My Top 8 Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen Movies + Style Steal

August 13, 2015August 11, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

8. The Little Rascals*

Alfalfa is wooing Darla and his “He-Man-Woman-Hating” friends attempt to sabotage the relationship. – via IMDb

(*I know they are only in it for like 10 seconds, but I freakin’ LOVE this movie!)

7. New York Minute

One day in New York City, as Jane Ryan tries out for an overseas college program and her sister Roxy schemes to meet her favorite punk rockers, a series of mishaps throws their day into chaos. In order for them both to accomplish their goals, the normally adversarial sisters decide to unite against the forces around them. – via IMDb

6. Getting There

Taylor and Kylie Hunter are celebrating their 16th birthday and now they are licensed to drive. They plan to go to Salt Lake City, Utah with their friends for the 2002 Winter Olympics. When they stop at a local restaurant on their way, they notice that their car is stolen and their adventure becomes a misadventure when they board the wrong plane to San Diego. They make it to Salt Lake City but they don’t make it to the Olympics. Now they decide to create their own fun to celebrate their 16th birthday. – via IMDb

5. The Challenge

It’s an action adventure/adventure comedy. They play estranged twins with very opposite personalities. Lizzie is very focused and driven, while Shane is more relaxed, but concerned about the environment. Both girls are chosen for a Survivor-like popular game show with college scholarships as the prize. – via IMDb

4. Our Lips Are Sealed

Follow Mary-Kate and Ashely halfway around the world in this Aussie adventure jam packed with non-stop action, laughs, super spies and surfer guys. The extraordinary escapade begins when the girls eyewitness a crime and are forced to go undercover in the FBI Witness Protection Program. Unfortunately, not even the FBI can save the girls from their own blabbermouths as they blow their cover in town after town, until there’s only one hiding place left – Australia! – via IMDb

3. When in Rome

Leila and Charli Hunter are in Rome to participate in a Summer Intern Program. After they begin their jobs, they are immediately fired due to careless mishaps. But Derek Hammond, who owns the company, decides to re-instate Leila and Charli. But while in Rome, Leila and Charli find true romance that will take them joyriding to see the sights throughout the city of Rome. – via IMDb

2. Holiday in the Sun

Sisters Alex and Madison are whisked away to the Bahamas for winter break but soon find themselves crossing paths with a man smuggling stolen artifacts. – via IMDb

1. Winning London

When Chloe and Riley Lawrence are invited to London to participate in the International Model UN competition, they enjoy seeing the sights and find romance with cute British boys. – via IMDb

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***BONUS***

STYLE STEAL:

LISTEN as you read!

Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen were idolized for me growing up. I used to love watching their movies, their tv shows, reading their books, I even had their dolls. I was always intrigued by their style and how they always looked so cool. In every film the girls would have fun style and funky trendy names to match.

I was always an Ashley fan, so I am going to try and recreate Alex’s summer style
who was played by Ashley Olsen in….

Holiday In The Sun

OUTFIT INSPIRATION:

MY RECREATION:

HOW I ACHIEVED THIS LOOK:

MLW- just a shout-out to MichelleLeighWrites ❤

I basically had to make the shirt.

I used a white wife beater.

I cut a V-shape near the chest, to match the style of Ashley’s shirt.

I just used a black and a red sharpie and drew some similar doodles like Ashley has on her shirt.

I found that drawing on the wife beater was a bit difficult because of the ridges so I drew dots to form my shape and then went over them, connecting them. It just made it neater. *Also I put a piece of scrapbook paper between the two layers because I didn’t want the doodles to bleed through to the back.

I also trimmed a bit off the bottom of the shirt too.

I hung it to dry, just for a bit before putting it on. And because I needed to air out that permanent marker smell, lol.

My hands suffered a few causalities… 😉

Then I just paired the shirt with a few pieces from my closet; a bright red skirt, a black cropped tank and a pair of white skips. I kind of felt like my red skirt was a bit short, I would probably wear leggings or tights under it if I were to wear it out. So I also showed a red pair of jeans as an alternative. But if you have red shorts, that’s what Ashley herself is wearing. I didn’t have any so I worked with what I did have.

I just scrunched my damp hair with some moose and hairspray, curled the front two pieces of my hair to frame my face like Ashley has her hair. I added some lip gloss and !Viola! I didn’t really have any other makeup on, Ashley’s look is very laid back casual.

Do you have a favorite Ashley or Mary-Kate fashion look?

** I broke out the trusty old digital camera for these pics. I know they aren’t the best, but hey at least it’s a step up from just using my cellphone, right? #Babysteps

*I only take credit for the images in my recreation, I do not take credit for any other

screencaps or other images used.*

So what’s your favorite Mary-Kate & Ashley movie?

-<3-

Who played “Layla Richardson” on One Tree Hill?

