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My long weekend of Food, Fashion, Friends & Family.

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FRIDAY: I had a day off of work so I met my friend for dinner at a local Greek restaurant.

 

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Grape leaves & some red wine

 

 

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SPANAKOPITA (Spinach Pie)

 

 

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Lamb Gyro Platter

 

After we went for some coffee and ice cream at Dunkin Donuts.

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My newest drink is an iced decaf hazelnut swirl coffee. So good!

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I tried their Caramel Macchiato Ice Cream. Delicious!- (Google Images)

This was a nice little catch up time with my best friend Jenny. She’s getting married in less than 2 weeks. And we had much to discuss. Her fiancé joined us at Dunkin’ Donuts which was a nice well rounded night out before I get to witness their BIG DAY, as her maid of honor.

SATURDAY: I went out to the outlets upstate with some family and we shopped til we dropped! Literally.

I caught some good sales! I needed some nice summer outfits for work- I got some really great stuff!

*Stay Tuned for a Clothing Haul!

SUNDAY: I met up with my Best Friend Roe and her cousin for brunch to celebrate her birthday and her wedding. She had gotten me this voucher to a place in the city called Vandal, so we just decided to make it one big all inclusive celebration.

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The ambience was very cool, covered in street art inspired walls.

 

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Seriously wanted to hide this lamp in my purse and take it home.

 

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We really treated ourselves that day. We just got a whole bunch of dishes to share. And topped it all off with a pitcher of Sangria.

Left to Right: Sangria, House Salad, Coffee Pancakes, Polenta w/ Scrambled Eggs, Frittata, and Chicken and Waffle Mac & Cheese. Everything was served in pretty small proportions and it was definitely a splurge but, it was all really delicious and we got to sample a lot of different things. You know what they say…sharing is caring. 😉

After we relaxed our stomachs a bit, we walked our food off and ventured toward Black Tap.

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We got three different crazy shakes to share.

 

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Left to Right: The Cookie Shake, Brooklyn Blackout, Bam Bam.

I know they look super intimidating, but honestly under all that fluff and decoration on top, it’s just a simple small shake. We shared and even ended up leaving some behind, because we were all so stuffed. But these were definitely delicious!

MONDAY: My brother and sister in law hosted their first BBQ. If I tell you how much food they had, it’d put the rest of my food filled weekend to shame.

 

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To support the day I rocked a blue and white striped- off the shoulder top, a navy knit cardigan over top, some high-waisted acid washed jeans that I cuffed up at the ankle, and some black tie up flats. I kept my makeup simple with just a bold red lip and for hair- my go to messy bun. ❤

 

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Corn Soufflé and Empanadas.

 

The picture on the right is a Berry Crumble which I made….you pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. So good!

 

I had such a great long weekend, filled with great company and great food. There’s no other way I would have liked to spend it. And I don’t get to go out and splurge often, so it was all a great time.

Thank you to all those who fought for our country. Your bravery is what allows us the freedom to be able to celebrate our own lives. I pray for your loved ones, that they can find comfort in your heroism, and I pray for your eternal life at peace. ❤

*All photos (with the exception of the dunkin donuts ice cream photo) are my own.*

-<3-

 

Scatter Brain

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

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I recently have been feeling like I have a lot of things going on and I’m getting overwhelmed.

I know what else is new? Right? 

But I’m stuck.

It’s that time of year where it’s getting hotter. I work closely with the school system, so it’s nearing summer break and all the kids are starting to lag and slow down and I feel by some extension that I am too.

There is this improvement list I keep thinking about.

Things I want to do and be better at, for myself-my career, my health, for my students, for my family, for my friends…

I teach 5 different creative activities and although it was my choice, I feel like I’m not doing as well as I hoped. I always have this vision and then it gets crazy and scattered and I end up scrambling in the last weeks.

