I know it’s been a minute since I’ve posted an updated fangirl report on here. But to be honest, as you get older, adulting is a thing and it can totally harsh your fangirl mellow. But that being said after tomorrow…I’ll have some more fun news to report for you!
Tomorrow, I have tickets to see the man, the myth, the legend- Justin Timberlake in his MAN OF THE WOODS TOUR. If you remember, seeing J.T. in concert is on my Fall Bucket List…so I am super happy to be able to check that one off!
It has been a while since I’ve seen him in concert. My Fangirl life is pretty well documented on this blog though. See lists of posts below…
Needless to say, I feel like JT is kind of doing his thing this tour. He isn’t really attending many award shows because he’s touring, and to be honest I haven’t been keeping up with the award shows either. He isn’t really doing many public appearances, again, because he’s touring. And I’m doing life on my end, and we just meet in the middle. Haha. Normally I’m like tracking his every move, but ya homegirl has a busy life now! I feel like I barely have enough time in a day! Haha. Thanks to his instagram I can still keep up. But I’ve learned not everything has to be super urgent.
Was I excited when his new album came out?
Yes.
Did I buy it?
Duh.
Did I have a private dance party, alone in my room, at midnight.
Maybe.
Do I continue to purchase *NSYNC tees like a psycho?
Um of course.
[They just released VOL. 2 of the new *NSYNCmerch collection. (that doormat tho! haha)]
Did I try to get tickets when they went on sale?
Yup was on Ticketmaster bright and early, and no luck!
So I realized something. If I want to go. I will make it happen. I kept checking back and waited out those damn ticket prices, til I felt the price was reasonable and the seats were decent enough. I love you JT, but I am not made of money bro! Ticketmaster was legit, driving me crazy. But after a while, I finally got my tickets a few weeks ago, and it’s a go for tomorrow!
Me and my best friend are wearing matching t-shirts, I found in Target HERE, and I have my Fangirl To Do/Prep List ready to go for when I get out of work today. #NERD
Tomorrow is going to be so crazy, I have work, then I have to rush home, change and head out! I am so freakin’ excited though! It’s going to feel like old times. Nostalgia.
^Me and my best friend…I can’t wait to add a new picture to this! 😀
I haven’t let myself watch too much footage from the concert, because I knew I was planning to go. But I have seen the vibe of it, very campfire, woodsy, earthy. I love it, and I am with it. Although I feel like my obsession with this album isn’t as strong as my others, but this album is definitely feel good, chill vibes. And I’m ready for it. I am getting pumped writing this as I listen to the album, lol. [Flannel is playing right now- has become one of my favorites.] And I’m sure he’s going to throw in the nostalgia hits, #Cry Me A River, #What Goes Around, #Mirrors. Omg I am so ready, you guys! Last time I did a whole vlog situation, but honestly it was very time consuming and I filmed a get ready with me and all that too, and I just don’t have the time for that this year. I’m rushing home to go see him as it is. Besides, sometimes you just want to be in the moment and not worry about having to capture it on a recording device. So as much as I would love to have another JT concert vlog for MLW, I think I’ll just stick to crappy cell phone coverage and my oh so wise words. 😉 But I will of course be doing a concert review!
So stay tuned for that!
Fangirl TO DO/PREP List:
Tickets
Pick an outfit- accessories, shoes, jacket, makeup look, hair style- Ugh! I have a few ideas for an outfit but I haven’t really made an official decision yet! #GirlProblems
Clear out cell camera (always getting full, gosh! #memories)
Charge phone
Paint Nails
Listen to JT albums (gotta get them singing skills ready!)#NOVOICEATWORKONTHURSDAY
Directions for venue (just in case I have a mental fart and can’t remember where I’m going, it’s possible! haha)
Chat with bestie/confirm plans
Also quick side note: J.T. wrote a BOOK! It comes out literally in ONE WEEK, Next Tuesday, October 30th! And yes I will be buying it. Hey maybe I’ll do a little book review! 😉 Seriously though, is there anything this dude can’t do?
*I do not take credit for the JT album or the JT book cover image.*
Back in the early-mid 2000s, to say that my music taste was very different, would be an understatement. Enter Punk Pop. It was a HUGE deal and me and my friends were all in on it! I was into that emo, rock band, head nodding stuff. And our girl Avril Lavigne, she came just when we needed her most. She made ties and stud bracelets a thing! She showed us it was cool to dress different and not always be “super girly” just because we are girls.
