Stranger Drunk

October 22, 2015October 23, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Pouring Rain trickles down storefront windows.

Cars whizz past kicking up water.

The day has been gloomy and dark, but the night is just beginning.

Macey is rushing down the city block, no direct location, but needing to blow off steam after a long day at work.

Her umbrella long since destroyed and forgotten.

She storms into a nearby bar, the door slamming behind her, her outfit completely soaked.

The bar is pretty empty, except for a man sitting at the bar, and a few stragglers at various tables.

The man at the bar glances over, his eyes scaling her up and down.

Her gaze misses him as she walks and sits a few seats from him, with a mission in mind.

I need a drink…or 2 or 5 she thinks.

The bartender smiles her way

“What can I get you?” he says.

“Let’s start with a shot of tequila…”

The bartender smirks.

“You got it.”

The man sitting next to her glances over, again.

The bartender pours Macey a shot.

“Thank you, bottoms up,” she raises her glass to the bartender and knocks it back.

She winces.

“Keep ’em coming.”

The bartender nods and lines up the next round.

The man next to her turns to her.

“You must have had a bad day,” he says.

“You have no idea.”

“Well if you don’t mind a stranger’s ears, I’d be happy to listen…venting usually helps me.”

“Handsome guy like you…dressed in a business suit, what kind of problems could you possibly have…it’s a man’s world isn’t it,” she huffs obviously annoyed, and dripping with sarcasm.

“Any man who has ever made you think that, is an absolute disgrace.”

“We agree on something.”

“Can I be forward for just a second?”

“That depends,” she says her eyebrow arching.

“On what?”

“On how forward you’re willing to be.”

“As forward as you’ll let me be,” he says his lips smirking, as he leans in closer.

“There may be room for some cinematic liberties.”

“Cinematic liberties?” he laughs.

“Yea you know like in the movies when a guy and girl meet at a bar and-”

“And what?”

“Get to know -each other- a little better.”

“That sounds entertaining.”

“Buy me my next round of shots and maybe that’ll be a possibility?”

“It’d be my pleasure.”

Macey smiles.

As the man gestures to the bartender to pour another round.

“So how does a sexy, obviously power house of a woman, end up alone on a Friday night?

“I’m not alone,” she smirks taking a shot.

The man smirks looking away for a beat. Needing a minute.

“So you wanna get out of here?” she says.

“Are you sure…I mean don’t you want to at least know my name first?”

“No. I’m a one night opportunity and the less I know about you, the more fun it’ll be…” she says her eyes dancing.

“I…”

“Hey if you’re not interested-”

“I never said I wasn’t interested. I just thought that maybe I could take you out to dinner first, or something.”

“Oh wow, drinks and a dinner, what a gentleman. That’s not really what I’m looking for tonight-”

“Your place or mine?”

Macey smiles taking her last shot and walking out of the bar.

The man throws a 100 dollar bill on the bar for the drinks and follows Macey out, his gaze transfixed.

He meets her outside, the rain has finally stopped and Macey is holding a cab.

The man grabs her by the arm, spinning her toward him. He kisses her catching her off guard.

“As much as I’d love to take you home, you deserve to be courted, and I won’t be the guy to deny you that.”

“Where’d you come from?”

He smiles.

“I know that this may not be what you want right now, or tonight. But when you realize it is what you want, give me a call.”

He hands her a business card. Kissing her on the cheek, as he begins to walk away.

Macey looks at his name; dazed.

“Brayden” it reads.

He turns back around.

“Oh and I hope that your night got at least a little better, because you wear a smile like you’re wearing that dress…pretty flawlessly.” he smirks walking away.

Macey stands there in awe.

“Well stranger you just made my night.” She whispers to herself as she smiles tucking the business card in her jacket pocket and getting in the cab.

-End Scene-

-<3-

My life is like a movie…

October 19, 2015October 18, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

So where are my chick flick girls at?

27 Dresses…do you know that one…

I’m sure you do, if you’re like me and love love and weddings.

I love a good love story. And I will pretty much watch anything with Katherine Heigl in it, because I just don’t know what it is, I love her acting, she’s always relatable.