August 10, 2015August 11, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I know what you’re thinking. “Who the hell is Layla Richardson? There was no Layla on One Tree Hill, at least not any I remember. And I know my show, girl.”

That’s what you’re thinking isn’t it? Yea, I got you.

Allow me to explain.

As a mega tv person, I tend to do this thing where I picture myself as a made up character on my favorite shows. Now my obsession over One Tree Hill was in a league of its own, and I really lived, and breathed that show. So naturally I thought up a character I’d play, if I was on One Tree Hill.

This was lost on me, for years. I completely forgot about this. I was cleaning out my room, because I am redoing it from start to finish, and I came across a bunch of old stuff. (Stay Tuned for a bunch of blog posts coming your way…thanks to all the old boxes that should be labeled Michelle’s crap…I seriously have way too much junk.) But never fear, amidst the junk there are some gems. Like my Character breakdown for one Ms. Layla Richardson. (Written in cursive, mind you…who uses script anymore?)

It reads;

What if I was on One Tree Hill

I would be: Layla Richardson

I know this is the Season 1 cast photo, but I couldn’t find a way to make the Season 2 cast photo work, so this will have to do. 😉

*Friend of: Lucas & Haley’s clique (& of Brooke)

*Come in mid Season 2

*Was Nathan’s confidant: BFFL

*Helps with get rid of Dan campaign

*Joyful, Cheery—> a cheerleader

*A little Haley, Brooke, & Peyton in one.

*Dating: Tim Smith

*Cares about everyone’s well-being and always tries to help people out.

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

HAHA this gave me a really good laugh, and I resisted the major urge to edit my past teenage self. I seriously would change so much, but at the same time there’s something so pure in finding clips of who you used to be and how you used to think. Basically my thought process was this, Layla would be best friends with Lucas and Haley. But still close to the popular Brooke Davis. When Haley leaves Nathan for tour, Layla would become his “BFFL” and rally along with the troops to support him. Nathan would confide in her. Layla was also all the good things of each of the three female characters rolled into one. Thinking back, I’d probably say she was smart like Haley, fashion forward and a cheerleader like Brooke and a big music fan like Peyton. As for dating Tim, I guess he was the only one not attached to one of the main girls, haha. And well he was a Ravens basketball player too, so, I’m sure they just fell for each other. Oh and who doesn’t want to help get rid of Dan, I mean let’s be serious here? Well well, it’s a breath of fresh air to think that this Layla Richardson character was basically gonna come in and fix shit, like a boss. Tree Hill would have never knew what hit them. 😉

So do you ever picture yourself in your favorite tv shows? Who do you play?

Or do you dream up a whole new character like me?

Humor me, and my tv related dreams.

I know I am crazy, but I’m not ashamed. 😉

*I do not take credit for the images, (or gifs) used in my edit or otherwise.*

-<3-

15 Times Daryl Dixon Gave Us Butterflies While Being A BADASS!

August 6, 2015August 6, 2015michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

So the past few Sundays, AMC has been replaying each of the seasons of The Walking Dead. This past Sunday was a Season 2 marathon. Which I have to admit, is probably my favorite season. As I watched these old episodes, I am reminded of how much I love Mr. Daryl Dixon. If you follow my blog you know this, hence I was Mrs. Daryl Dixon for Halloween this past year. I did a tutorial on my costume and I even made his angel vest. It dawns on me every time I catch an episode on in the summer, that I miss this show so damn much. October 11, isn’t too far away, right?

My Daryl Vest

15 Times Daryl Dixon Gave Us Butterflies While Being A BADASS!

**WARNING! Spoilers ahead, if you are currently behind, DO NOT read on.**

*I apologize for some of the videos, but these scenes were super hard to find. I did my best.*

15. The Transformation of his character, he’s come a long way… *shout out to whoever made this!

14. Bromance; Rick & Daryl. “You’re my brother.”

13. Killing Dale, so Rick wouldn’t have to; “Sorry Brother.”

12. The epic “Morgue room” fight scene.

*clips of the scene @4:04 (this video is hysterical, whoever made this got the reactions down!)

11. Gives Beth her first drink.

*Spoiler Alert…He gives her Moonshine later…

10. Shooting the cop that shot Beth, and carrying Beth’s body out.

9. Motorcycles, Crossbows and Road Kill for breakfast-lunch- & dinner. (we’ve seen him kill/eat snakes, squirrels, rabbits, possums…the list goes on and on.)

“Brought Dinner.” haha

*And you can’t forget about the poncho…(because any guy who can rock an Indian printed poncho in the zombie apocalypse like a badass, is someone I wanna be friends with.)

