with the end result.

Here’s the look in-you guessed it-crappy cell phone pictures. 😀

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How flawless is that printed set on my best friend. #FashionistaSistas

For this look I wanted to include darker, more timeless shades and pieces, and enhance it with accessories and a bold shoe and red nails. #YouGuessedIt #IAlsoRockedMyBLUEHeels #YetAgain.

[See my first post on styling them HERE]

OUTFIT:

-Gray and black checkered capri dress pants

-A simple light weight razor back black tank top

-Blue heeled sandles

-Red nails

ACCESSORIES:

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HAIR:

I basically just used some products; curling mousse, curling serum, dry shampoo for volume, and hairspray and then I braided two braids on either side of my head and pinned them back. I curled the rest of my hair and pulled it to the side twisting it up into a messy side bun, with a few clear elsatics. I added the flower to dress up the simple do.

MAKE-UP:

I got my inspiration for this look from a video linked below.

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I just combined alot of whites, browns, reddish orange bronze colors, and golds, lined with black eyeshadow on the top and bottom water lines and blended a nude lipstick and a dark brown over top. You can basically make your own adjustments to this look, but I really loved it! Especially this lip combo-Left: wet n wild’s 900B “Pink Suga.” Right: Revlon’s 665 “Choco-Liscious.” I will definately be doing this look again.

Natural Brown Makeup Tutorial- 90’s Inspired

So there is my look, I felt chic and sophiscated but funky with the blue heels, red nails, big rings and studded purse. Those little touches definately made the outfit less businessy and more me.

****Segway****

As part of my best friend’s present this year I got her tickets to a concert-

Here’s how I told my best friend we’re going to see Bethany Joy Lenz in concert!

Bethany Joy Lenz L.A. -by ljGUNDERSON

 

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I got her a card and printed out the concert poster to fold up and leave in the card. On it I wrote a little riddle that read:

She’s someone we’ve always admired.

Beautiful and unique.

A”Joy” to watch on screen.

A voice, oh so sweet.

She’s finally touring- New York City.

I hope you are free.

So we can live out a childhood dream

And finally see our ultimate idol;

a girl we’ll always know as “Haley.”

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We can’t wait….full blog post (and possibly vlog) coming for that- post July 28th!

*All photos (except those of Bethany Joy) are my own*

-<3-

Before That Summer

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Before that summer

Bailey stands in line at the local Starbucks, excited to get her daily dose of much needed caffeine when her phone starts to ring.

She looks down and her breath catches in her throat.

Him, she thinks.

What could he possibly want?

It’s been months and they haven’t spoken.

She freezes in line not knowing what to do. Her palms instantly clamming up.

“Next,” the barista calls greeting Bailey with a warm smile.

Bailey stares and looking behind her she smiles at an older woman standing there.

“You can go ahead, I really need to take this,” she says stepping aside.

“Oh thank you sweetheart,” the silver haired woman with a bright pink smile says, stepping up to the counter to place her order.

Bailey walks to step outside the coffee house doors and into the corridor. She inhales sharply, her heart beating a mile a minute.

She exhales even more strongly before answering the call.

“Hello?” she says trying to remain calm and collected, because remaining “cool”- at this point-wasn’t an option.

He- was her kryptonite. And she didn’t necessarily mind.

“Hey. (Jimmy’s eyes light up as he paces his apartment floor) Wow. You answered. I really wasn’t expecting you to,” he says his voice light.

Just the sound of Jimmy’s voice makes Bailey’s heart smile.

“Oh well you know I could- just hang up-” she says in a playful tone.

He laughs.

“No, I just meant I figured you’d be in class, or at some fancy New York City gala, or brunch, brunch is big up there, right?”

“We have been known for our brunch scene, yes,” she says with a slight laugh.

“Oh, I miss that laugh,” he says picking up a frame on his desk, he smiles at the picture of he and Bailey from their high school graduation.

Bailey’s stomach flips and fills with butterflies. Jimmy’s heart rate increases.

“I miss you. (Jimmy closes his eyes, taking it in for a beat) How are you? How’s everyone back home?”

“I’m good, everyone’s good. (He continues pacing) Home is home. Same ole small town filled with weird celebrations of the strangest things.”

“Ah carnival season.”

“It’s coming in like a freight train.”

“Oh I remember it well. So what’s the theme this year?”

“Love. Pink and Red basically threw up all over town. And they’ve got this cupid’s jingle playing every second of every day. Donny Fonny actually goes around dressed in a diaper with a Cupid’s bow and arrow shooting people and ordering them to “Love each other.”

“Oh my god, Mr. Old Donny Fonny in a diaper, I would pay big money to see that,” she says leaning against the wall of the corridor, just enjoying talking to him.

“And here I am complaining and I get to see it for free.”