And yet I am still also needed in a lot of other areas in my life- I’m in three more weddings- two of which I am maid of honor for, I’m going to be a Titi (An Aunt) in the fall I’m going to have a niece! And I’m planning for family occasions that keep popping up…the list always has something new added.

So I feel like I’m trying to be everything to everyone and still tryin to have some sort of social life and make time for myself. 

My relationships in my life with family and friends are everything to me.

And I want to show up for everyone… for everything.

And lately, I just feel kind of all over the place, and pulled in many directions.

I feel like I’m dropping the ball, and I don’t know what to do.

To the point where I just want to throw myself on my bed and sleep to forget it all.

I’ve been going and going since what feels like forever, and I’m still going.

I don’t know how to get over this bump in the road.

There is so much I want to do for myself, and I feel like my career has been put on hold for so long, and I know that it is my fault.

But I’ve made strides to better my situation in the past and I feel like now I’m just stuck and safe.

I get worried that my dream of being a writer will never happen for me.

I know I have to push myself, and when I lack motivation, I need to learn to push past it.

But it’s difficult. For sure.

I don’t know where to start.

How to change.

I’m always buying, and doing for something else, that it’s easy for me to forget or slack on going after what I really want for myself.

I need to learn how to prioritize.

I need to learn how to use my time wisely.

I need to plan accordingly and not let myself get stuck in my comfort zone.

I need to realize that the change is within me, and no one else.

I can’t keep saying I’m stressed and overwhelmed and then just shut down.

Because what good is that then?

I can’t just keep going through the everyday routine without any progress or change.

But I don’t know how to do that.

And this is not a “feel bad for me” post, this is literally my way of trying to sort this mess out.

I know I will, I’ve done so in the past.

One day things just clicked and did what I had to do even though it was scary…even though it was hard.

So I’m hoping I get my click into place day soon.

Thanks for letting me vent, friends.

And if you can relate, tell me in the comments how you push past that feeling stuck feeling!

XO

Michelle

 

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

-<3-

 

 

 

 

Mini Graphic T-shirt Haul

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I’ve mentioned how my love for television is a force to be reckoned with. Well there’s another obsession I have. I love collecting graphic t-shirts. Shirts that say silly things, or have fun charcters on them. Now when you put those two interests together, I lend a new level to the term tv fangirl.

Over the past few weeks or so I’ve come across a few t-shirts that I just had to have. I caught some sales and just went for it!

Here’s my haul:

I saw this shirt last summer in a department store and it was like 20 bucks, I was busy shopping for other things, so I couldn’t afford to just buy whatever I wanted. However, I recently saw it in a thrift store for $6 and I knew it was fate. Topanga Lawrence is such a free and wacky spirit. My inner flower child just gets her, and I knew I had to sport the “Find Your Topanga” slogan for everyone out there who feels like they can’t own their weirdness. Find it and own it! ;D

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This next shirt was also $6 at that same thrift store and let’s be real Kelly and Zack were one of THE best 90’s power couples. If they don’t scream Relationship Goals, who does?  

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This shirt was $8 at the thrift store and I just had to! I love me some Brandon/Kelly/ Dylan drama. But let’s be real #DAVIDSILVER Was The Real STUD. 😉

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These next three I found at Kohl’s. I always find great t-shirts there. The first two I saw and died. WHERE WERE THESE WHEN I HAD MY VIEWING PARTY for the Netflix revival. You guys know how I love my Gilmores! These two were 2 for $20! (And you can probably still get them!)

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This last one was just an ode to my love for one of my favorite Disney movies/ princesses. Now all I need is to find a Pocahontas tee and I’m golden! 😉 It’s on sale for $14.99! (And you can probably still get it!)

I love these T-shirts. I love feeling like I can bring a little nostalgia back into my life.  I have such fond memories of growing up while watching these tv shows and movies. It’s nice to be able to wear that and keep that same feeling alive and with me.