8. His country boy slang/epic quotes.

7. Coming back to the prison just in time to save Rick.

6. Reuniting with Carol after the group was separated.

5. Saving Carol from walkers and the overrun burning barn.

*scene @ 2:52

4. Crying over the death of his brother Merle.

3. Flower for Carol, in honor of Sophia.

2. Searching for Sophia, and his intense determination to find her.

1. Feeding Baby Judith- whom he coined; Little Ass Kicker.

So if you watch the show, you know how well loved Daryl has become. He started off as a loud mouth, trigger happy, quick to act “redneck.” He didn’t care how he came off, and didn’t try to please anyone. But as you get to know him, even as early as season 1, we see his true heart. We see he cares about people. He continuously risks his life to keep others safe. He searched for Sophia, he saved lives over and over again. He forms friendship with Carol, Rick, and Beth. We see him take care of kids and women, especially. We see him resort to his anger and pushing people away when he feels he didn’t do all he could to protect his group. We see him become a leader, and Rick’s leading partner. We see him grow into a vital member of the group. Daryl’s transformation is outstanding. He is also funny as hell, his country boy lingo will crack you up. The things he comes out with. He’s definitely got some light funny moments in over the past 5 seasons. Daryl is a survivor, he has instinct and keen sense of what’s right. He’s always got some kind of plan. Knowing his childhood was an abusive one, only strengthens his character. He knows he is not without flaws, but at the same time, you can see he wants to do better than his father did. He wants to help people, and cares about people. Now I know there are a million other reasons why we all love Daryl Dixon, but I just thought I’d shed a light on a few. Can’t wait to see what he has in store for us this season. Hopefully a girlfriend, maybe? Because he deserves some love!

Hey AMC, I still have my Mrs. Dixon costume…I’m just saying 😉

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The Walking Dead Marathon continues this Sunday with Season 3.

All in preparation for their new sister show; Fear The Walking Dead.

Premiering Sunday August 23, at 9pm on AMC.

I’m thinking of doing a First Impressions Review of the Pilot episode.

New Episodes of The Walking Dead return Sunday October 11, at 9pm on AMC.

*I do not take credit for any of The Walking Dead videos, images, or gifs used.*

-<3-

Glass Half Full or Glass Half Empty?

August 3, 2015michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

The metaphor we use to decide if we are optimistic or pessimistic.

Do you view your “glass” as half full or as half empty?

Because let’s face it when we say glass we really mean LIFE, right?

So what’s your take on this?

When you literally pour yourself a glass of water, or soda, or wine…or whatever it is you like to drink… what is your desired amount?

For me personally I find that I usually pour myself a medium to full glass. I assume I’m going to drink it all, sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t.

Then there’s the whole losing my cup deal I go through, where I forget I had a cup full and pour a new one. (symbolizes scatter brain I suppose.)

In fact I’ve noticed I rarely let my cup go empty at all. I’m constantly refilling it.

So let’s dissect this, shall we?

I’m going to get all psychological on you guys for a second, bear with me?

This was a discussion my priest had in church last Sunday.

Now even if you don’t go to church or you share different beliefs, this metaphor and this topic can really apply to anyone.

The priest went on to explain how we all have those “Woe is me?” moments, where we think “Why me?” “Why do I have to go through this?” Moment where we deal with self-doubt and disbelief in ourselves. Where we feel we can’t do something, or overcome our greatest struggles, or achieve our greatest dreams.

It’s something everyone deals with. It’s something that is universal. No one is perfect. No one wakes up everyday feeling 100% amazing. Everyone struggles. It’s normal to question life.

Which brings me to the metaphor at hand. I remember the priest tying this into his homily. We sometimes dwell on all the things we don’t have, or the things we feel we can’t do.

But we neglect to appreciate all the things we do have, we neglect to give ourselves credit for the things we have accomplished.

We forget to count our blessings.

On the car ride later that day, my mom and I started to talk about the homily and this glass half full/ half empty metaphor.

My mom asked me what I consider my glass; half empty or half full.

I laughed and said, I think I’d say half empty. Because to me that’s just how it looks to the naked eye, no deeper thought applied.

Although internally I thought that was kind of sad.

I never want to feel like I’m a pessimistic person. Even though that at times may be true.

I want to believe that I can have a positive, optimistic view too; on myself, on others, on life as a whole.

Talking it out loud with my mom, I was confused again. Half empty? Half full?

I mentioned my habits when pouring myself a glass, and constantly refilling my glass before it gets empty. My mom seems to think that means I’m ambitious, that I keep striving, never settle.

That was actually quite amazing to hear. It was comforting and gave me an uplifting feeling.

So thanks mom. ❤

And now I digress.

Even though it may seem like I’ve rambled on with a bunch of mumbo jumbo, I think you on some level see my point.

And in case you don’t here’s the abridged version.

Everyone has bad days.

No one is perfect.

And no one can be optimistic 24/7.

We all struggle.