 “Well I mean it’s basically Valentine’s Day in June. You must be overjoyed,” she giggles. “I know- it’s your favorite holiday,” she says sarcastically.

“Hey, my recent hatred has to do with the commerciality of it. I don’t think guys need a specific day to make them realize what they have should be celebrated. I could look at you every day and feel that. Hallmark doesn’t need to remind me. I know you’re amazing.”

“Jimmy.” She says her heart falling in her chest.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to call and hash up the past. I just…this whole love theme thing, it just made me think of you…more than I already do, and I wanted to hear your voice. Tell you that I’ve been thinking about you, and that I miss you. But that I’m so proud of you for making it out of Everdale and going for it. Chasing after your dream. I’ve always just wanted the best for you, even if it took you away from me.”

“You know…we could always revisit the fact that I did ask you to come with me? But you were the one who thought ending things worked best. I never understood that. It broke my heart. It still does.”

“It broke mine just as much you have to know that. But come on, did you really want to ruin your college experience by bringing along an anchor.”

“You were never an anchor Jimmy, come on, you know that.”

Jimmy flops onto his couch as he sighs.

“What?” Bailey asks as she steps outside the Starbucks doors and makes a B-line to the nearest path into the park.

“Nothing.”

“Talk to me.”

Bailey sits on a park bench as she watches couples interact in public displays of affection all around her.

“I can’t. Not over the phone. Not about this. I wish I could see you. Any plans to visit home anytime soon?”

“Well I actually have my last final in just a bit…so then my summer is wide open.”

“Interesting,” he says his smile bright as he kicks his feet up onto his coffee table and puts his free hand on the back of his head, lounging out.

“Very.”

“I guess we can call it perfect timing.”

“I guess so.”

“Do you think there’s any chance that you’ll look me up when you get home, city girl?”

“Hmm, I don’t know about any city girls looking you up, but I can promise you you’ll be this country girl’s first stop.”

“Country girl, huh?”

“Hey I may be in the Big Apple, but I will always love Everdale more than any place I’ll ever go, its home. Besides I packed my cow girl boots, no one’s taking the country out of me.”

“Glad to hear it. Because this old town misses you and your cowgirl boots.”

“Really? Do they now?”

“Yea I mean I know one guy in particular who kind of had a thing for a blonde in leather brown boots.”

“They were always your favorite.”

“They still are. So why don’t you hop on plane and bring them home. And maybe you and I can pick up where we left off?”

“Maybe. Like I said my summer is wide open.”

“New adventures.”

“And a few old ones.”

“I can’t wait to see you.”

“I can’t wait to see you.”

“Bye Bailey.”

“Bye Jimmy.”

Bailey hangs up as her lips curl into the biggest smile, the fluttering in her stomach settles into a warm feeling, a sense of hope and home.

Jimmy hangs up the phone as a smile spreads across his face, he walks over to his computer and sits down. On his screen a list of apartment listings in New York is shown.

Bailey gets up as she sets off to walking toward her campus and her last final, the key to the start of her most exciting Summer yet.

Jimmy opens one of his desks drawers and reaching into it he pulls out a small black box.

He opens it, displaying a sparkling diamond ring. His eyes shift from his next adventure to the same picture of he and Bailey on his desk. He smiles at her smiling face.

“I’m never letting you go again,” he says to himself as his heart flutters in anticipation.

-The End-

(for now)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yellow. Blue. Red. Look

michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

You ever have an event coming up and instinctively begin planning an outfit to wear for it in your head? Sometimes it’s based on pieces you already have in your wardrobe. Sometimes it’s based on inspiration you come across. And sometimes it’s completely fictitious and you basically think of it out of thin air. And then- the hunt begins.

For me the hunt is the worst part of fashion; the worst part about being a woman. Because you hop from store to store trying to look for pieces that fit this fashion vision. A vision that doesn’t necessarily exist.

I’ve wanted to try this yellow, blue and red color scheme out in an outfit for a few years now. And I finally got the chance to play!

My vision was to wear a yellow dress, with blue heels and red accents; nails & of course lips. (You guys know I LOVE a red lip.)

The dress was a surprising find. But I gave up hope on the blue shoes for a while, until recently one day I came across a pair of ankle strapped sandals and I instantly fell in love.

The heels were actually bought and worn for an entirely different outfit and I actually wore the yellow dress once before styled differently. But as the pieces of my dream outfit slowly began piling in place, I finally took my latest invite to wear this dream outfit of mine.

Let me break it down for you. *In crappy, edited cell phone pics. :/

Full Look all pulled together:

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Close-ups of my makeup:

I basically used a lot of bronze colors, golds, whites and browns, filled in my eyebrows, applied mascara, and I used a navy blue eyeshadow as eyeliner on top and bottom. Then I used a red lip pencil (with a berry undertone) and a matte bright red lipstick over top. Bronzer, Blush and highlighter were also in effect in this look.