*All images are my own.*

-<3-

 

My No Make-up Routine

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There are some days (usually on the weekends) when I will go makeup free. I used to never wear makeup to school all the way up until college. Here and there maybe lip-gloss and eyeshadow, but rarely on an everyday basis. If I had a party or something, that was a different story. 

But now that I am working everyday I just feel I need to do a little something everyday. So I like to give my face a break on the weekends. If I don’t have to be anywhere special I will go all natural the whole weekend.

I can’t say that I always feel super confident when doing so. I used to be fine without wearing makeup, because I was so used to it. But now I’m used to having some makeup on during the week, so when I don’t I feel like my insecurities can arise. #BAGSUNDERMYEYES

However, I think it’s important to give your face a break. And I have actually gotten some compliments when using this little routine.  There was actually one day I did these few small steps. I threw my hair up in a messy bun and some hoop earrings on, and went to my aunt’s to have dinner and my sister in law was like “Do you have any makeup on today?” and I was like “No. none. Actually like zero.” And she just looked at me with a face and was like “Ugh, I hate you. I’m looking at you saying, this girl looks so pretty today.” Lol.

That was such a crazy sweet compliment that it made me feel really great. I was feeling insecure that day and I was just like cool, I can do this no make up thing. I do it no matter what, because I think it’s super important for allow your face to breathe, but now I can have a little more confidence going makeup free.

So I thought I’d share what I do on the days I decide not to wear any makeup. Like zero makeup.

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STEP 1:

First, I take my morning shower and I wash my face with a facial cleanser. I usually use Simple products, but then I switched to Cetaphil, and now I’m currently using Neutrogena.

Quite honestly, I think I’m going to be switching back to Simple or Cetaphil. I don’t care for the smell of the Neutrogena face wash. I really liked the Cetaphil one the best out of the brands I’ve tried so far.

STEP 2:

After I get dressed I do my skin routine- splash some cold water on my face. I don’t know why I do this. I know I just showered, but for some reason it’s just like a boost. And I feel like it preps my face for my face lotion.

STEP 3:

After I dry my face, I apply my Simple Moisturizer, I’ve been using this for a while and I like it. Accept I recently bought the wrong one by accident. So currently I am using the Rich Moisturizer. But I like the Light Moisturizer with SPF in it. It’s light texture, not greasy, and smells good! I think I’ll be switching back to the light. (it’s the one with the yellow sign on the front.)

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*This is also the time when I brush my teeth, clean my ears and blow my nose and all that jazz. You know usual human things.

STEP 4:

Apply chapstick or lip balm. I use my holy grail- the old school blue tub Blistex.

STEP 5:

Apply a little bit of Vaseline to my eyelids. I can’t remember where I saw this. I feel like it was in a beauty guru’s no make up routine. I just think it gives you a little natural shine.

STEP 6:

This next step is a bit weird and unconventional, lol. But I usually pinch my cheeks a bit just to get some color. HAHA.

STEP 7:

I curl my eyelashes with my Revlon eyelash curler, and brush my eyebrows in place with my elf eyebrow brush.

STEP 8: (OPTIONAL)

Rock the messy top knot or side bun and add some statement earrings for flare if your looking to spice things up.

 

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This is a selfie I took after doing this routine.

 

And there you have it. That’s about it!

I don’t always do this on my no makeup days. If I’m just home, I won’t do anything! If I have to go out and don’t want to wear makeup then doing these small little things can make me feel a little more confident. What do you do on your no makeup days?

 

*Most images are my own.*

-<3-

 

 

A little bit of everything…

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Hi friends,

I have to admit there’s a lack of inspiration for me right now. Maybe it’s exhaustion, maybe it’s hormonal, maybe it’s laziness, or stress. I don’t know. But I’m in a funk and I just need to work through it. It’ll pass, I know it will. It always does.

But in the mean time, I don’t want to slack on this blog either so…let’s chat.