We all lose sight of the important things we do have, and the gifts we bring to the table.

We just need time to regroup and gain inspiration and new perspective.

So chuck the metaphors if they don’t suit you, and just be yourself.

Life can be both FULL and feel EMPTY at times.

Weather you consider your glass half full or half empty, remember, glasses can overflow (and overwhelm you) and glasses can be refilled (there’s always another bottle of whatever you’re drinking, go buy it! In other words you may fall on your face, dust yourself off and get back up!) Find what works for you and do your thing!

Thanks for reading my ramblings.

*Cheers* to Life (and living it!)

Share your views in the comments below, I’d love to hear what you guys think!

*I do not take credit for the image or gifs used.*

-<3-

Hallmark Channel; My Guilty Pleasure

July 30, 2015July 30, 2015michelleleighwrites 4 Comments

So here it goes, I’m about to come clean. I love crappy movies! There I said it. And by crappy I just mean movies that don’t get noticed or deemed “good” by society and the media.

TV networks like Lifetime and the Hallmark Channel, are known for their romance movies.

Yet I feel they get completely underrated. Why… because they are TV movies? If so, I beg to differ, TV movies are so damn good!

Hallmark’s slogan reads…

“The Heart of TV”

(And I’ll prove to you why that’s true!)

This summer I’ve been working my way through my on demand Hallmark movies list. So far I’ve watched 5 movies. And although some were better then others, I enjoyed each one in a different way, and for different reasons. Hey, give me a guy, a girl, and a love story, and chances are I’ll find something to love about it. The plotlines are sweet and there is always someone from some other WB/CW or Fox show that you will recognize. Always! It’s the best, lol.

Nearlyweds

When Erin (Danielle Panabaker), Casey (Jessica Parker Kennedy) and Stella (Britt Irvin) discover that a paperwork error has annulled all their marriages, they reassess their relationships with their new nearly- husbands. Erin finds herself competing with mother-in-law Renee (Naomi Judd) for the loyalty of David (Ryan Kennedy), Casey questions Nick’s (Travis Milne) commitment, and Stella deals with balancing her desire for a career with Mark’s (Steve Bacic) expectation for a stay at home wife. With the pressures of marriage all around, all three couples must again decide whether to make the long walk down the aisle…or to walk out the door and start over. The three friends navigate the highs and lows of their new marriages together, but ultimately must make their own decisions about the futures of these relationships.

Midnight Masquerade

Young businesswoman Elyse Samford’s (Autumn Reeser) life takes a turn when she inherits Samford Candy, a multi-billion dollar corporation, from her retired father (Richard Burgi). A trademark infringement lawsuit against a rival company brings Elyse to Higgins Attorneys and Sons, where Rob Carelli (Christopher Russell), a young, too-nice-for-his-own-good lawyer, is bullied by his boss, firm founder Carter Higgins (Chris Gillett), and his two arrogant sons (Damon Runyan and Danny Smith). Despite his workplace woes, Rob becomes instantly smitten with Elyse.
With Halloween just around the corner, Elyse invites the Higgins law firm staff to an opulent masked Halloween costume ball. Rob obeys an order to remain in the office working that night, but has a change of heart when his spunky, 12-year old niece, Ruby (Helen Colliander), convinces him to attend the ball wearing a prince costume. After a magnificent waltz and magical exchange with the handsome “prince,” Elyse yearns to locate this mysterious man and hopefully find the romance her life has been missing.

Bridal Fever

Three attractive girlfriends, each in their early 30’s, are desperate to get married to Mr. Right and manage to find success with the advice of a romance novelist with plenty of experience. She’s been married eight times! Stars Andrea Roth and Delta Burke.

Recipe For Love

Lauren Hennessey (Danielle Panabaker) has always loved to cook and is a proud perfectionist at her job at “Food & Entertainment Magazine’s” test kitchen while she dreams of being able to finally afford culinary school in Paris. When her boss offers her a bonus if she agrees to ghostwrite the cookbook of a difficult celebrity chef, Lauren sees her dream becoming a reality as soon as she can tame the notorious bad boy chef in question, Dexter Durant (Shawn Roberts). Slowly peeling back the layers of Dexter’s tough-guy persona, she starts seeing a different, vulnerable side to this big-shot chef. Suddenly, their dueling culinary styles become the perfect complement in the kitchen and an attraction between them starts to boil over. As the cookbook nears completion, Dexter and a scheming young chef must face off in a final cook-off, judged by celebrity Peter DeLuise (as himself). Will Dexter win the competition and Lauren’s love? *Loved this one!