(How flawless does my best friend look??? #BrightLipsOnPoint #BrightLipSistas)

My accessories:

I love gold accessories. I think they complemented the pale yellow color of the dress nicely. I also chose the mirrored “diamond” rings to complement each other. And now that I think about it all the detailing in my outfit was silver; my zipper up the back of my dress, my shoe buckles and my purse zipper. So the mirrored accents on my jewelry tied all that in.

I skipped a necklace this time and went for some really cool funky peacock feathered earrings that hung down and dressed up my hair in the process. I love how the greens and blues of the feather complemented the yellow and the red.

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Ignore the after hours makeup mess. lol. I was just trying to get the earrings in. haha.

 

I also added a blue clutch to match the shoes and a taupe cardigan to match the underlying layer of the yellow eyelet dress.

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My clutch is actually double sided. The other side is black, which I didn’t mind too much even with such a bright outfit, because the soles of my blue heels are black. So it all tied in. And let’s be real I made sure the blue side was on display to match the blue heels.

Clutch Essentials:

I’m a big purse kind of girl. On a regular basis, I usually carry a huge purse or bag. My purse is essentially my life in a bag. So how does a girl like that downsize her sack bag, into a clutch? Here’s how I did it.

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*First choose a decent sized clutch, and just take the basics.

Money

ID

Keys

Lip products (for touch-ups)

Hair ties

Hand sanitizer

A mirror

Pill case with Tylenol & Tums 

Packages of Pepto Bismal & Claritin

Granola bar

Emergency Pads/Liners (#girlprobs #noshame)

Oil absorbing sheets

Gum

Band-Aids

Tissues (not pictured)

My Catholic saints, rosary and pray rock- treasures that come with me wherever I go.

*Tip: Leave the flats or flip flops and sunglasses in the car.

* I know this seems like a long list, but I fit everything and had a little wiggle room. #missionaccomplished

My Hair: 

For my hair style I went pretty simple. I washed my hair, and left it in a top knot after applying products; curling serum, curling mousse and hairspray. I let those products take and dry a bit as I did my makeup. When I was ready to start my hair, I took it down and found it dried in a scrunched formation. Which is what I wanted. Then I blow dried it and added some dry shampoo to the crown for volume along with more hairspray before curling my hair with my curling wand. After that I shook the curls loose by tipping my head over and running my fingers through my hair. Then parted my hair on the side, swept my curly hair to the side and used an clear elastic to put it into a side pony tail. I opted for the clear elastic, because you couldn’t see it, and my curls didn’t get squashed by a big old hair tie. After curling a few front pieces to frame my face, I secured any bumps or flyaways with some bobby bins and Voila! Done.

**I really loved how this look turned out. The dress was a pale yellow, with a unique eyelet detail and so I opted for a neutral taupe cardigan this way the bold red lips and bright shoes didn’t clash. There is certainly a variety of color here, but when blocked a certain way, I really think a look like this can work.

So is there a certain look you’ve been wanting to try out, but haven’t. 

Three words. Go. For. It.  

*All photos are my own.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one’s for all my To Do List Makers

michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

Things to Do.

I’m a To Do List girl.

It helps me to visually see the things I need to get done on paper or in a memo in my phone.

However, even though I find them extremely helpful when trying to organize my life and get my shit together, the longer the list the more daunting it feels. The anxiety to get it all done is real. You feel like you won’t be able to get it done. And sometimes that can hinder any progress at all. It’s a weight on your shoulders. And your deadline to do these things becomes something you try to avoid. And procrastination rears its ugly head.

Why do we do this?

When January started, I came up with this idea to write out my mega long To Do List for reference, but then to make a smaller goal for each month. A sub To Do List if you will. Well, that lasted and worked for about a week and the lists got lost in the shuffle of life.

Lately I have been feeling a bit out of sync with the things I’ve been wanting to accomplish this year. I still make To Do lists but I just feel like the items continuously get pushed back to the next day’s list and nothing gets done. I know I’m not the only one who faces this problem, I know life happens and when you have crucial day to day things that need to get done and a job you need to plan and prep for, it’s hard to not let the ball drop every now and then.

But recently, I got out my mega To Do List, to regain focus and as I went through it, I realized how many things I have been doing and what I needed to still work on. It was incredible to see that even without the list in my face, my focus hadn’t completely left its rightful place.

Granted I still have a lot of work to do. But as someone who deals with anxiety and can sometimes feel overwhelmed by life and it’s ever changing ways and long strain of to do lists, I’ve found that I’m capable of so much more than I think I am. And I also realize that To Do List do inevitably work for me as an organization tool. Because when my mind is all over the place and there’s so much going on, I can’t trust my brain to remember everything. Writing it all down helps. There is a strange satisfaction that you feel, when you are able to work through your list and check things off one by one. It makes you feel productive, like you’re getting shit done.