Avril Lavigne
For some reason, recently this Fall, those old songs are resurfacing and they just give off some Fall vibes. They have that weird emo/ almost eerie feeling to them, so hey I thought why not dive into my old CD collection and share some middle school/ high school favorites with you. [Some were in 2005 which kind of leaked into my high school years, same with some from 2001 that leaked into my middle school years. For instance bands like Jimmy Eat World, and Foo Fighters were around a while before I started to really love them. I have older cousins and an older brother so I would hear their music, but then I actually began to listen to it myself. Big thanks to #OTH, #TheOC #ACinderellaStory] 😉
Middle/High School Emo Fall Mix [62 Songs]
Let Go-Avril Lavigne [Full Album, I can’t choose!] [2002]
The Middle-Jimmy Eat World [2001]
Sweetness- Jimmy Eat World [2001]
Hear You Me -Jimmy Eat World [2001]
If You Don’t, Don’t -Jimmy Eat World [2001]
Sugar, We’re Goin Down- Fall Out Boy [2005]
Dance, Dance- Fall Out Boy [2005]
A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More “Touch Me”-Fall out Boy [2005]
This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race- Fall Out Boy [2007]
Thnks Fr Th Mmrs- Fall Out Boy [2007]
Helena- My Chemical Romance [2004]
I’m Not Okay (I Promise)- My Chemical Romance [2004]
To The End- My Chemical Romance [2004]
The Ghost of You- My Chemical Romance [2004]
I Write Sins Not Tragedies- Panic! At The Disco [2005]
Nails For Breakfast, Tacks For Snacks- Panic! At The Disco [2005]
Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off – Panic! At The Disco [2005]
But It’s Better If You Do- Panic! At The Disco [2005]
How To Save A Life- The Fray [Full Album, I can’t choose!] [2005] *These guys are my fav, I’ve seen them in concert a few times, and actually met them at The Today Show Concert Series. Super chill guys! 😀
Hotel Paper-Michelle Branch [Full Album, I can’t choose!] [2002]
Can’t Hold Us Down-Christina Aguilera [2002]
Fighter-Christina Aguilera [2002]
Underappreciated -Christina Aguilera [2002]
Impossible-Christina Aguilera [2002]
Beautiful-Christina Aguilera [2002]
The Voice Within-Christina Aguilera [2002]
Wake Me Up When September Ends- Green Day [2005]
Ocean Avenue- Yellowcard [2003]
Only One- Yellowcard [2003]
Mr. Brightside- The Killers [2004] *Shout out to my best friend, this band was her fav!
Move Along- All American Rejects [2005]
Dirty Little Secret- All American Rejects [2005]
It Ends Tonight- All American Rejects [2005]
Bring Me To Life- Evanescence [2003]
My Immortal- Evanescence [2003]
Numb- Linkin Park [2003]
In The End- Linkin Park [2003]
Seven Nation Army- The White Stripes [2003]
Anthem-Good Charlotte [2002]
Speed Of Sound- Coldplay [2005]
Fix You- Coldplay [2005]
The Scientist- Coldplay [2002]
Clocks- Coldplay [2002]
Viva La Vida- Coldplay [2008]
Perfect- Simple Plan [2002]
Addicted- Simple Plan [2002]
Welcome To My Life- Simple Plan [2004]
I’d Do Anything- Simple Plan [2002]
In Too Deep- Sum 41 [2001]
Fat Lip- Sum 41 [2001]
Best Of You- Foo Fighters [2005] *Oh man my brother and I were obsessed with this song, #REPLAYBUTTON
The Sound Of Settling- Death Cab For Cutie [2003] *Shout out to the best friend again! She introduced me to this band.
A Lack Of Color- Death Cab For Cutie [2003]
I Will Follow You Into The Dark- Death Cab For Cutie [2005]
Lightness- Death Cab For Cutie [2003]
Boston- Augustana [2005]
Hide And Seek- Imogen Heap [2005]
Snow Patrol- Eyes Open [Full Album, I can’t choose!] [2006]
Misery Business-Paramore [2007]
CrushCrushCrush- Paramore [2007]
That’s What You Get- Paramore [2007]
So I was going to link each song, but I just don’t have the patience for that! Haha, hey at least now I put all these artists/emo bands back on your radar. Go crazy! Feel that nostalgia. You’re Welcome. 😉
All songs available on Spotify, YouTube, etc, and I’m sure hidden in your old CD collection.
Side Note:
In 2014 I found a post similar to this, where I chat about old I-pod jams– below is a funny excerpt from it…
That awkward moment when you realize you used to be a really big My Chemical Romance fan and wore a lot of black eyeliner, and bought every shirt with a skull on it…wait was I goth that one point in my life? haha #letyourfreakflagflyyy
To be clear I wouldn’t wear the eyeliner to school, and that phase came more when I was in high school…Little Michelle…my 15th birthday party, channeling my…dare I say it…Peyton Sawyer (you know Haley is my girl!) vibes with them curls, black jacket & boots, denim skirt, and skull shirt. Oh and hey OC mix tape! 😉
It’s so crazy to see how my taste in music varies. If you notice the vibes of The Fray, Coldplay, and Snow Patrol are a little less emo than say Fall Out Boy, and Panic! At The Disco. I would say my taste gravitates more toward the softer rock now. But emo basically stands for emotional, so really if any song inflicts a feeling, who’s to say that one song or artist can’t fit more than one genre. I love music, sure maybe I lost touch with a lot of these bands, you grow up, your life changes, your taste changes. But anytime I hear any of these songs, the vibes are still so good. My music taste is all over the place, and I don’t mind.
*All images are my own, except the Avril Lavigne Image.*
I love jewelry. I love accessorizing. I think it’s such a creative form of expression. With just a few key pieces of jewelry you can transform any outfit. I have draws full of jewelry and then because of the nature of my job, I was able to take on a new hobby of jewelry making. In order to educate others, I had to do a bit of research. Shout out to YouTube!