How To Fall In Love

Still suffering from the ugly-duckling syndrome that branded his youth, Harold White (Eric Mabius) hires Annie Hayes (Brooke D’Orsay), the pretty and popular girl he knew in high school, to be his dating coach and help him shed his wallflower approach to romance. Annie even enlists her friend Kim (Kathy Najimy), a waitress at a local diner, to be Harold’s practice date. Annie draws Harold out of his shell and teaches him to win over a new love interest with the help of their shared passion for classic love songs. But when sparks unexpectedly fly between “student” and “teacher,” both Harold and Annie must learn how to make up for past mistakes if they’re going to hold onto true love. *Loved this one!

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Although Hallmark movies can be at times filled with cliché romance, cheesy and often cringe worthy acting moments, and the dialogue can be a little too fairytale, or overdone. I enjoy them. The endings leave some to be desired, as they seem to have a good storyline and great potential but they force a wrap up and tend to fall short. Sometimes I feel a movie is so good and then it wraps up so quickly and it often ends with a wedding and I’m just like wait a minute didn’t these people just meet? So unrealistic. Although I have to admit, when I write my love stories marriage is usually where my story tends to drive toward. In many ways I think I love Hallmark movies so much, because I can see writing something like that, myself. Hell, I probably already have. I would totally jump on the chance to write a Hallmark movie. Because in the mist of all the things you can find wrong, there are moments of pure heart. There is love. There is story. There are characters that you for some reason are drawn too, characters you can relate to, characters that you care about. These movies pass the time, they are relaxing and funny. They are entertaining and light, you don’t have to think, you just have to enjoy and laugh along the way. They can help you escape from a long hard day, and unwind. These movies are truly the heart of TV.

I already found a bunch more titles, that I can’t wait to watch! Signed, Hopeless Romantic 😉

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

-<3-

Can I live in a TV world?- Stars Hollow Please.

July 27, 2015July 27, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Stars Hollow is a fictional small town in Connecticut featured on the television show Gilmore Girls. It is depicted as a close-knit small town with many quirky characters, located roughly thirty minutes by car from Hartford. -Wikipedia

Read up on the town establishments HERE

Which brings me to…REASONS this city girl would seriously consider moving to a small town once she’s ready to settle down….and all because of Gilmore Girls and they place they call home; Stars Hollow.

1. Luke’s Diner

No Cell phones. The angry guy with the flannel and the baseball cap on, yea that’s Luke.

Lorelai and Rory make me secretly wish I had an addiction to coffee, but decaf tea is more my speed, Michelle and caffeine…no Bueno.

2. Miss Patty’s Dance School

Oh Miss Patty what a firecracker! Let’s just say she’s known for her less than subtle ways. (oh and she and Babette, can’t keep a secret, it’s a small town…no one can!) 😉

Babette & Miss Patty

3. Doose’s Market

4. Soda Shoppe

Taylor Doose runs both…Taylor Taylor what an annoyingly bubbly man. HAHA

5. The Inns; The Dragonfly Inn & The Independence Inn

I want to stay a night and take a ride in the horse and carriage then have a fancy chef Sookie breakfast the next morning.

6. Weston’s Bakery– owned by Fran Weston

7. Kim’s Antiques

“You break it you buy it.”

8. Town meetings

Where the town would all agree or disagree on what they wanted for their town…where your opinion matters!

9. The famous Gazebo

10. Annual Dance Marathon

11. Picnic Basket Auction

You buy a basket you get a date with the basket owner…um Hello JESS!

12. Movie nights in the town square

13. Stars Hollow History Museum

14. Festival of Living Art

15. End of Summer Madness-

“Oh those lazy hazy crazy days of summer…” (watch that episode and that song will get stuck in your head.)

16. Spring Fling Festival-hay bale maze

17. Winter Carnival

– Fortune Telling Dog booth

18. Snowman building contest

Bjorn-snowwoman

19. Easter Egg Hunt

Oh kirk way to stink up the town, because you forgot where you hid them!

20. Babette’s Cat Cinnamon’s wake

Yes this town held a wake for a CAT! And the whole town showed up to pay their respects, even Lorelei cancelled a desk with Max Medina! That’s how close they all are.

I love the kooky town of Stars Hollow, I love how they celebrate anything. I love their unique festival ideas. I love the quaint homey feeling of the town. I love the small shops and stores. I love that it’s not overpopulated or a stressed out city life. I want to grab a coffee and a muffin at Luke’s. I want to take a walk in the town’s square and say hi to all my neighbors and know them by name. I want to sit in the Gazebo. I want to stay the weekend in one of their sweet little inns and eat a fabulous meal cooked by the famous Sookie St. James. I want to hunt fun antiques, and be besties with Lorelei and Rory. I want to live in Stars Hollow! That’d be my dream home location. But no matter how far I go, I’ll always be a Brooklyn girl at heart. And my accent is coming with me!

So…would you live in Stars Hollow? Who would you want to hang out with?

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

Catch Gilmore Girls on Netflix!