So if you are in need of an organizational brain spring cleaning, start with a To Do List. Keep it short. Don’t make yourself anxious by trying to do everything in one day. I do that all the time and then I get discouraged when I can’t accomplish everything. When you break your list down to what’s most important, you will be able to see what can wait til the next day.

Trust me. To Do Lists. They work. Get it girl. Organize your life. 😉

 

* I do not own any images used. *

-<3-

 

 

Sophia Bush: “Casual” Style Files

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Sophia Bush: “Casual” Style Files

Read my First Sophia Bush Fashion Style Files HERE

Meet Erin Davis HERE

I love fashion and experimenting with it. But lately with my current job position being a bit more of a relaxed dress code environment, I’ve found myself reaching for more simple pieces; jeans, plain t-shirts, cardigans or flannels (oh flannels, what would I do without you?), and converse.

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This well-known accessories girl has implemented a few key simple jewelry pieces that I wear basically every day. Which is quite the change for a lover of jewelry.

And I’ve noticed that in this change, I’ve sought out some laid back fashion inspiration. I’ve reached for basics and practicality, because when you feel comfortable, your performance at work and in life- shines greater.

Now don’t get me wrong I still love fashion. I love color and prints and mixing and matching. I love accessorizing and picking which pieces will make an outfit complete. But it’s nice to throw on something comfortable and have a well-rounded look, especially when you’re busy.

So let’s get into the Sophia Bush talk. The reason I chose her is because well I love her, and I love her style. I think she does casual really well. Her looks come across effortless, chic and just super chill. So much so that it gives high fashion a run for its money.

Here are some of my favorite casual Sophia Bush Looks:

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The casual look I think stems from playing detective Erin Lindsay on NBC’s Chicago PD. Bush’s character is a badass and she catches the bad guys while looking flawless in a t-shirt and jeans. She was actually a huge inspiration for me, when I decided to chop my hair off last summer. Can’t wait to do it again this summer. #LongHairAndSummerHeatNoBueno

Have you ever been slightly jealous of a woman who can make a t-shirt and jeans looks so damn cool, calm and collected? Like she doesn’t even have to try. And yea I’m sure Lindsay dresses this way because she needs to be comfortable on the job while she bangs down doors, speed races in cop car chases, and avoids the temptation to kiss her co-worker boyfriend while clocked in, but Bush’s “Lindsay” has transformed the casual look into a staple for me and many fans who were obsessed with her fashion forward Brooke Davis character on CW’s One Tree Hill. (Check out my “Erin Davis” Blog Post linked above for a fashion comparison of these two characters.)

Take a look at Erin Lindsay’s Style:

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Chicago P.D. - Season 2

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What I love about Bush’s looks are how she keeps the comfort of basic pieces but throws in some odd pieces to brighten the look; like a bright colored or funky printed purse or shoe, or a really chunky statement necklace or my favorite- a killer pair of shades. I think mixing really feminine pieces with simple more masculine clothing can make for a really dynamic look, all while just looking chill and like you just threw this together a few minutes before heading out the door.

Fashion is inspiring. I love gaining inspiration from people I admire. Watching TV and film has opened doors to the fashion world too. I can’t count how many times I’ve tried to dress like Lizzie McGuire back in the early 2000s. Sophia Bush is one of my favorites and I think she’s been inspiring my more laid back fashion, that and well my current lifestyle. #Change #SometimesItJustFits

Now I wish I could pull off the casual look and make it look as fashion forward as she (or Detective Lindsay) does, but hey I can only be me. I’m sure I’ll be back to my bohemian side at some point. The cool thing I’ve realized about fashion, is that it evolves. Constantly. Style is not just one look. Sure we all want and try to keep up with the trends. But sometimes I find myself throwing caution to the wind and just wearing whatever the hell I want, whether or not it’s deemed “in style.” One day I can be rocking jeans and a t-shirt and the next on a weekend if I’m going out with friends or have a family occasion to attend; I’m rocking the dress and the heels and the makeup. Style doesn’t have to confine you into a small minded box. Style is just as much how you wear something as it is what you wear.

Style is mood. Style is occasion. Style is expression. Wear what you want to wear.

Wear what inspires you. Experiment. Nothing is set in stone.

*I do not take credit for any Sophia Bush images used.*

-<3-

 

 

 

On The Run- Part 8

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

ontherunposter

*** Read Part 7 HERE

Sage wakes the next morning feeling oddly light. The sun is shining through into her bedroom, the birds outside are chirping and the smell of coffee and bacon waft through the small crack under her door.

She smiles to herself as she sits up in her overly comfortable and fluffy bed, allowing herself to think about the night before and how good it felt to be in Charlie’s arms again.