I recently realized what trying to act like an adult means. It means watching as each of your friends begin to get engaged while you just try to get your feet planted on the ground firmly for once. It takes time, and patience, two of which I don’t have.

Anyway, I digress.

I have been asked to be in 4 weddings all coming up within the next year or two. Give or take.

One of which is my brother’s wedding, which is quickly creeping up on us! I swear time flies!

And I can already feel that my best friend will be getting engaged relatively soon too.

So all I can do is, sit back and laugh as I just can’t help but compare myself to Jane from the movie 27 Dresses.

“Always a Bridesmaid Never a Bride” ha! That’s essentially the plot. Plain Jane goes through life offering her wedding planning services to everyone and making sure their days go perfectly while she lets her love life sink into an non existent black hole of dreams and no action.

But as you all know, a good chick flick always finishes on a happy note, so you see where this is going, SPOILER ALERT, she gets the guy.

It’s official my life like a movie….so where the hell is my James Marsden???? I want to get drunk and sing Benny and the Jets with some cutie! 😉

Currently taking applications for wedding dates 😉

***************************

All cynical kidding aside, I am thoroughly excited for each of the weddings I have been apart of already and will be a part of. And on that note I want to share some AMAZINGLY exciting news with you. My good friend, who I have known since high school, through college and even after, recently got engaged and we met for coffee over the weekend to catch up, because life gets hectic and time runs away from you. I had a little engagement gift for her; just a wedding magazine and a little bottle of champagne for her and her fiancé to share in celebration. But little did I know she had a little favor to ask me!

I was so surprised and excited! I can’t wait to help one of my greatest friends plan her special day! This is my first go at Maid of Honor and the title is most certainly not lost on me, because it is truly an honor. I’m already thinking of Bachelorette party ideas! YAY! This is going to be such an exciting time for her and I can’t wait to join in and help her!

Sometimes when life gets crummy and you feel like you’re drowning and maybe you feel like you’ve lost direction, magical things can still happen and shift your mood. So thank you my friend. xoxo

And yes girl, I will hold your dress while you pee! 😉

-<3-

My Current Fall TV Schedule

October 15, 2015October 15, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I’m a TV Junkie so I thought I’d share my schedule of shows. It’s research for writing my own future television shows. 😉 Because I will get there, one day.

Monday:

Jane The Virgin @ 9:00 pm The CW

Awkward @ 10:00 pm MTV

Faking It @ 10:30 pm MTV

Tuesday:

Married At First Sight: First Year @ 9:00 pm FYI *the only reality show I watch and will watch.

Finding Carter @ 10:00 pm MTV

Chicago Fire @ 10:00 pm NBC

Wednesday:

Young & Hungry @ 8:00 pm abcfamily *just had it’s season finale

Kevin From Work @ 8:30 pm abcfamily *just had it’s season finale

Chicago PD @ 10:00 pm NBC

Thursday:

The Vampire Diaries @ 8:00 pm The CW

Scandal @ 9:00 pm ABC #TGIT

How To Get Away With Murder @ 10:00 pm ABC #TGIT

*sorry Shonda I pretty much gave up on Grey’s Anatomy.

Friday:

To catch up on any shows I missed…notice many of them have the same times. 😉

Saturday:

To catch up on any shows I missed…notice many of them have the same times. 😉

Sunday:

The Walking Dead @ 9:00 pm AMC

Blood & Oil @ 9:00 pm ABC

The Talking Dead @ 10:00 pm AMC

As you can see I juggle a lot. Along with an internship and everyday life stuff, and family and friends, it’s nice to come home and have my mind be on something else for a bit. I love television, it’s an escape for me. I love characters and plotlines, and storytelling. Like I said it’s research. Stay Tuned.

*If you have any fun tv show suggestions, sound off below. I can always fit something else in. HAHA

-<3-

Drive Me Crazy.

October 12, 2015October 11, 2015michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

“You love me, I love you. Let’s just do this thing,” he says.

“Do you really think we can do that?” she says with hesitance.

“We won’t know unless we try,” he says with puppy dog eyes.

“But we’ve been here before, and it never worked. What makes you think we would last this time?” she says nervous to hear his answer.

He thinks, pondering. “Because this time, we won’t be able to walk away,” he says smiling.