-<3-

90’s+ Playlist & “Joey Potter” Style Steal

July 23, 2015July 23, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

90’s+ playlist (and by + I mean some may be from the early 2000s, but who cares!) that will give you the feels…

1. “Mmm bop”- Hanson

2. “Killing me softly” – The Fugees ft. Lauryn Hill “Doo-Wop (That Thing)- Lauryn Hill

3. “Poison”- Bell Biv Devoe

4. “I’ll be”- Edwin McCain

5. “Believe”- Cher

6.“I don’t want to wait”- Paula Cole

7. “Tearin’ up my heart”- *NSYNC & “Music of my heart”- Gloria Estefan ft. *NSYNC

8. “Wannabe”- The Spice Girls

9. “…Baby One More Time”- Britney Spears

10. “Genie in a bottle”- Christina Aguilera

11. “Hand in my pocket” & “Ironic”- Alanis Morissette

12. “Angel” & “I will remember you”- Sarah McLachlan

13. “How do I live”- Leann Rimes

14. “Too close”- Next

15. “Truly, Madly, Deeply” & “I knew I loved you”- Savage Garden

16. “Kiss me”- Sixpence None The Richer

17. “Blue (DaBaDee)”- Eiffel 65

18. “Red Red Wine”- UB40

19. “All Star”- Smash Mouth

20. “All the small things”- Blink 182

21. “Torn”- Natalie Imbruglia

22. “Barbie Girl”- Aqua

23. “Tubthumping” – Chumbawamba (wait what? click it and you’ll remember it!)

24. “White Flag”- Dido

25. “The Sign” – Ace of Base

26. “I want it that way”- Backstreet Boys

27. “You gotta be”- Des’ree

28. “Never had a dream come true”- S Club

29. “Buffy theme”- Nerf Herder

30. “My heart will go on”- Celine Dion

31. “Remember The Time” & “You Are Not Alone”- Michael Jackson

32. “Waterfalls” & “No Scrubs”- TLC

Do you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Because I do! Each of these songs I can associate with a memory. Growing up dancing around my living room with my brother to the buffy theme song, my hair in two pigtail braids whipping around. Willow Smith I Whipped My Hair Back And Forth Way Before You Did. 😉 Singing and making up dance routines with my best friend in her basement. Hearing Michael Jackson music throughout the house as my mom cleaned. Or just simply listening to music on my disc-men. That shit barely fit in my coat pocket. Isn’t that the point of music, to inflict emotion of a memory? A moment in time that was precious to you and probably still is.

Now some of these were very big 90’s tv show soundtrack factors…

In fact many of these may have even graced the scenes of 90’s teen drama Dawson’s Creek, which I am currently obsessing over, thanks to abcfamily playing reruns.

Ah the 90’s; the time when fashion was a little underrated and relaxed and actually attainable.

Queen of the side glance

In walks Joey Potter with her laidback tomboy chic look. She spoke fluent sarcasm, and was the

official queen of the “side glance.” With her crazy home life, and impressive brainiac skills which was her only ticket out of this small town. Joey was head over heels in love with her best friend Dawson. She spent her days pining for him, while she harbored interests in art and passed the time away working in the Capeside Ice House as a waitress. I have to admit I am secretly jealous of her little work aprons and effortless tomboy looks. I’ve always wanted one of those cool summer jobs that seemed so chill, but kinda trendy.

Joey’s look was pretty wash and go. Simple highwaisted jeans, jean or cargo-like shorts, plaid or flannel shirts, plain tees, and tennis shoes. Minimal to no accessories. She occasionally wore earrings. It wasn’t until her sister forced her into a burgundy colored lipstick. (and by force I mean actually grabbed her face and put it on her) that Joey even considered the idea that makeup exists. A little mascara and you’ve got a Joey inspired fresh face. Her hair on the other hand gets a little sassy from time to time, with effortless updos.

Outfit Inspiration

Makeup Inspiration

Hair Inspiration

Here’s my recreation of a Joey Potter 90’s look… #crappycellphonepics Holla!!! 😉

Here’s my insecure my name is Joey pose 😉

*For my Joey Potter inspired look*

-I had things in my own closet that I paired together-

A light denim pair of shorts

A plain gray tank top

*A plaid shirt (with the sleeves cut off)-

*which as you can tell I switched things up from tying it at the front or just leaving it loose.

A pair of imitation “toms” (lol)

No accessories

For my hair, I just threw it up with a clip (so 90’s) and pulled some strands out like she did. My makeup as I said, was the burgundy colored lipstick, some concealer, some powder, filled in my brows, added mascara, and an eyelid primer for good measure. Really basic.

It was fun playing around with Joey’s style, it’s super chill and gives me a break from my at times fashionista ways.