FINISHED WIRE BRACELET
(Due to the wire type, and the style of the bracelet, you can have different looks, just two rows, or many rows- creating a multi bangle bracelet look with, essentially just the one bracelet that wraps around your wrist several times. The wire also allows for it to be adjusted to your wrist, basically a one size fits all bracelet.)
I made this bracelet back in March or April I think. I made it with earthy colors- a mix of glass and clay beads- some with tribal designs on them. I made it like so, because it fits my personal style. However, I just feel like it has such fall vibes to it, and I wear it now, so I thought I’d share it. (You can customize this bracelet to your style and use any style beads, or colors/patterns/designs.)
^Memory Wire Bracelet Tutorial starts @ the 9:48 mark. However, I suggest watching Parts 1& 2 of this Beginner’s series because it will teach you all about the tools and how to use them for specific techniques- such as cutting memory wire and looping- both used in this project.
I didn’t really have any specific pattern. I just knew I wanted an earthy color scheme, and a junky multi bracelet look. So I just added beads randomly, trying to create a unique, bohemian look.
I’ve made various jewelry pieces by following these tutorials (and various others). I’ve made earrings, bracelets, necklaces, chokers, pins, etc. I still have yet to conquer any rings, but hopefully soon. It’s super fun, and it’s even cooler to be wearing something and be able to say, I made this. And they can be great gift ideas too. If you package it nicely and add a little “made with love” sticker…and Voila!
^ Here is a pair of earrings I made and packaged for my Mom as part of her
Mother’s Day gift.
If you make any jewelry pieces of your own, let me know in the comments below!
*I do not take credit for the videos used as tutorials.*
Bethany Joy Lenz is one of my biggest inspirations. Not because she’s perfect, we all know that no one is perfect. But because she is real and she owns it. Her talent in acting, painting, fashion and above all else singing knows no bounds. She is a fierce female.
The Fashion
Acting
Singing
Painting (follow her art instagram @thelenzgallery)
Hallmark series When Calls the Heartis such a wholesome gem. I fell in love with it last year when I binge watched it and got caught up before the return of it’s 4th Season.
Now it’s in it’s 5th season, and I unfortunately no longer get the Hallmark channel. And I miss it so much! Not only do I miss the fun seasonal movie themes but I miss this Sunday night series terribly! I try to keep up with it through social media, but it’s just not the same.
I haven’t found a free, reliable way to watch online either. 😦
All I know is there was a Christmas Special which I missed, and then the first 3 episodes have aired. Last season we left off with Jack proposing to Elizabeth who obviously said yes! But then he had to leave to go fight in a war. Leaving us #Hearties heartbroken.
So Erin Krakow’s Elizabeth Thatcher was left waiting for quite a long time. Waiting in worry.
Daniel Lissing who plays the role of Constable Jack Thornton, was absent from many of the ending episodes of the 4th season. And from what I’ve learned online, he wasn’t in the first few episodes of the 5th season either. [However it did appear he was home for Christmas briefly]. I hated not having our favorite smouldering Mountie at Elizabeth’s side.
Needless to say he returned in this past Sunday’s episode and their reunion was so sweet and charming, as usual. Thank you to the sweet soul on instagram who uploaded clips!
“I’m home.”
Jack and Elizabeth have FINALLY set a date for their wedding, maid of honors and best men have been picked and Rosemary is clearly already in planning mode.
It’s so sweet to see how happy Jack is to start his life with Elizabeth. He even created a rough blueprint for their future home, and took her to the land he bought for them. 5 bedrooms! He’s planning on growing their family that’s for sure! #LoveScene? 😉 They even had a sweet candle lit dance with a music box he bought while on his travels through the Northern Territories.
“There are so many rooms!”- Elizabeth
“Family is going to grow, right?”- Jack
“Apparently by a lot.”- Elizabeth *Of course Elizabeth has her shy eyes on.*
“I want to put a big dining room right here.”- Jack
“How big?”- Elizabeth
“Well big enough to fit all of the Thornton Clan.”- Jack
So cute! I can’t take it. He’s so excited!
However, in sneak peeks for future episodes. It appears that the wedding planning doesn’t exactly go so smoothly. With a fire in the church, I imagine that will set things back. And a few moments of pain inflicted in Jack’s eyes, hints that we may get a bit into what he suffered through during the war. There seems to be a potential post traumatic stress disorder story on the horizon. If you ask me that is so realistic and makes total sense. Jack is very quiet in his emotions, very laid back. Never likes to make a fuss. Even when he and Elizabeth had their breaks in their relationship he was never overly dramatic about their confrontations. Sure he’s well skilled in the grand gestures, but he’s worked on them for 5 years, at the beginning of their courtship boy did he stumble over his feet.
Jack is so grateful to come home to the love of his life, but he’s throwing himself into planning their wedding and their future life together without taking a break. It’s all going to come crashing down on him. And I sense from what I’ve seen so far, that Elizabeth knows that. She’s asked him several times to “Take a breath,” to “rest and relax because he must be exhausted.” She also has been asking him about the war and what it was like, to which he often deflects saying it “was what is was, and it’s over now.”