She looks at him confused. “I don’t understand, no matter how much we love each other one of us has always managed to walk away and hurt the other. I can’t go through that again, I won’t be able to survive.”

“This time it’ll stick, because this time, I’ll be your husband. If you’ll have me?” he says taking her hands in his.

“What? Are you…Did you just…” she says baffled.

“Propose? Yea sort of,” he laughs.

“You wanna marry me?” she crosses her arms and leans to one side sticking out her hip.

“Yea,” he smiles. “Don’t you think it’s about time, we stop messing around?”

“But I drive you crazy…I know I do, you know I do. I’m controlling, I’m super clumsy, and riddled with anxiety. I overthink us, me, you… everything. And I know that I snore when I’m really tired, which is probably a complete turnoff…and I…” she rattles off in a nervous and slightly frustrated tone.

“Shut up…(he grabs her face and kisses her) Marry me? Because I love you and yes you do drive me crazy 99% of the time, but I wouldn’t love you any other way.”

“Okay.”

“Yea?”

She nods smiling as he kisses her, and then hugging her, he lifts her spinning her around in pure joy of a bright future, together, finally.

-The End-

-<3-

Dear God, it’s me, Michelle.

October 8, 2015October 5, 2015michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

Dear God, it’s me, Michelle.

I know sometimes I question you.

I know sometimes I doubt you.

I don’t always understand your ways.

I don’t always believe that everything happens for a reason.

I know sometimes I get angry with you.

Let it be known that sometimes I question myself.

Sometimes I doubt myself.

More often than not, I get angry with myself.

I over analyze, and over think everything.

I wonder why you made me this way?

So anxious, so sensitive, so empathetic.

I’m sorry God.

I know you have a greater plan for me.

But I often wonder what that is?

If you could send me some kind of sign?

It’s difficult living in this world, wondering why I was put here.

The bitterness can take a toll, when you really just want to believe in hope, in faith, and in the best in everyone.

Contemplating if every decision I make is possibly life changing.

Contemplating what my destiny is, what my purpose is.

So lord, I ask you to bless my family and friends and guide them through their struggles.

I ask you for guidance, and for the patience to get where you need me to be.

To a place where my values and beliefs are my strength and are always in tact. I think sometimes we lose sight of them, in the shuffles of life.

I ask you to help me to be the best version of myself, to find my path and follow it and to do your will the best way I know how.

Amen.

-<3-

Aunt Mary. <3

October 5, 2015October 5, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

In times of tragedy we try to make sense of things.

As a writer I thought writing it down was my best bet.

I remember the priest saying “We are all made up of relationships.”

And I made a mental note to remember that, because it rings so true.

We do not live in this life alone.

We have family and friends who make our life worth living.

During these times of sadness we wonder…

Why?

When tragedy strikes, we ask why?

We get angry.

And if you’re religious, maybe you get angry at God.

I know I have had my moments.

We want answers.

The most unexplainable thing is death, and the deaths of loved ones taken too soon.

Taken by illness beyond the measures of medicine.

Beyond the strength of a character.

Beyond the love and support of a family.

Sometimes those unexplainable questions can cripple you.

Can make you feel like you can’t grasp the reality surrounding you.

How can someone who was here and present; laughing with you one moment, be gone the next?

The sorry for your loss’ and the days of paying respects go by.

What a conventionally miserable time.

But I guess as a society it is all we know.

I will never understand why we have to put ourselves through that.

That is not the person we all knew and loved.

Because their soul has already moved on, but their spirit is still with us.

Death is a part of life, yes.

Grieving is a part of life, yes.

But it is never easy.

And there is no perfect or right way to deal with that.

Death in its aberration is a route to heaven.

And if you are Catholic that gives you some solace.

That your loved ones are safe and in a happier place.

I think that’s what gets us through.

But you silently wish to yourself that we could all stay here on this earth, happy, healthy, and together, forever.

I just have to get through these next couple of days, you think to yourself.

But there is still something so scary, so final about it.

And that true cold fact can hit you when you least expect it.

It can hit you in the process of masses and burials, or it can come randomly days, or even weeks later.

It can hit you in the room, with your loved one before you.

Or it can hit you when you see old pictures of a healthier time.

You never know.

And you can’t prepare for it.