I’ve been thinking about where my life is going, lately. A lot of reflection is creeping in, and not exactly warranted. I say that because I’d kind of rather not go there. Because I know along with that reflection will come some harsh realities. Things I need to be working harder on. The list is long. And I have a tendency to really overthink and get myself all anxious which is of no use, because then I tend to retreat and shut down, getting nothing done.

When I think back to how hopeful the new year seemed, and where I am now, it seems like too different worlds. But I think that’s kind of how it always is. I make these big grand lists of things I want to change or do or accomplish and then I lose track and momentum and end up falling into old habits. I know we all do it, but I just wish I could avoid getting into these slumps. They suck.

Granted I think I have made some progress in personal growth this year so far, but I still think there are a lot of things I could be doing to feel even better about my life and where I’m heading.

I just turned 26 and so naturally, I’m thinking about my future and what I want for myself. I want to be a writer for television and film. And yet I’m still in a part-time job, it’s writing and film related but not a career for me. I want to get married and have children and start a family some day, and yet I’m still single and living home. It’s difficult when you start to look at your family and friends around you and suddenly feel like you missed something. Did I miss the course in life planning? Because I feel so far behind. It’s so easy for me to compare myself to them. So many people around me are getting engaged, married, pregnant. And here I am, doing the same ole same.

I don’t want this to sound like I’m feeling sorry for myself. If anything I feel like I’m kicking myself for not being more of a risk taker. I don’t hate my life. I don’t hate my job. (I actually really enjoy it!) I don’t hate being single. But I just know there’s more I want out of life. But where I am, is safe and comfortable. I’m content. But I’m not. Does that make any sense?

It’s like I reflect and feel like I’m missing so much. I’m not going for it. But then I look at where I’ve come from a few years ago, and I feel like I’ve tackled a lot of my anxiety. But now there are new challenges I must tackle, in order to allow myself to step into the next chapter of my life. And I think that’s realizing that I have to push myself out of my comfort zone and start accepting change. I’ve spoken about my fear of change HERE on this blog.

I was in church a few weeks ago, and I remember the priest giving his sermon and saying how God does not work on time. We work on time. But God doesn’t. So if we are asking for something and we want it to happen right now and it doesn’t, that does not mean it won’t. It just means that God knows it’s not the right “time,” and therefore maybe your not ready yet.

So I think I’m going to keep that little tidbit in my back pocket, for when I start to stress out about the future. And I hope if you can relate to this stress and fear of change that you hold onto this little fact too. Things will happen when they are supposed to. I know there are so many uncertainties; career, relationships, etc. But I have to just trust that God’s got me. He knows what’s in my heart and what it wants and when the “time” is right all will fall into place. I just need to do some rearranging and prioritizing on my end. Wish me luck! 😉

To my fellow 20 somethings, Don’t Stop Believing!

xo

Michelle Leigh

 

-<3-

 

The Big Speech

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I’m a Romantic. Complete and total romantic. And when it comes to things I treasure, television is a passion for me. I love a good love story. The typical story of boy meets girl. Boy falls for girl and then boy does something stupid and boy loses girl. And how does boy get girl back? By giving the big speech. Full of raw emotional. where he just lays it all on the line, heart in hand. And hopes for the best. Sometimes the roles are reversed and it’s the girl who has to give the speech…just as effective! And sometimes the big speech isn’t always warranted by a mistake or need to apologize, but just to reaffirm their love to their partner. Either way, the big speech is always my favorite.

Here a few of my Favorite Big Emotional Speeches…

(in no particular order…and there are plenty more where they came from.)

Seth & Summer [The OC] 

“You’re undeniable.”

Dante & Lulu [General Hospital]

“I love you, your the sole owner of my heart….Forget hard, I’m trying to make it damn near impossible for you to give up on us.”

Patrick & Robin [GH]

“The fact is I’ve loved you for a long time…I don’t even know when it started…”

Lucky & Elizabeth [GH]

“Everything I am is in love with you…”

“To describe how you look would only cheapen a reality. I couldn’t breathe.”