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Getting out of bed, she grabs a robe and a pair of slippers, courtesy of sed- swanky hotel.

She unlocks her door and opens it to find Charlie dressed in nothing more than a fluffy white towel.

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“So…is clothing optional now? Clearly I missed the memo,” she says with a smile as she walks out of her room toward the bathroom.

Charlie laughs from the kitchen as he pours himself a cup of coffee.

“Clothes are in the wash.”

“Ah, lucky me. I guess I’ll just have to enjoy the view while I can.”

Charlie steps out to look at her, his eyebrow raises at her forward remark.

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Sage smirks his way, matching his eyebrow raise before walking into the bathroom.

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Charlie’s eyes stare after her, as he brings his cup to his lips, taking a sip.

Sage closes the door and leans against it.

“Damn,” she says smiling as she sets to brushing her teeth.

A few minutes later, Sage comes out to find a full room service breakfast spread upon the table.

To her dismay, Charlie is actually dressed.

“I knew I smelt bacon,” she says smiling as she walks over to Charlie, she leans up and kisses him sweetly on the lips. “Good Morning,” she says looking up at him.

Kissy 3

Charlie smiles, surprised, “Good Morning,” he says looking at her, he kisses her once more.

“Coffee?” he says returning to reality.

“Always,” she says holding a mug out as he pours her a cup.

“Shall we eat?”

“Yes. This looks great,” she says joining him at the kitchen island for breakfast.

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“Charlie, I just wanted to thank you for last night. The dream I had was…well it wasn’t exactly a dream but it was nice to have someone there to bring me back to the current moment. With you around, I actually feel like I could potentially put all this horrible stuff behind me one day.”

“I’m just glad I could help.”

Sage laughs and rolls her eyes.

“What?” he says confused.

“Are you really that self-less?”

“I don’t follow.”

“You’ve been saving my life since the day we met, and when I finally show you some long overdue gratitude…your response is literally just oh no biggy, glad I could help. Don’t you miss your freedom? God- I just feel like you’re doing all this to help me, and you’re not getting anything out of it.”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

He looks at her, their eyes locking.

“What would you say?”

“Sage, let me try to get you to understand something, (he says folding his hands and leaning over the island, closer to her.) You’re not a burden to me, I don’t feel trapped. I like being with you. I like helping you. I know we haven’t known each other long, but I can tell that you are a good woman. I look at you and I think- I can’t believe I ever lived a life without you in it. I’m here because I want to be. I want to be with you. So that’s what I get out of it. Just getting to be near you, is enough for me, right now.”

Sage looks at him, her eyes watering.

She stands up and walking over to him, she pulls him into a hug. He smiles, tightening his grip, as he rubs her back.

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“So…how’d you sleep the rest of night?” Charlie asks looking up at her from his sitting position.

“Ok,” she gives him a smile, as she cups his face, she then walks to the fridge for a bottle of water.

“Any more bad dreams?”

“Nope.”

“Good,” he smiles.

Sage walks back to the island and stands in front of Charlie, her glare shifts as she gets lost in thought.

Charlie notices.

“Hey, you okay?”

“Yea. I just- Charlie- It meant a lot to me that you cared enough to stop us last night, from-well- you know,” she laughs awkwardly.

awkward

 

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“Oh, trust me that wasn’t exactly easy,” he laughs.

“Oh I know,” she smiles at him, as he smirks.

“I hope you understand how badly I wanted to-” he says looking at her.

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“Oh I do. And I did to. Really badly,” she says laughing and avoiding his sexy glare.

“But you were right, it wasn’t the right time,” she says looking up at him.

Charlie smiles and nods in understanding.

“Look I get it. It’s ok. The way I see it is- we kind of rushed into having sex the first time. To the point where, it had you questioning my intentions. And that is something I never want to happen again. I didn’t intend to fall for you when I jumped in to help you, it just happened. It may have happened quickly, but it’s not something I’m taking lightly. The next time it happens between us. I want it to be when your ready. Completely ready.”

“Thank you,” Sage says, her smile simple and genuine.

Charlie smiles.

“So what’s on the agenda today?” Sage asks.

“I thought maybe you’d finally like to tell me the full story…I know there’s a lot your hiding from me, so much- that I’m wondering if you were even the one who committed the crime or if your just covering for someone.”

Sage looks at him stunned.

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“Where did that come from?”

“You’re not a violent person, Sage. I’ve been on the receiving end of your touch, it’s not malicious. It never could be.”

“People can be completely out of character when put in a certain circumstance.”

“What kind of circumstance?”

“Look I get that falling for a murderer, might be freaking you out a little. But it’s the truth. Don’t push this Charlie. Please. I can’t change who I am, or what I’ve done,” she says avoiding his question.

Charlie looks her over and sighs, looking away.

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“What?” she asks confused.