And when those times come, don’t be shameful.

Feel in your heart that your tears are for the one you love and the memories they’ve instilled in you.

I have never understood why illnesses take away the people we love.

Why death has to be so scary and crippling.

If someone has lived and laughed and touched lives they should be honored and remembered in that light.

We are all made up of relationships.

And we should value them the best way we know how.

So that’s what I’m going to do.

I’m going to deal with this the only way I know how, I’m going to write.

********************************************************************************

Aunt Mary.

You were known for your sense of humor.

Your “say it like it is” personality.

Your unfiltered words and questions.

You’re incessant asking if I have a boyfriend.

“Do you have a boyfriend, you can tell me, I won’t tell anyone.”

And I would laugh and roll my eyes and tell you “No Aunt Mary, No boyfriend, not yet.”

I swear sometimes I almost wanted to say “No Aunt Mary I’m not a lesbian either.” My cousin Melissa knows the pain on that one too, Haha.

Your love of Pepsi and how you upgraded from Dunkin’ Donuts foam cups to an insulated plastic travel mug that literally went EVERYWHERE with you, accompanied by several cups of HUGE chunks of ice. Would you like some Pepsi with that ice?

I remember sitting in the back seat with you on long family drives to whatever family party was going on and having you come in with your Pepsi cup and your jokes ready to go.

And how you’d kiss the wrong cheek, when saying hello. I was always slightly confused, but it was your thing and eventually I caught on.

How no matter how hot it was outside, you had to wear a sweatshirt and jeans. With some crazy sayings on them, I might add.

I’ll never forget when you wore a YOLO shirt and you didn’t even know what it meant.

And most recently how I came to visit you and was oddly impressed by the fact that you still had a working landline telephone attached to your wall.

Your love of Mexican food and Casa Pepe.

I still remember that spicy green salsa you used to love too, and how we’d all pig out on tortilla chips and salsa on Saturdays at Aunt Linda’s house.

How you’d add salt to EVERYTHING but still managed to have steady blood pleasure like a champ.

But you hated sweets, which to me was hysterical, because who doesn’t like chocolate?

Your love of Facebook and your new big smart phone that you’d whip out with its kick stand for all to see.

Your funky nail polish colors that you painted on yourself.

That necklace with Uncle George’s picture on it that you wore ALL THE TIME, that I thought was too funny, but you wore it with pride, rightfully so.

How you loved your cats and would always sign my cards Love, Aunt Mary, Uncle George, Midnight and Spook. Cats are family too. You also always spelt my name with one L, which I hate, but somehow it was forgivable when you did it.

The stories I wasn’t born for, but I’ve heard countless times about how you gave the cousins wine to drink when you were babysitting them, because you thought it was ice tea. (It was in the wrong bottle, so not really your fault, haha.)

Your drunken sing along rendition of “Chrissy the Christmas Mouse” that you are legendary for.

I think that’s on video somewhere, we need to break that out!

The laughs are countless.

Aunt Mary you will never be forgotten, you were one of a kind and were always someone to warn people about, before they met you. In the best possible way. Your unfiltered conversations have given us hysterical memories that will live on forever.

When I was around 10 and we were waiting outside of a store for my Mom and Aunt Linda and you just randomly fell to the floor next to me. I was so confused until it hit me, and I ran to get help. And later on when we asked if you felt a seizure coming on, you simply said “Oh yea, but I just didn’t say anything.” And I just freaked out saying “Oh so you just decided to scare the crap out of me instead.” You made light of your struggle and you never let it stop you from living your life.

I still can’t believe you are gone, the more I think about it the more unreal it seems. You’ve battled epilepsy all your life and you never let it stop you from doing anything. It breaks my heart to know your fight was masked by an even greater one.

But I also know that you are no longer in pain anymore that you are at peace and you are with your mother Margaret probably playing cards or bingo and being fabulous ladies together.

Heaven probably wasn’t ready for you yet…

With your big phone… you’re probably taking selfies with all the celebrities up there. Damn I wish heaven had a Facebook page, I’d like that shit in a heartbeat.

And your Pepsi on ice in what I can only hope is a fabulous crystal cup, because you deserve another upgrade.

And your feast of Mexican food, I am sure Casa Pepe will deliver, just for you.