Nathan & Haley [One Tree Hill]

“I could love you forever.”

Jess & Rory [Gilmore Girls]

“Come with me. I’m ready for this, you can count on me now.”

Ross & Rachel [FRIENDS]

“It’s always been you, Rach.”

Caleb & Hanna [Pretty Little Liars]

“You won’t admit that we’re meant to spend the rest of our lives together.”

Mark & Lexie [Grey’s Anatomy]

“I’m saying you could have a husband.” #BasicallyAProposal

“I love you….oh god that just came flying out of my face…”

Jack & Elizabeth [When Calls The Heart]

“I don’t know if it’s fair to ask you to wait for me.”

What beautiful, beautiful words. They just hit you right in the feels. I love each of these scenes. I love how they display such true love. And I love how you can feel it radiating from your television screen. And that my friends, is why I swoon over love and television relationship arcs.

*I do not take credit for any of the videos used.*

-<3-

TV Show Theme Songs/Introductions

michelleleighwrites 3 Comments

You sit down on the couch, remote in hand.

And you turn on your favorite show.

You’re pumped and can’t wait to see if Ross and Rachel finally get back together.

But what makes all of that more sweeter?

The musical introduction of course!

The song you know by heart, and involuntarily bop along and sing to as it plays before you dive into the fictional world of your favorite characters.

I love television so much.

I love how you can be catapulted into a world of characters and experience their love and friendships throughout their journey. How you instantly feel like they become your family on that day, at that time. It’s like every week you can depend of them to make your day just a bit better.

And what I’ve learned about my love for television, is that the little bit of an intro matters to me. The song they choose- matters to me.

Because it has to reflect the show’s tone. And the images they place with it too. Of course theme songs are changed, modified, shortened, remixed, throughout the years. But still they set the tone for what’s in store for you and I for one don’t think television would be the same without them.

So let’s talk about some of my favorites- (in no particular order)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

This song was my brother’s and my jam. When we were little every time we would watch the show, the song would come on and we’d just rock out. #IWhipMyHairBackAndForth Girls who wore one or more braids in their hair….you know what I’m talking about.

 

FRIENDS

What would life be like without this song? Unimaginable.  Friends. I’ll Be There For You. You know you clap clap clap when they do, admit it!

Beverly Hills 90210

This is one of the strictly instrumental theme songs out there, but I still get so happy whenever I hear it! Nostalgia.

The Fresh Prince of Bellaire

“In West Philadelphia born and raised….” Cue the rap props. If you know all the words to this song, dust off your shoulder cuz you are a bonified G. Am I right?

Living Single

Gurllllll…..that saxophone tho….

Charmed

Saved by the Bell

Boy Meets World

There were three different songs, each better than the last!

Sister Sister

The theme song and intro got a little sassier as the girls got into their older years. Haha.

Lizzie McGuire

She was my queen and therefore this was our musical thrown. I may or may not have been obsessed with her tie dye outfit. 😉

That’s So Raven

Nostalgia is so cozy! Ya nasty! 😉 The old school Disney channel was EPIC!

7th Heaven

“Where can you goooo, when the world don’t treat you right, the answer is homeeee that’s the one place that you’ll find…” come on now!

Oh hey Jessica Biel, how you doing girl!

Reba

This show is my jam, I watch everyday before work!

Gilmore Girls

Do NOT get me started on my girl Carole King. This song is perfection and it’s like drinking a cup of tea (or ya know coffee coffee coffee) on a cold winter night. It’s just like a big hug!

Full House

If you don’t know this feel good song, where have you been?

Family Matters

One Tree Hill

Gavin… oh dear Gavin, I thank you for this and for being the introduction to the show that single handedly shaped my writer’s soul. Hearing this song  now, takes me back to watching this story unfold nearly every week with my best friend at my side as we tried to navigate middle school, high school and even the early stages of college. 9 Years people, 9 years, that’s commitment.