“You’re defensive. You won’t keep eye contact. You’re nervous.”

“Stop analyzing me. You’re not a cop anymore.”

“Just tell me the truth. I can help you and whoever else was involved.”

“I did tell you the truth.”

“Tell me the whole truth.”

“You know everything you need to know.”

Sage turns and storms out of the room.

Charlie rushes to follow her.

“Who are you protecting?”

“No one.”

“Sage-”

“I’m not doing this with you,” she says rushing toward the bathroom.

“Sage. Talk to me. Please. Sage. I love you.”

tears

Sage stops in the door frame of the bathroom.

“Stop it.”

“I do. I love you,” he says walking toward her.

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“Stop,” she says her eyes welling up as the tears spill over, she turns to be met by a strong embrace. Charlie holds her close.

“Talk to me. And I will protect you. I swear,” he whispers to her.

Sage pulls away from him.

“I can’t,” she says cupping his face and looking up at him through blurry vision.

Charlie sighs as he reaches up to wipe her tears away.

“It’s not that I don’t want to. I just. I can’t. I’m sorry. Please understand,” she says stroking his face, she leans up and kisses his lips sweetly before closing the door to the bathroom and starting the shower.

kiss kiss

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Charlie stands there dumbfounded.

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As Sage stands in the shower, leaning against the cold tile, the warm water running over her. She hugs herself as the tears pour down her face.

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To Be Continued….

I hope you’re enjoying! Please feel free to leave a comment down below.😀

-<3-

*I do not take credit for any images or gifs used in my edits or otherwise.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can’t Stop The Feeling

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Dance Dance Dance …

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Ok so it’s been 3 years since Justin Timberlake has released new music. And I honestly have been so busy with life that I didn’t realize it actually had been that long. Time flies. Also his last tour lasted like 2 years, 2 albums, and I went to three of his shows, so I needed a fangirl vacation. #25goingon80 #ImAnOldLady #IStillCreepedHisSocialMediasTho #CuzDuh

But when Justin Timberlake starts throwing out sneaky hints just a few days before dropping new music, the fangirl in me is all ears. Not to mention the cryptic pics of him in the studio with big names and good friends like Timbaland, Pharrell, and Little Big Town.

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So here it goes … (Oh hey look we got a video!)


The song is called “Can’t Stop The Feeling” and is an original single from DreamWorks Animation’s “Trolls” movie soundtrack, which Timberlake has executive produced and will be voicing the character of “Branch.” (Soundtrack-September 23rd; Film November 2016.)

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Where can you get it?

http://justintimberlake.com/news/274733

How great is this song?

The song was released Friday, May 6th at midnight, or so I thought. I think it was leaked earlier, but I didn’t listen because I didn’t want to risk getting a bad version and spoiling it for myself. Other than Justin’s few teases, I waited it out.  But then I saw people reacting to it and Justin responding before midnight and I realized it was up on Justin’s website with all the ways to find it. So I previewed it on Spotify (Cuz I was dying to hear it!) and I immediately started grooving. It is a true dance theme, feel good, happy song. You can’t help but be happy and dance along. So my next step- iTunes, #downloaded.

 

I really didn’t have any doubt that I’d love it.

It’s uplifting, and soulful, and the lyrics are magical. Justin’s vocals are on point. #ThatFalsettoTho and that funky guitar riff…yesss!!! If you think this song isn’t your jam, give it a second. It’ll get to you. The chorus is so catchy and so good! It’s for sure going to be the Summer of 2016 anthem. I can just see little baby Silas dancing with his daddy to this song as he awaits the “Trolls” movie!

Once again, you did it.

Welcome Home, JT.

Doing what you do best, creating epic music.

Fangirl Status: On

And so it begins, my friends. Get Ready.

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*I do not take credit for any images, videos, or music used.*

“Don’t Cry” – Something we should never say

michelleleighwrites 5 Comments

Dont Cry

 

“Don’t Cry”

We say it all the time.

To infants.

To friends.

To ourselves.

I found myself holding back tears often. In fear of showing “too much” emotion. Yet as I grow older I realize the importance of allowing yourself to express those emotions. It is not good for you, for your health, for your relationships, to keep things all bottled up inside. It’s important to let them out.

“No cry.”

“Stop crying.”

I’ve caught myself and others saying this to my goddaughter.

It’s a reflex, I think. An attempt to soothe, to calm, to comfort.

We say it because we are uncomfortable in the moment, in the sadness. In seeing someone we care about dealing with that sadness or hurt.

We say it because we think we are helping. Because we don’t know what else to say.

We are indeed trying to help.

There are good intentions behind it.

But at the age of 3 now I have seen her try and stop herself from crying when she is sad, or hurt, and it’s a lesson she doesn’t need to learn. Not now. Not ever.

“Don’t cry.”