A great big Pepsi Cheers to you Aunt Mary, cheers to your life, cheers to the memories you’ve given us and the strength you had until the very last-minute.

It’s a lesson to all of us who love you that we can get through anything, if we just channel your strength.

I love you, Aunt Mary.

And don’t worry when I do bring a boy around, he’s gonna know all about you, I promise.

Rest In Peace you spunky angel! You are one tough cookie.

And as little Soph says; “See You A’gain.”

-<3-

13 Times Haley James (Scott) Handled Things Like A BOSS.

October 1, 2015September 27, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

So I randomly got into watching some One Tree Hill episodes a few nights ago, and I was reminded of just how much I love Haley James Scott. She was always my favorite character. I always felt like aside from the fact that she ended up married by 16 and pregnant by 18, I thought she was the most “real” or most accurate version of a typical teenager/girl next door. I saw things in her, that I saw in myself. And as a writer and a tv lover, I realize that’s gold when you are trying to hook an audience. When people relate to your characters, you truly have something special.

Haley James Scott, known for being the goody two shoes of the group. The kind, and sweet and innocent girl that always had a thing for people who needed fixing. She was the girl who spent her free time working shifts at the café to earn spending money, tutoring kids, and studying and being brilliant. But by season 2 she was a full fledged singer, and we saw new side of Haley. #Rockstarr

However, let’s be honest underneath that sweet nice girl act, was a sassy girl just dying to get out. Mess with her, or someone she cares about and you will feel her wrath. And in those moments above all else, I LOVED HER!

Because Haley James Scott was more than just Nathan Scott’s wife, or Tree Hill High’s teacher, more than Haley James singer and tour travel goer. Haley James Scott was a young woman who spoke her mind when she felt something was wrong. A girl who never faulted on her beliefs, and always without a doubt followed her heart. Because Haley James Scott was a BADASS! And here’s why…

13 Times Haley James (Scott) Handled Things Like A BOSS.

When Haley finds Nanny Carrie and Nathan all nake-fied and stepping out of the shower.

2. When Haley bitches out Peyton for kissing Lucas when he’s with Lindsay.

3. When Haley bitches out Lucas for proposing to Lindsay when she saw him kiss Peyton. @1:24

#ILovedLindsay #PeytonAlwaysIrritatedMe #WhyDidntHaleyAndLucasEverGetItOn

4. When Haley throws a drink in Rachel’s face and slaps her at she and Nathan’s house party.

^ Skills: “Yo ma I think it’s time for you to leave.” haha

5. When Haley shoves the mother of the kid who’s been bullying Jamie.

6. When Haley pukes in Dan’s lap after spending the day playing hooky and drinking with Nathan, . #DrunkHaley #SoUnHaleyLike But hysterical.

7. When Haley and Nathan fight over her not being on birth control pills.

-He was such an a$$ here, like as if it’s only her responsibility. And he never SHUT UP about basketball and HIS dream, but whatever that is an angry rant for a different time.

8. When Haley and Nathan fight about Nanny Carrie and Haley asks for a divorce.

9. When Haley slaps a bitch…named Renee.

10. When Haley and Nathan talk about Nathan’s Sex Tape he made with Brooke. #pregnancyhormones LMAO.

11. When Haley initiates “slutty wedding sex,” with Nathan.

12. When Haley and Nathan fight during a Tree Hill storm and the power goes out.

13. When Haley tells off Principal Rimkus.

So yes, I know that there are many more sassy Haley James Scott moments out there, but we’d be here forever. These are the ones that came to mind first. Tell me which ones I missed!

And also can we just take a moment and fangirl a.k.a freak the heck out over these One Tree Hill conventions that have been going on all over lately. The cast’s instagram game is EVERYTHING. They need to leave Paris for a while and come visit NEW YORK. Joy I’m still waiting to do brunch, oh and we can invite Sophia Bush along too! 😉 #FangirlLife

-<3-

Walk With Me.

September 28, 2015September 28, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

“I know I messed up,” he says sheepishly.

“I’m sure it won’t be the last time,” she says arms folded over her heart.

“Why do I keep doing this? I don’t mean to hurt you,” he says frustrated.