“I’ve waited so long for this.”-Elizabeth
“It’s good to be home.”-Jack
“Now we can go back to where we were.”
“No.”- Jack
“No?”-Elizabeth
“I don’t wanna be engaged.”-Jack
“What?”-Elizabeth
“”I wanna get married. Build a house. Start a family.”
“Okay. Catch your breath.”-Elizabeth
“I don’t need to. The thought of coming home to you, and having you there everyday, it energizes me. It got me through some rough times.”
I just love them. They are so sweet together and he really loves and respects her so much. I get all giddy just thinking about all the sweet little moments they’ve had together over the seasons- playful banter, disagreements, kisses, all the small looks and smiles. Even when they talk about each other with other people they’ve said such sweet things. In fact this past Sunday in a chat with a younger man- Jesse who is courting Clara (Abigail’s daughter in law whom came to live in Hope Valley after her husband was killed in the mine accident along with Abigail’s husband) asked for some advice. Jack responded that he knows he’s smart enough to know how lucky he is. When Jesse inquires if he and Elizabeth ever broke up, Jack answers that there were times when they put things on hold. He and Elizabeth took some time getting back to each other but they did in the end. Jack further explains that if Jesse and Clara are meant to be they will find their way. It was so sweet to see how he is now in this position to give a younger man advice. Many times he would seek his own advice about Elizabeth from sources like Lee, Bill Avery, and Abigail. He and Elizabeth have come a long way and have really grown together. The list is endless, I could go on all day. In fact I’ve been re-watching seasons on Netflix just to get my WCTH fix. I miss it so much! Lol.
It’s so crazy that they are at this point in their relationship, I mean from their early scenes together, it’s beautiful to see them now so in love. It seems like time flew by. I mean granted I binged on Netflix, I’m sure those who watched live feel like it’s been an eternity. But in many ways I too feel like it’s taken them quite long to get engaged and now married. I mean Jack was courting Elizabeth for quite a while, and Rosemary and Lee even got married in season 3, before our favorite Hope Valley couple Elizabeth and Jack. Lee and Rosemary are super cute though too! I love how he is so patient with her and all her craziness! Lol.
Although Rosemary came into Hope Valley at the end of Season 1 hoping to win Jack back (Plot Twist she and Jack used to be engaged!) It’s so crazy to see how much has changed, Rosemary and Elizabeth used to be each other’s competition, and now they are the best of friends. And so are Lee and Jack! Lee didn’t come in until the beginning of Season 2 and the two wed in Season 3! So it’s been a bit of a fast track for the Coulters.
So mind you, you can imagine how anxious we #Hearties have been to see Elizabeth and Jack finally on their way to tying the knot. IN TWO WEEKS! Gosh it’s going to kill me not to watch it! It’s such a big season for them! And I am very passionate when it comes to television and my ships! After all he’s had the damn ring since like what Season 1 or 2, I think! It’s been a long, beautiful journey and I really miss watching it live!
I guess I’ll have to stick it out and wait until Season 5 is on Netflix. 😦
In the meantime I wanted to chat about the things that make this show so charming. And a lot of that has to do with the fact that it’s set in a small town. I love small towns, and quaint little cafes, church and shops. I love the simplicity of their life, (not to mention that they have such a comradery in hope and faith throughout the town).
And last but not least I LOVE the FASHION.
Fashion in the 1910’s were all about the long skirts, and the corsets. The lace, pastel colors, and dainty earrings. The hair was also in a league of it’s own with simple updo’s with a twist or long soft curls. In the first season, Elizabeth dressed a bit more showy, with large hats and flashy dresses, after all she hailed from Hamilton where she lived a wealthy city life. But soon she embraced the more simplistic nature of Hope Valley and toned things down a bit. She found herself, she found her home.
But for a character like Abigail Stanton played by the lovely Lori Loughlin, she had a bit of the reverse happen. When we first meet her she is all about simple undo’s and no makeup. Beautiful no matter what, but soon Abigail starts to find herself again, she starts to find hope too and realizes she still has so much living to still do despite suffering so much loss when the coal mine tragedy struck taking her husband and son from her. She starts to let her hair down again, and begins entertaining some gentleman callers who obviously couldn’t help but fall for her. All while being a café owner and town mayor. Total Girl Boss.
Simplicity at it’s best…
Abigail Stanton…
I just love it all. Rosemary spices things up with her red crimson wardrobe as only she could! #Theatrics
As I reflect on 2017, sifting through my memory jar, my Instagram and my blog posts, I realize SO MUCH happened this year. At the start of the year I made a vision board that I framed. It was made of just cool funky colors and images to match my room, but it also had one main word in the center and that word was CHANGE. I wanted to change and work on so many things and I wanted to make that word my mantra. As someone who fears change, I wanted 2017 to be the year I embraced it. And even though I had my ups and downs, my tearful breakdowns, my stressed out moments, and I lost a very special person- My Grandma very early on in 2017, I still managed to make some incredible memories.
I’d I have to say that I rose to the occasion and embraced change. I changed. And this year I’m hoping to continue to change. To better myself, my life, my relationships and my career.
So here are My 2017 Highlights.