What can I say, I’m just a Joey looking for her Pacey…;)

….Because spoiler alert, she soon looks past the hateful banter she shares with a certain other male friend and falls for Dawson’s much sweeter, much more charming, and far less self absorbed best friend Pacey Witter….I have a serious crush on Pacey, because he’s kind of perfect #PACEYSCREEK I blame my expectations of men on television.

*I do not take credit for the Dawson’s Creek photos, all others are my own.*

So were you #teampacey or #teamdawson?

And what was your favorite 90’s throwback song? If I missed any LET ME KNOW! 😀

-<3-

Writer’s Corner

July 20, 2015July 19, 2015michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

“Love is all you need.”

So we’ve all seen it. We’ve all watched two characters come together after endless episodes of waiting and small flirtations that drive us crazy.

Yea I’m talking about Love on screen.

This is something that I think makes a show.

Relationships.

The ups and downs, the ins and outs, the rollercoaster ride of emotions.

I love tv, I love on screen love.

I love watching it blossom.

There’s always that one couple that kind of shines brighter then the rest.

A crowd favorite.

Come on fangirls, you know what I’m talking about.

The couple that you chronicle, in your mind.

This was the first time they met.

The first time, he looked at her the way a guy looks at a girl he knows isn’t “just a friend.”

The first time she blushed over a compliment or a come on.

The first date.

The first kiss.

I’m talking about those epic romances, the two characters that just fit together.

The two characters that you can’t see being with anyone else but each other.

I’m talking about the Ross & Rachel.

The Pacey & Joey.

The Luke & Lorelei.

The Cory & Topanga.

The list is endless.

Each of these couples have a unique story. Different reasons for bringing them together. Different love stories to tell.

Some love stories are brought to life out of mutual hatred, or pure friendship, some are accidental yet happy coincidences. Love is what makes tv shows soar. It’s what sells the angst and goes beyond the coined phrase “sex sells.” Those sweet moments and emotional connections and conversations between two characters meant to fall in love, are just as important as the love scenes they may share.

I speak on behalf of many fangirls when I say, squealing over tv couples is a favorite past time. I live for onscreen romances. You know when the guy makes the girl feel like the only girl in the world. #RihannaReference #Circa2010 #EwHowWasThat5YearsAgo Anyway I digress.

As a writer I have a new found appreciation for tv show couples. I can only hope to be able to pen such brilliant love stories. Stories that give young girls hope and happiness, and let’s face it butterflies and dreams of finding love of their own one day. I want to be able to create a show that makes people feel like they can relate to it. And being honest I want to create a show where fans have reasons to make OTP lists and ship names. #Thatsthedream

The key to a good tv story is…love…challenge me and I will find a way to prove you wrong 😉

With that being said I leave you with one of the most breathtaking scenes in 90’s television.

“I remember everything.”

Oh my god. This scene, the chemistry, the song, the dance, the looks, the moments. Gosh it’s brilliant. #ItWasPACEYSCREEK

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

-<3-

Her name is Lulu

July 16, 2015July 9, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Lulu walks along the city street. Her iPod in her ears; playing one of her favorite songs…

Woman monster, woman child,
Woman hero, woman wild
Woman whisper, woman scream
Woman listen, woman free

Woman Mary, Jezebel
Woman heaven, woman hell
Woman teacher, womankind
Woman nature, woman rise

I am the Universe wrapped in skin

A few minutes in and she came to the realization that she didn’t really have a destination. She just needed to walk. She needed to breathe fresh air into her lungs. To feel connected to the world in some sort of strange way. She needed to find clarity. Purpose. Inspiration. Lulu didn’t quite know how to feel about her recent move to New York. She was unsure she’d ever fit in. But maybe that was the point. Always feeling like she was two steps behind everyone else…late to the game, is a phrase she knew well.

She needed to feel like she was finding a path for herself, or creating one. She needed to feel like she wasn’t a child, that she was growing and maturing. That she was going somewhere, that she was making her future happen, and not just waiting on it. Lulu needed to know that she could stand on her own, take care of herself. To begin her quest from girl to woman.

But she also needed to learn the difference between becoming independent, and pushing people away. Isolation is no way to live. There had to be a balance. Lulu needed to find it.

Isn’t that how it goes? Lulu ponders. Small town girl makes a splash in the big city? A fish out of water. It’s a scary thing uprooting your whole life, for a chance at something that may or may not ever happen. Lulu wanted to be a writer. To expand the minds of many. To expand their souls, and give them an escape from ordinary life even just for a minute.