“Maybe because none of us are perfect. We just float around and try our best, and hope to God we get it right,” she says as she avoids eye contact, she kicks her feet in the sand.

“And if we don’t?” he says nervously.

“If we don’t, we hope that the person we hurt, can forgive us.” she says with a faint smile, looking up at him.

Clouds move.

Dreams shift from hearts to hands.

Sun shines bright, as the day nears its end.

Bare feet walk through miles of sand.

Waves pouring in the ocean, for eternity.

And in the whisper of the wind they stand.

On a beach somewhere.

Anywhere.

Everywhere.

It doesn’t really matter.

Heartbreak can happen wherever you land.

“But I love you,” he says meaning it with all his might.

“That doesn’t mean you won’t mess it up every now and then. We mess up the way we love sometimes,” she says staring up into his eyes.

The love is in the air.

Tainted by tension and uncertainty.

Was she trying to save them?

Or give them a peaceful pardon?

Was she going to walk away?

Or was she going to fight to stay?

And in the minutes that ticked by.

He glanced at her trying to read her mind.

As she gazed out across the water, mystified, and peaceful.

Tears forming in her eyes.

“Walk with me,” he says.

“Is that a question,” she replies.

“No it’s a heartfelt suggestion,” he answers with a helpless shrug and puppy dog eyes.

He extends a hand.

She takes it.

As the sun begins to set.

The moon peeking through high above them.

He turns to her and whispers; “I’m sorry.”

She smiles and replies “I forgive you.”

They dance.

They sing.

Deciding to let the past be the past.

As they walk along the beach hand in hand.

He turns to her and smiles.

She smiles back just the same.

“I hope you’re comfortable, because I’m never letting you go,” he says tightening his grip on her hand.

And sometimes, in the mist of loving each other, and making mistakes.

Sometimes, you try and you get it right.

-The End-

-<3-

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edit.*

Fall 2015 Bucket List

September 24, 2015September 22, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Fall is here. It is here, it is HERE! Yesterday marked the first day of fall or Autumn as my calendar so eloquently states. I love fall so much so here are just a few things I’m hoping to accomplish this year during this lovely time of oranges and browns, Halloween candy, and pumpkin spice everythang in yo face every 5 seconds. So I thought I’d share my list with you, and this way it’s in print and it’ll give me incentive to really strive to complete it. 😉

My Fall 2015 Bucket List (in no particular order)

Go Apple Picking– this is something I haven’t done in YEARS. And it’s something that seasonally is over pretty quickly. So I am going to make an extra effort this year to see if we can get this done.

2. Bake pies– I usually do this around Thanksgiving time. But it may be fun to bake a pumpkin pie for Halloween! I’ve actually never made a pumpkin pie before, so I’m excited to give it a try. I love pie, because it just reminds me of country life and fall breezes and just all around cozy-ness.

3. Drink them pumpkin dranks– sorry but I think at this point it’s just obligatory.

4. Go to a haunted house– this can probably tie into a few things later on in the list, which is going to a pumpkin patch outing or a fright fest outing. Pumpkin Patches sometimes have a bunch of attractions included. But I’m kind of a chicken when it comes to these things. I don’t know if I’ll have the guts to do this. We shall see.

5. Have a scary/Halloween movie marathon– Ok so I do love scary movies, they stay in the screen and don’t bother me so that I can handle. This year it has occurred to me, that I need to watch Hocus Pocus, because I don’t think I’ve ever sat through that whole movie, and yes you can yell at me. But what can I say I’m more of a Halloweentown fan!

6. Plan a kickass Halloween costume– currently I’m hoping to be Pocahontas. Every year I come up with a million ideas and then I settle on something totally random and simple. And every year Pocahontas is a contender. She is my favorite Disney princess and I would love to play her for a night. So this year, I think I’m gonna try my best to pull that off. My runner up is a biker chick, because I can totally reuse my Daryl Dixon vest from last year. We shall see.