(in no particular order-but categorized)
*FAMILY/FRIENDS*
-I rung in 2017 with my dad’s side of the family- my parents, my cousins, my aunt, and my grandparents. We even got to skype my brother and sister in law who were on their honeymoon in Hawaii at the time. I dressed up, made glitter cups, ate fun finger foods, and lit up sparklers as we had an impromptu dance party outside. It was a blast. It was in fact the last Holiday I got to spend with my Grandmother before she passed in February. I’m glad my family got to have that time together. It was also a huge family reunion when she passed, family and friends from all over came to be together. Although such a sad time, it was beautiful to see how much love there is and how many people wanted to share in honoring her life. Read more about that journey HERE.
-Many family dinners, my brother hosted a few holidays at his new house- memorial day, mother’s day, father’s day, Christmas 2017, and New Year’s! My mom also hosted a few family dinners too. A lot of time spent with my immediate family. ❤
-I became a Titi. (In Spanish it means Aunt.) My sister in law and brother found out they were expecting their first child, so we got to be apart of the baby kicks and all that, I even got to sit in on one of their sonogram visits! We were all there for the birth and for hospital visits and for her Welcome Home. We also got to be with her for her first Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year! She’s precious. I’m obsessed.
-My family/friends welcomed a few new babies- my cousin’s baby girl, my brother and sister in law’s baby (my niece!!!!), and one of my oldest friends- Kate’s baby boy.
-I attended special occasions like, my little cousin’s first birthday- it was a mickey mouse clubhouse theme!, my best friend Roe’s engagement party (where I was asked to be one of her maid of honors), I also went for several bridesmaids dresses, and got to see both my best friend’s in their wedding dresses during their hunt for the perfect dress! Attended my other best friend Jenny’s shower, bachelorette party,rehearsal dinner and wedding, where I was her maid of honor and my other friend Kate’s wedding/baby shower and her wedding!
-Took a Zumba class.
-I caught up with some friends I haven’t seen in a while!
-Had a few girls nights/day in/out. Got to see my best friend Jenny’s new place. Had lunch with my mom and my best friend and her mom. Met up with a high school friend a few times, had some sushi and froyo with some work friends, and went to visit with old middle school friends.
-I dragged my Aunt and my mom to the Mermaid Parade, in the rain and we ended up having a blast! Of course I dressed up!
-I got to see my two little girl cousins in their Talent Show, my other boy cousin in his school play where he played Mufasa in Lion King Jr. and my God Daughter’s first dance recital!!! I love going to creative things like that, they are so inspirational. And I always end up tearing up. I love art!
-I read milk & honey.
-I went to the Polar Express again!
-My cousin moved back from Florida for a few months. So I got to see him, and it was nice because he hasn’t been home for that long in a long time.
-Had a fun park day with my God daughter and her baby brother.
-I spent the 4th of July at home with some family, we had food outside and then went on our roof to watch fireworks.
-I got to treat my mom to another play- this time I took her to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and then I took her to Olive Garden.
-My family and I went to this old neighborhood amusement park we used to go to as kids, and we played mini golf and I beat my brother! HA! 😉
-Had a fun Beach Day with my mom, cousins, and Aunt. I only made it to the beach once that summer, but at least it was once!
*WORK*
-Started doing holiday/festive themed bulletin boards for my classes to display their Creative Writing work.
-My job hosted a Talent Show and my class did a skit called “School Struggles,” and they did so good!
-I got a bunch of last day of Summer cards from kids I work with. The word around my co-workers was I got the most. 😉 I was kind of super flattered and I felt all warm and fuzzy inside! 🙂
-A few movie projects were completed by my kids in my Film Making class.
-Chaperoned a few trips- one was to see Captain Underpants (which was surprisingly really entertaining!) at this really cool theater with reclining comfy seats, blankets, pillows and food service! The other was to the Museum of Moving Image which was really cool! We even got a special viewing of Moana.
-My job hosted an end of the year carnival- with blowup rides, a photo booth, DJ, and a Taco truck…can you guys what was my favorite part—T-A-C-O!!!!
–Stranger Things & Fuller House released new seasons and they are killing the game!
-That’s So Raven got a Reboot- Raven’s Home– the nostalgia is real! Raven and Chelsea still crack me up!
–Will & Grace got a Reboot as well, and they haven’t changed a bit!
-Got hooked on and binged Scream the TV series
-Also got hooked on Riverdale…and fell in love with a new ship- #BUGHEAD
-Bethany Joy Lenz was in a new film on Lifetime- Snowed Inn Christmas, and my best friend Roe and I watched it during our “Best Friend Christmas” tradition we have every year where we get together and exchange our gifts and watch a Christmas movie and drink hot chocolate and Sangria while munching on snacks. And let me tell you this movie was AWESOME! It had everything- Christmas magic, humor, romance, heart, a handsome guy, and our girl Joy! Duh? 😉
-I fell in love with lighting candles, and wearing big comfy sweaters, which if you know me I used to shy away from because scents and fear of overheating myself would cause my anxiety to spike. I know that sounds like a weird highlight, but for me it means that I’m able to manage my anxiety in a way I wasn’t able to before. And do things people normally don’t think twice about.