We say it all the time.

But is it right?

When we say these things, we are telling ourselves, telling others that it’s not ok to feel.

That feeling whatever it is we/they feel is wrong.

But it isn’t.

Crying is natural.

We have tear ducks for a reason, no?

It’s a bodily function.

Blame it on biology.

Or applaud it, for allowing us a form of expression.

It’s ok to cry.

It’s ok to feel whatever it is you feel.

Whether you are right or wrong, in that moment, you feel it.

And no one can change that.

No one can tell you how to feel.

Because feelings aren’t something you can always control. And that’s ok.

And I’ve learned that sometimes the tears are just going to come.

And you have to learn to be ok with that.

Screw it.

Let the tears flow.

Sure it’s awkward.

It creates some unnecessary anxiety in you.

“What will people think?”

“Oh my god, what’s wrong with me?”

“I’m a total mess.”

“I look ridiculous.”

“I can’t believe I let this happen.”

No, you can’t control it all the time.

No, you are not a mess.

You are human.

Life will go on.

You will recover.

You will be ok.

Life is going to take a toll on all of us at some time, whether you are a child or an adult.

Whether you are crying because you lost a loved one, because someone broke your heart, because you finally got that job you always wanted, or because well… you are PMSing and watching Pocahontas. #Trustory #ColorsoftheWind #GetsMeEverytime

These thoughts of uneasiness stem from that gut feeling in you that thinks you’re doing something wrong. #ThanksSociety That somehow crying in front of people means you will never recover, or that it’s the end of the world for your social life.

But everyone is human.

People understand.

And one day it’ll be your turn to comfort a friend in need.

When you let whatever hardship you’ve been harboring out you feel a sense of relief and release. Letting go of whatever it is that is troubling you.

It is OK to cry. In Public. In Private.

Cry- if you want to.

Cry- if you have to.

Cry- because you need to.

And never let anyone make you feel less because of it.

It takes just as much strength to be vulnerable in front of someone that it takes to remain “put together” all the time.

Strength isn’t void of feeling.

It’s allowing yourself the space and time to go through the emotions you need to feel.

Once you do, you’ll feel a little bit lighter.

Cry like it’s your party and you want to.

-<3-

*I do not take credit for any images or gifs used.*

 

 

Her Red Lips & His Wedding Ring

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Ok guys I have to be honest here. I’ve been seriously lacking on the blog inspiration front. I just don’t feel like I have anything prominent I need to post. Don’t get me wrong I’m enjoying writing the “On The Run” series, but I don’t want to clock up my blog by just posting that. I need to switch things up. But as I sit here a few ideas float by, but I don’t love them. I hate posting fillers, however, I feel like I haven’t been sticking to a consistent enough posting schedule and that bugs me. So I enlisted a little forced inspirational help for this post. Sometimes, it happens.

In my – 642 Things to Write About book, I had written a very sassy answer to this writing prompt: What a character wearing something red is thinking–

She sits across from him. Her RED vibrant lips curve into a seductive smile. And the only thing on her mind is leaving her mark. A red lip stain on a white collared shirt…screams… you’re cheating on your wife.

Let’s see what I can do with this little number. I actually have an idea…I recently had a conversation on the train with a friend about married men and how some women find them more desirable than single men, something about the ring. Let’s infuse these two shall we?

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red lips wedding ring

Two girls stand on the train, each holding onto the center pole, as the train rides along the tracks, they sway back and forth.

“You know they say that once a man is married he becomes more desirable. Like when women see men wearing a wedding ring, it proves they can provide for someone.”

“What? That’s disgusting. That makes no sense. I always do a ring check. Always.”

“That’s because you have morals.”

“Oh my god, that’s just so class-less,  so slutty. That’s the definition of a home wrecker. I don’t understand that. I mean if a man can do that to his wife, then-“

“He’ll do it to her too.”

“Yes, exactly. And why would you want a man like that?”

“Beats me.”

The two women move onto their next topic of conversation. As another young brunette comes into focus as she eyes a handsome man in a suit sitting across from her. She laughs to herself as she notices he’s playing with his wedding ring.

She sits across from him. Her RED vibrant lips curve into a seductive smile. And the only thing on her mind is leaving her mark. A red lip stain on a white collared shirt…screams…you’re cheating on your wife.

The man looks up from his phone and meets her gaze.

He’s slightly confused, when she won’t look away.

She bites her lip, her gaze still holding, burning through him.

The man stirs in his seat, uncomfortably.

He looks behind him, to check the stop.

He stands up quickly and faces the door as he holds onto the pole, awaiting his stop impatiently.

The woman rises and walks over to stand beside him.

His gaze focuses on the door windows ahead.

“Hi,” she says her voice dripping with overly sexual tendencies.

He ignores her first attempt.

She smiles and laughs.