7. Make fun plans for Halloween– someone please THROW A PARTY! I am so sick of feeling like if I don’t have fun crazy plans my Halloween is less cool. Damn you social media. 😉 Truth be told I’m a total grandma. I hate going out late and braving the crazy city on a night like Halloween. The city is nuts on that night. I prefer to attend house parties. It’s just so much simpler. You don’t have to worry about traveling in the cold, so you can dress up as whatever you want and not worry that it’s going to get covered by a jacket. You don’t have to worry about paying for overpriced drinks or searching for a un-crowded place to eat at 2am because you’re starving. I just like to go have fun, have a drink or two, enjoy some good food, and good company. Take some fun pics and then come home at a decent time, change into my pjs and watch some Halloween movies with some left over Halloween candy. That to me, is a epic Halloween. Is that too much to ask? And I know what you are going to say…if you want a Halloween party, throw one yourself. To be honest I would love to, but I’ve done it, and it is a lot of work, and it actually costs more money than you think. So I’m gonna give myself a pass this year and hold out hope that someone else will consider throwing one.

8. Go pumpkin picking– this is a big deal in my family, we usually get a big group together and pick a fun patch to go to. There’s a bunch of kids and they all have a great time. Also Apple Cider donuts are involved and that is just good living in the making.

9. Decorate/Carve pumpkins– usually I carve my pumpkins but last year I decorated mine and made her a spunky old lady named Juanita Cromwell. (yes in relation to The Halloweentown Cromwells) The year before that I carved mine and made her a badass chick named Rhonda. This year I’m not quite sure what I will want to do. When I carve them, they don’t last too long, and barely make it to Halloween, but when I don’t carve them they nearly outlasted my Christmas decorations. So maybe I’ll be an over achiever and do one of each. 😉

10. Corn Maze*

11. Hayride*

(10 & 11) -these things usually go hand in hand with pumpkin picking, so we’ll see if we can knock these off the list too.

12. Fright Fest– I’m not sure this will actually happen because it cost money and it’s pretty far. I went one year and I was pretty scared, they sense it and don’t leave you alone. I remember getting aggravated by the actors, because one guy was all dressed up and scary and he had a shovel, and he was shoveling at people’s feet. So when he kept doing it to me, I got so pissed and was like “um are you trying to trip me?” That in turn lessened my fear. Haha.

13. Experiment with Fun Fall Fashion [See: my last post]

14. Shoot a Horror short and release it in time for Halloween– The script is written and hopefully *fingers crossed* I can pull this off. Because I think it’d be really fun!

15. Consume a good amount of Halloween Candy– Candy Corn is a must.

16. Have a bonfire and make s’mores– This is a little difficult to do in the city, but I’ll see if we can swing it. If not, I did visit some family in the country and we got to have a fire pit and make s’mores and roast some hotdogs. That seriously gives me life. #THEOC

17. Fall crafts with my goddaughter– I’m thinking maybe some leaf art, or some Apple stamps. You know when you cut an apple in half, paint it on the inside and then stamp it onto a piece of paper. I think those will be fun, and she loves to paint! So I think she’ll enjoy those.

18. Decorate my house for Fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving– having the house decorated for the season is something that just sprinkles some joy around. And I love decorating, and getting into the spirit of things. It’s a reminder to stop and enjoy the time of year.

19. Hot Apple Cider– I usually just buy a bottle of this at whichever pumpkin patch we end up going to. I buy it cold, which tastes good. But when I’m home at night, I’ll pop a cup of it in the microwave and it is even better hot!

20. Oktoberfest– I always hear about this, but I’ve never attended. Pretty sure it’s all about drinking beer and such, so it may not be my thing. But I would like to look into it.

21. Applefest– I’ve gone every year for the past 3 years I think. It’s seriously a great time. It’s basically like this big town fair upstate and I have family up there so we go and look through town at all the venders. And then we spend time with family. It’s seriously one of my favorite things about fall. My staple purchases usually include; my favorite wine, some apple butter and jams, some unique piece of jewelry, a freshly made Belgium waffle, a fresh flower crown that I wear throughout the town, and maybe some other bits and bops I come across. I’m hoping I can continue the tradition and make it there this year.

22. Make chicken and waffles– I recently went to visit some family and I remember my Aunt telling me about how she makes chicken and waffles for dinner sometimes. And I freaked out, because those are two of my favorite things. It never occurred to me to make them together. My brother bought me a waffle maker for my birthday in March, and I still haven’t used it. So I think it’s about time I bust that baby out.