Lulu’s goal was to make people feel like they aren’t alone. Like they have a friend in her. Someone who gets it. Who gets them. She wanted to make them feel like she saw them, she wanted to make them feel seen and understood. Lulu wasn’t used to scandalous behavior. Sure she wrote about it in her stories of young adults trying to find themselves, making mistakes along the way. But it was all based on imagination, it was nothing she herself had ever experienced. Write what you know, huh? Lulu did the opposite. She wrote what she wanted to know, what she wanted to explore and learn about. She wrote from imagination. The pinnacle key of creativity. Some would even go as far as to call her innocent, or a prude, or simply too naïve for her own good. But Lulu knew better. Her eyes were open. And she could see the world for all that it is. A mixture of happiness and sadness. A blur of blacks and whites. Fading. Gray areas. Colors like canary yellow and magenta. Lulu could see that life can be filled with depression and anxiety and then flip a switch and be blessed with joy and laughter. It was in these switches, that she would put pen to paper and try to make sense of it all. The pen is mightier.

So fellow writers. Who is Lulu? A small town girl moving to the big city? A fish out of water? A writer with a dream? A lost soul searching for her purpose? Is Lulu just like you? Just like me? Lulu is you. Lulu is me. Lulu is every twenty something struggling writer, every girl turning into a woman, Lulu is just trying to find who she is, and what her place in the world is, but there’s a few things to keep in mind along the way…

*LULU*

Learn

Universally

Love

Uniquely

LISTEN to Lulu’s quest to womanhood.

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

-<3-

Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award Nomination

July 13, 2015July 9, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Shout-out to my girl Marielli (A Thing Called Life -here on WordPress) for nominating me for this award. I didn’t even know this was a thing…lol. But it’s super sweet and super cool! I know I’m supposed to pass the baton- so to speak, and nominate 10 more people. But to be honest, I just don’t feel qualified enough to do so, I spend most of my time just trying to get my own blog out of the shambles, so I feel I haven’t been active enough to make nominations. I will however share my answers to the questions I was asked. And I will try harder to be a more interactive participant in the blogging world. After all we as writers and creative minds, all need to support each other, right? I’ll do better. And good luck to everyone! 😀

May you Taylor Swift it, my fellow nominees 😉

10 questions I was asked…

1. What is your dream career?

I want to be a writer. Which kind of writer is to still be determined. I think I have a lot of interests when it comes to writing. I enjoy many forms of it. But if I had a chance to snap my fingers and magically have a job writing for television, I would consider myself a happy camper. I really happy camper. I love television. I love that you get to spend time with the same characters for a long period of time. You really get to know them, and care about what happens to them. Writing, running, directing, creating a television show, yea that’s the dream. Shonda Rhimes has that crap down! #TGIT

2. What are your favorite makeup trends?

I’m not an everyday makeup kind of girl. But I will say that when I do wear makeup, there are certain things that just complete your look; for me it’s a little bit of bronzer for glow, a natural shade of blush, brighten up the eye area with some whites and golds, add some mascara, and fill in your brows. Brows make all the difference. I really like the “no makeup makeup look.” It’s natural…haha…kind of. Also, I like to put a lip balm on before any lipstick, or gloss.

3. Do you have children ? If so boy or girl?

I do not. But I am a godmother to a very sweet, very spunky little girl. 🙂

4. What is your nationality?

I’m kind of a mutt. Irish (hello freckles! I’ve embraced you.) Puerto Rican, Portuguese, and Brazilian.

5. What do you like about the blogging world?

Truth be told, I’ve wanted to start a blog since high school, but didn’t until I was well into college. (I’m sure my ancient and unused tumblr is still floating around somewhere, but that wasn’t cutting it for me.) I love that it’s a way to share my writing, and get it out of my journals, because no one gets to read it there. I like that it’s a creative space for writers to tell their stories, and share their thoughts.

6. Do you have a favorite TV show you watch?

DO I! I have many. But being that it’s summer hiatus, there aren’t many I watch now. But I will say that in the fall time some of my favorites are Chicago PD, How To Get Away With Murder, and The Walking Dead. Although I’m kind of obsessed with anything they put on abcfamily. Baby Daddy cracks me up, and all the guys are gorgeous so there’s that! And this summer they started replaying old 90’s throwback shows like Dawson’s Creek (um you guys know how in love I am with Pacey Witter) and Buffy The Vampire Slayer. (Angel is sexier then I remember…um probably because I was like only 8 when it was actually on…haha)

7. Do you have a special talent?

If I do I haven’t figured it out yet.

8. If you had super powers what would they be?

To teleport, and get somewhere instantly. I hate traffic, and I hate public transportation.

9. Are you in school or working?

~~Neither.~~ Job hunting is a job.

10. Do you have a favorite food?

I love food. In general. All kinds food. But more specifically, I love chicken. Any kind of chicken.

*Marielli, thanks again girl for the nomination. Great questions, fun to answer!

*Check out my girl’s blog; A Things Called Life, tell her she’s awesome! 😉

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

-<3-

Michelle Leigh Writes

A safe place for the written word <3 New Posts Two Days A Week

Author: michelleleighwrites

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Her name is Lulu

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