-I had a pretty fun fall- a lot of fall vibes, went to a pumpkin patch and got my fall goodies, lit candles, bought festive soaps and décor. Watched a bunch of Halloween movies, I even ordered Halloweentown on DVD, (FINALLY!).
-I hosted a PUMPKIN PARTY! (Which I always wanted to do!)
-Had a Stranger Things Premiere Party (post COMING SOON!)
-I had a really special moment in confession this year. Read more about it HERE.
-I sent my god daughter and her baby brother (my second cousins) and my niece my special hand made, Santa Letters. It’s a tradition I started with my God daughter when she was born. I write a letter to her from Santa and mail it. So I continued it for her brother and of course I had to start it for my new little niece! ❤
-I was given a few special gifts in honor of my new role as “Titi,” two t-shirts, a bracelet and an ornament.
-I baked my butt off for this holiday season- for Thanksgiving I made Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter cookies with Reese’s Pieces, and for Christmas I made Chocolate cake batter cookies with Peppermint kisses in the middle and then White cake mix cookies with Milk Chocolate kisses in the middle and I also made a Berry Crumble.
-I’m learning my limits, and when to say no. I’m a fixer, and I realize rationally I can’t fix what I can’t control. And in this life there is a whole lot we have no control over!
-I put my birthday gift-Ninja bulletto good use and started making smoothies!
-I continue to decorate and organize my room.
-Last Summer, I died my hair BLUE! and now it’s like a green/teal. I have yet to post pics, but that’ll be a post COMING SOON! After the last wedding I’m in, in July, I’m thinking of doing another color next Summer…maybe purple? 😉
***
That was my year in review as you can see, A LOT HAPPENED. And after my family was hit with a major heartache and loss early in the year, it’s an amazing thing to say that for the most part 2017 was a really good year. Looking back on all these memories, I realize that so much change happened and I managed to get through it all and make the most of it- at least I tried in most cases. That doesn’t mean that it wasn’t hard, or scary, but I realized that a lot of the changes were good, happy things. And although they can come with stress too, I’m happy to say that I had so many good things to celebrate. I hope 2018 is just a celebratory for my friends and family but also for myself. 2017 was a lot about me showing up for other people, and although I don’t regret it, I realize I still didn’t get to do a lot of what I set out to do in 2017. So I hope to accomplish them in 2018. That doesn’t mean I won’t continue being there for my family and friends, it just means learning when to say no, and learning when to make myself a priority. Like Sophia Bush once yet,
“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.”
I wish you all a Happy, Healthy, 2018! May all your dreams for this year come true. Cheers!
Before we roll into the new year I just wanted to do a little reflection/recap on #BLOGMAS.
I actually did it!!!! 25 days, 25 posts- a post a day, everyday!
There were many times I doubted if I would stick to it. If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know there are many times I let life sidetrack me from my blogging goals.
However, this was something I set out to do, to see if I could actually meet the challenge.
In the beginning, I felt it was pretty easy to post, because I had a few posts already scheduled and ready to go. It was just a matter of checking in on things and then posting to social media. So it was a breeze- then it got harder as I had to post in real time. Every day, I had to set aside time to make sure I could write, edit, and post all in one day. And this is when I realized just how difficult it could be.
With all the holiday things going on- the shopping, the planning, and other things in life like friendships, family, and work, it was difficult to stay on track. Towards the end, I was uploading minutes before midnight! But I made it!
I even blogged ON Christmas Eve AND Christmas Day. I had planned to schedule those ahead of time, but it just got so stressful and so busy, with baking and last minute shopping for the little things. This Christmas was absolutely insane, a lot of traveling around, and it just felt like I was going and going non-stop. I have a new little niece so we had a lot of new special traditions this year.
So in between all that, I was typing up posts on the go, on my crappy cell phone. Making myself slightly car sick! Lol. Hey, at least you can’t say that’s not dedication! Right?
Needless to say not only was my cell phone giving me trouble, my laptop decided to die on me too! So in the face of this challenge I had given myself, it felt like there were a lot of obstacles against me. But I pushed past every one. I borrowed my mom’s computer, my aunt’s computer, to continue the journey, I typed notes into my cellphone, I excused myself on Christmas Eve and Day to upload on my brother’s computer, all on minimal hours of sleep and holiday stress. Just so I could prove to myself that I could do this. And I did. Wherever I went I had BLOGMAS on the brain.
I know it may not be a big deal to some of you reading this, but to me, it’s a huge deal. I often let this blog slide, when I have a lot going on in my life, because it’s my blog, I can pick up whenever or wherever I want. But giving myself a challenge, made me feel like I was being held accountable for something. Don’t get me wrong I felt rude at times sneaking away to write or sneaking off to work on a post/use someone else’s computer to post. (NOT THAT I USED WITHOUT ASKING PERMISSION, lol, because that would just be rude.) I just mean that I did feel bad doing something for myself in the middle of the holidays where your supposed to be sharing it with others. But it was important to me, and I think they all (or at least I hope they all) understood. I didn’t let it stop me from enjoying time with my family. I did what I had to do for BLOGMAS and shut the computer down and resumed my family time.