23. Attend a super bowl party– I’m not a football fan, nor am I even a sports fan. I mean I can sit and follow a baseball game, but that’s about it. Football I am lost on. But I think super bowl parties are mainly about food, and sharing good company. So I am hoping to attend one this year. Also I do love to watch the half time show. I’m hearing it may be Bruno Mars this year again, or I’m hearing rumors that it may be Taylor Swift. And OMG yes. T-swift is my girl.

24. Fall TV show premieres– #THEWALKINGDEAD #TGIT TV is my favorite past time, and I can not wait for all my favorite shows to come back! [I’ll post my fall tv schedule soon, so you can see what I watch.]

25. Roast Pumpkin Seeds– I have never done this, but I hear that they taste really good, so I thought I’d give it a try.

26. Host some kind of fun low-key fall event for me and my friends– I love throwing parties, I love playing hostess. It’s a lot of work, but it’s nice to create a theme and have people over to share and enjoy good food, good conversation and good memories. As I get older I realize how hectic life can get, and how it gets harder and harder to keep up with people. So when I plan things with friends, it’s nice to catch up and spend time with them in a fun environment. I’m thinking of doing something maybe like a “pumpkin party” where everyone brings something pumpkin flavored and we watch a fun Halloween movie or something.

So there you have it my Fall 2015 Bucket List. Wish me luck!

P.S. What are you planning to do this fall…did I miss any fall activities?

*I do not take credit for the images used.*

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2015 Fall Fashion Inspiration

September 21, 2015September 21, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Fall is literally right around the corner. And I’m going to be extremely common for just a second when I tell you this is my favorite time of year. My favorite things about fall are the crisp air (even if you wouldn’t know it because it’s still hot in NYC. I can feel the weather wanting to change.) I love the darker colors. I can wear black, and not bake in the heat. I love the promise of fun filled holidays and fun events. And last but not least I do love me some pumpkin flavored stuff. I’m not a fanatic about it, but I do think it’s a fall staple. So let’s get down to business here, shall we?

My 2015 Fall Fashion Inspiration

Beanies, Leather Jackets, Flannels, Converse…

Cozy Sweaters, Ripped Jeans, Boots…

Black on black outfits…

Birkenstocks with socks…

I normally cringe at the idea of wearing socks with sandals. However, I bought a pair of knock off Birkenstocks this summer and I feel like I only wore them a few times. So I would like to continue to wear them through the fall. In fact the styling of the fall look is super cute. I can’t wait to give it a try.

Scarves are my stable for the fall. I have one for every outfit. And they are just a really simple way to add some fashion sense to your outfits, and keep you warm at the same time.

Big floppy hats…

I love the look of these hats and seeing as how it’s often too hot for me to function in the summer for me to leave hats on for too long, fall is much more suitable to rock these. I gotta get one!

The darker nail polish and makeup tones…as we speak my nails are black and I can’t wait to paint them Essie’s Wicked next!

The tulle/ballerina tutu skirt, I have always been in awe of the Carrie Bradshaw fashion. She manages to pull off the most bizarre things. And these skirts are so beautiful to me, getting a nice black one and pairing it with some nice pumps for a night out would be gorgeous!

Tori Kelly Curls…

Oh my god I am OBSESSED with this girl, with her voice, and her laidback fashion. BUT her hair is in a league of it’s own and I have been trying to replicate it, but I think I need a crimper. It’s just not big enough. For this look; the bigger the hair the better.

Laidback dance rehearsal style outfits…

I’m not gonna lie, I have an obsession with dancer wardrobe. When Bethany Mota was on Dancing With The Stars two seasons ago, I would always love her rehearsal outfits. She always looked so cool and comfortable, but still really cute. Same goes for Jenna Dewan’s character in Step Up. I was always so in love with her outfits. In fact I’m a big fan of leg warmers, and I wear them a lot. The only ingredient missing is…I wish I was a dancer. I mean I love to dance and used to be in dance class as a kid, that counts, right?

So there you have it, my Fall Fashion Inspiration.

What are some things you are excited to try this fall, let me know what I missed!

-<3-

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

Michelle Leigh Writes

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Author: michelleleighwrites

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Fall 2015 Bucket List

2015 Fall Fashion Inspiration