“Hmm, well aren’t you Mr. Rude.”

The train stops and the doors open, the man steps off with a brisk walk onto the platform, heading to the nearest staircase.

The woman wraps her trench coat tighter around her as she follows.

The man reaches the exit turn style and decides to go through the emergency door, as he’s about to push it open, the red lipped stranger swoops in.

“Allow me,” says pushing the door open for him.

He looks at her.

“Thank you,” he says rushing past her and heading to the stairs to exit the train station.

She smirks wickedly as she struts behind him.

They both exit and begin walking on the street.

The man glances behind him, he notices the red lips glisten in the light of a store front. His stomach knots, as his pace quickens.

The man passes an old auto body shop, and in the dark everything looks sinful. Everything looks hidden and secretive.

Finally the man stops short and turns to face this mysterious stalker.

“I’m married,” he says in a harsh tone.

“I can tell.”

“And?” he asks in shock.

She makes a face of confusion.

“Doesn’t that matter to you?” he says surprised.

“No. Not really. Does it matter to you?” she asks her eyes gleaming with intensity and trouble.

The man is silent for a beat.

“Yes,” he says looking her over.

“Hmm. Hesitation. Interesting.”

The man looks down, avoiding her stare.

“You look like you’d be a lot of fun,” she says walking closer.

The man steps back.

“Look I don’t know who you are. Maybe you think you know me from somewhere. But I assure you we’ve never met before.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Yes.”

“Really? And here I thought we were spending every night together, hidden in the darkness.”

He narrows his eyes at her.

“In our dreams,” she smirks.

He smirks letting out a small chuckle.

“I’m sure you could use a little spice in your routine?” she says stroking his chest.

The man looks at her and steps back again.

“Are we done yet?” she says looking at the man, her hands on her hips.

“Yea, that’s enough role play for tonight” he laughs, “come here,” he says grabbing her and kissing her as they hide in the shadows on the night.

“I missed you,” she says in between heated kissing.

“I missed you too.”

“When are you gonna leave her?”

“Come on baby, you know I can’t do that,” he smirks pulling her into another kiss.

She stops him and looks up at him angrily.

“What happened to your plan? You know the plan you told me about a month ago. How you were going to sit her down and ask for a divorce, so that we can be together. You keep telling me how you love me and that you’d rather be with me, but it’s always something. Some reason why you can’t. Am I just wasting my time, waiting for you?

“Hey come on, (he grabs her hand, pulling her waist in.) What are you saying?  You know I love you.What do you think?”

She looks at him.

His phone rings.

She sighs and detaches herself from him, rolling her eyes, she folds her arms, annoyed.

“Hey baby,” he answers turning away from his current company.

“Yes I’m walking home now.”

“Sure. I’ll pick up some milk.”

“Ok. See you soon. I love you too,” he says hanging his phone up.

As he begins to turn back toward her, the light from a distanced street lamp casts a slight glimmer and she notices something on his white collar.

He faces her with a smile.

“I’m sorry. I had to-“

“Don’t,” she holds up her hand, stopping him from continuing.

“What is that on your collar?” she says pulling the collar to get a better look.

“Is that lipstick?”

“It’s yours,” he says nonchalantly.

“No. It’s not my color.”

He freezes. Busted.

“And considering that’s a fresh mark, and you’re  just now coming back from work, that means that it isn’t your wife’s either.”

“I can explain.”

“Can you? Really? Because I think the only explanation that makes sense is that you are a slimy, scheming, cheating piece of trash. What are two women just not enough for you?”

He laughs.

“Hunny please. I’ve been cheating on my wife of 7 years with you for the past year and a half. What did you expect? What did you think- you were different?”

She looks at him, her heart breaking as tears begin to form.

“You are disgusting,” she says her voice laced with venom.

“Hmm interesting, aren’t you the same girl who spread yourself across any surface to please an already married man.”

She looks him, her pride hindered tremendously.

“Yea that’s what I thought. Whether you like it or not, we’re the same,” he says, his true colors showing brightly in the night.

“Go to hell!” she yells as he begins to continue his walk home.

“I’ll see you there,” he says turning her way mid walk and smirking as he sets back to his initial route.

The tears fall freely as she turns to begin walking the opposite way, she catches her reflection in a store front window.

Sin. Despair. Disappointment. Disdain. Disgust. Anger. Heartbreak.

All evident.

She wipes her lips with the back of her hand, as red lipstick smears.

She takes out her cell phone.

“Hello, operator? Hi, I’d like a number for a Sarah Pikeman. I need to get in touch with her. It’s urgent. There’s something she needs to know.”

“Thank you, I’ll wait.”

She smiles as she continues her walk home.

-End-

There you have it, a little insight into my creative process, how things can fuse together to create a scene or a short story. Hope you enjoyed!

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*

-<3-