Another thing I had to come to terms with when posting daily, (because I didn’t always have time to plan and pre-write) was that I couldn’t over-analyze my ideas for my posts. I got an idea, if it was feasible in a day, I ran with it. It usually will take me hours to write, edit and post. Especially if it’s a short story. But with BLOGMAS I was in a bit of a constant time crunch. So I had to leave my perfectionism behind. At times it was hard, because I felt like it wasn’t my best work, but BLOGMAS was a learning experience. You don’t have to love what you write, everyday, but writing everyday is great for a writer to do.
My posts were all Christmas related, which was not my initial intension. But it kind of just happened that way, I guess I was inspired by the season.
Another thing that was new to me, was posting regularly to my social media websites for this blog during BLOGMAS. In case you didn’t know michelleleighwrites is on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram! Come follow along! I’d love to chat with you! 😉 And as someone who personally doesn’t post to social media everyday, it took some getting used to. But it was a cool experience.
I know I also mentioned this to you guys at some point, how my WordPress accountneeds updating and I haven’t been able to do that yet, so my photo memory is extremely limited, and so it was a challenge to post without images. I always like to have an image accompany my writing, I feel like it adds a visual aspect. I had to go in and delete images to make room for the few new ones I needed, or work with images I already had. There were many weird obstacles during BLOGMAS, and usually when things like that have happened in the past in life, I would just be like “Oh well, it’s not working, I can’t do it.” But not this time. I set a goal and I met it! I think there was only one day where I posted to social media a few minutes late, but it was posted on the blog, on time, so I was in the clear! Lol.
It was a long BLOGMAS journey, but it kind of flew by and the more the time passed, the days grew and the numbers on the calendar kept climbing, and I kept posting and it just started to become part of my routine and it started to feel really good. There were times I thought to myself, “I’ve got this,” and there were times where I was like, “Oh no, I’m going to miss my deadline!” But I did it, I posted every day from December 1-25 and I am super proud I was able to commit to it and complete the task I set out to do. For myself, but also for all of you.
Thank you for reading… (and if you missed any days of the MLW #BLOGMAS series, I will link them all down below for you to browse.)
Along with lip colors getting darker during the Fall season, so do nail colors! Below I have some swatches of some of the colors in my collection, that I think would be perfect for Fall. I know it may be hard to see the color, so I took some pics of the bottles and I described the colors as best I can. I know some purples look blue and some greens look silver. Sorry about that! Also, I separated them by Brand.
I really love the berry tones, I feel like I always reach for Essie’s “Wicked.” But I also think that greens, browns, blues, golds and neutral tones can also work. And sometimes just good old plain black can be really sleek and chic.
Left to Right: Kelly B (Olive Green), Black Cherry (Wine), Black & Blue (Deep Dark Blue,) and Plain Black.
Left to Right: Endless Blue, In the mist (Dark muddy green), Mama-San (Copper), and Let’s Talk (Electric Purple).
Left to Right: Ladylike, Smokin’ Hot (Dark Purple/Grey), Mamba, Good As Gold, Wicked, and Summit of Style (Glitter over coat).
Left to Right: Dominate (Dark brown), Hard Metal (Silvery Dark Blue), Moroccan (Lighter Wine), and Envy. (Bold Pink/Purple).
What’s your fav color to wear on your nails, during the Fall season?
As the weather starts to get chilly and the leaves begin to change. I thought it’d be fun to dive into my makeup collection and see which of my lip colors would be best to rock this Fall season. So I figured why not do a bit of a Lip Collection. I shop mostly in local drugstores like Walgreens and Rite Aid, I usually like Revlon and Almay products. I do have some NYX and NICKAK products which I find in a local beauty supply store.
I broke them down by color.
Kisses. 😉
Oranges/Peach Tones
Right to Left: Rendezvous, Cherry Cheesecake, Cantaloupe, and Smoked Peach.
^Names/Brands Listed Left to Right^
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 040- “Rendezvous” *smells minty.
NYX butter gloss in BLG 10- “Cherry Cheesecake” *smells like vanilla/cake.
Almay liquid lip balm in 700- “Cantaloupe” *smells like vanilla/cake.
Revlon Matte in 013- “Smoked Peach”
Reds
Right to Left: Pure Red, Red Lacquer, Cherry Pie, Rum Raisin.
^Names/Brands Listed Left to Right^
NYX Matte in MLS 08- “Pure Red”
Revlon Pearl in 029- “Red Lacquer”
NYX butter gloss in BLG 12- “Cherry Pie” *smells like vanilla/cake.
Revlon Crème in 535- “Rum Raisin”
Neutral Browns/Purples
Right to Left: Radiant Mauve, Forever, Choco-Liscious, Dark Scarlet, Mulberry Forest
^Names/Brands Listed Left to Right^
Elizabeth Arden High Shine Lip Gloss in “Radiant Mauve”
* I tried my best to look up the name of this one. It’s a bit old and the sticker came off, but it basically looks like a really muted purple tone lip gloss with a bit of shimmer and I’d call it a mauve color, so when I looked up Elizabeth Arden this name seemed to be the best match in color.
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color in 645- “Forever”
Revlon Crème in 665- “Choco-Liscious”
NICKAK New York Matte in NMS17- “Dark Scarlet”
Mary Kay Glossy Lip Stain in “Mulberry Forest”
Side-note:
My go to lip colors would have to be Revlon Crème in 535- “Rum Raisin” and Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color in 645- “Forever.” I find myself reaching for these two a lot, especially “Forever.” “Forever” is Matte and definitely lasts longer but it’s a more neutral color that just kind of enhances the natural color of my lips. “Rum Raisin is a crème consistency so it goes on really easily and requires less worry, because it will just gradually fade. I wear this color when I want to rock a bit more color but still stay in the red/fall lip look.
When choosing a lip product, it’s usually just based upon how I’m feeling that day. If I want a serious color pay-off and a long lasting wear, I’ll use a matte product. If I just want a bit of color that I can thrown on throughout the day with ease, I’ll do a crème product or a gloss. Or if I’m feeling really fancy I’ll layer a lipstick and a gloss of similar colors. For example I love wearing Almay’s liquid lip balm in 700- “Cantaloupe” over Revlon Matte in 013- “Smoked Peach.” Or I like wearing Mary Kay Glossy Lip Stain in “Mulberry Forest” over NICKAK New York Matte in NMS17- “Dark Scarlet.” It just gives it a sharper color and adds a little glisten to your look. As with everything in fashion it’s just based upon what a girl’s feeling. Am I right or am I right? 😉
Taylor Swift made tongues start talking once again, after premiering her Music Video for her latest single Look What You Made Me Do at the 2017 Video Music Awards this past Sunday.
Although Swift was not there to present it, (definitely a strategic move on her part #LetTheMusicDoTheTalking) her presence was largely felt in the strong images on the screen.
The video opens up in a cemetery with a zombified Taylor clawing her way out of her grave which reads “Here Lies Taylor Swift’s Reputation.” And the dark levels of imagery do not stop there, as Zombie Taylor proceeds to shovel dirt on top of her more “nice girl” self, lying there peaceful, arms crossed.
There’s a massive car crash scene, a scene where Taylor swings on a swing literally inside of a gold cage, robs a bank, lifts motorcycles with her bare hands, builds a squad of robots, and then dominates a dance routine in a sexy black number. Seriously though, my fav look of hers from the video. When I heard this song, this is the look I pictured her in.
Needless to say, Taylor GOES ALL IN for this video. She calls out EVERYONE! Even herself.
At the 2:21 mark in the video, where Taylor begins singing the Bridge-
I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me I’ll be the actress starring in your bad dreams
and then hitting us with the infamous line-
“I’m sorry, the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now.” “Why?” “Oh, ’cause she’s dead!” (ohh!)
the hair on my arms stood up as I got the chills as we see current Taylor standing on a pyramid of past versions of herself- the fallen Taylors if you will, all clawing to stay alive as they battle it out for the top spot- eventually losing their grip.
As if that visual wasn’t enough to convince us that Taylor has completely transformed into a “Give No Fucks” kinda girl, we then get a real treat at the end of the video as we see all the different versions of Taylor cat fighting, so to speak. We see sweet country singer Taylor calling everybody ya’ll and trying to keep the peace, we see circus ring leader Taylor bully her and call her fake, biker Taylor call her out for “playing the victim,” “snake lover Taylor” hissing, and many others who some may say call out the disses made about her by other famous celebs. It’s as if a tell all and a satire had a baby and this was the result. It is dynamite and ballsy as all hell. Hats off girl, speak your truth. #WEWILLLISTEN
And yes there are tons of countless little references and hidden/not so hidden Easter eggs that point directly to the many people who have contributed to the down fall of the old, nice girl Taylor Swift. I won’t go into speculations, because let’s face it the internet is already going into overdrive with theories. Watch that video a ton of times and you won’t be able to unseen them! But girl damn. I am so intrigued by the route she is taking. I feel like she is pretty much a genius strategist. I don’t think she has really spoken out about anything publically regarding her new material and quite frankly I don’t see her doing so for this record. She’s lost all faith in the media to tell her story and do it justice.
In one of her latest social media posts, Taylor announced that her new album Reputation will be sold in partnership with Target. And with the album, fans will be able to purchase two collector magazines, which give them an insight into her creative process. Kind of like the personal voicemails she released on 1989 regarding how she wrote some of her lyrics, but more visual. The caption of the cover art for the magazine reading…There will be no further explanation. There will just be reputation.
All of her posts have been quiet formal, very commercial. Almost a disconnect there. I think she is done with sharing her personal life, because somehow the media always spins it and she ends up adding fuel to the fire that others have taken and burned her with. I look forward to seeing more of THIS Taylor’s journey. It may be scaring the living daylights out of me, but I am in it and ready to see what you got for us TS.
![GUEST_3b81af27-3455-4985-9d75-7ec37c287978[1]](https://michelleleighwrites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/guest_3b81af27-3455-4985-9d75-7ec37c2879781.jpg?w=665)
![full[1]](https://michelleleighwrites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/full1.jpg?w=665)
Sorry about that! Also, I separated them by Brand. 
![anigif_sub-buzz-742-1503690942-1[1]](https://michelleleighwrites.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/anigif_sub-buzz-742-1503690942-11.gif?w=665)
Michelle Leigh Writes 