The OC

Who else wants to live in California? They make it seem so nice. 😉

Seth Cohen is my spirit animal!

Degrassi

“Whatever it takes, I know I can make it through!” Positive Messages! You know before they hit you with a shit ton of teenage drama. 😉 #ILOVEDSHAWN

The Walking Dead

If you read my blog you may know that The Walking Dead and I have suffered a recent break up. After Glenn’s death our relationship just wasn’t the same and I needed my space. But any time I hear our song, it just brings me back. Another instrumental, but it is so damn eerie, and it is so damn good! Those violins get me every time!

So Little Time

I cannot even tell you how this song can transport me back into time. Put me on a beach in a long sweater and some capris. Girls you know what I’m talking about, watch that intro!

Gossip Girl

Simple, but so effective. Whispers Whispers Whispers. “That’s a secret I’ll never tell, you know you love me. XOXO Gossip girl.”

City Guys & Hang Time

These two shows may not ring a bell with anyone. But they were my Saturday mornings! I don’t even really remember what channel they were on, but I loved them and I still remember their theme songs until this day.

 

Hannah Montana

I may or may not have been a little older than the target audience, but yea I was still a fan! #NoShame

Zoey 101

Sabrina the teenage witch

(Last one was always my fav!)

The Nanny

The Golden Girls

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Theme songs are so important. I know that not all shows have them, or need to have them. But if they do, they have to be good, because years and years later they will stick with you and remind you of beautiful memories. As I wrote this post, the nostalgia was so sweet.

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

-<3-

What I Got For My Birthday- Birthday Haul

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

My best friend is going to be treating me to a brunch and she also bought me this beautiful Portuguese candle. I am part Portuguese so this was super interesting to me and it smells beautiful too- the scent is Rose, Cassis, and Redberries!

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Yes I know, the date is wrong, I can’t bother to fix it. #IDontKnowHow

I love the gold and pink detail. And can we just talk about that peacock patterned packaging? Gorgeous!

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My other best friend bought me some of my favorite things, I love scarves, I love jewelry, I love bath and body works.

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This Cucumber Melon scent makes me feel like I’m a tween again!

My brother and sister in law got me a nutra ninja, which is what I really wanted most. I can’t wait to start making smoothies! I was also told that my brother did the shopping this year, since my sister in law was feeling under the weather, and I have to say I think he did good on his own.

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That Golden Girls shirt though. Mind you we didn’t even know what Golden Birthday was until after I opened my gift and then the shirt’s awesomeness was just elevated even more. It’s perfect because I’m a grandma at heart, such an old soul. Haha. Thank you for being a friend. Stay Golden! 😉

I’ve been wanting a new fake leather jacket, so my parents got me one.

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My goddaughter, her baby brother and my cousins surprised me with a brownie cake and a new natural life water bottle.  These are really good and I use one for work everyday so this is perfect. And seriously how cute is that pattern and that motivational message! Such a Michelle bottle.

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She knows me for my messy hair buns! Haha.

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Delicious!

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One of my Aunts bought me a fit board. I mentioned wanting one so long ago, but couldn’t bring myself to spend the money. I can’t believe she remembered! It’s fun too! Feels like I’m surfing! #WipeOut Haha.

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A few of my Aunts also gave me cards with money too, so the wheels are already turning with ideas on what I can buy with it. I’m kind of dying to just go full on splurge at my favorite drugstores and get all the makeup and nail polish I want! Haha.

Drugstore Haul?

This also happened on my birthday! And being that I am a total TV junkie and a romantic at heart, it made my birthday all the more sweeter! When Calls The Heart has become one of my new favorite shows…HE FINALLY ASKED! #JackAndElizabeth #WhenCallsTheHeart #Hearties #HeartiesLetsParty

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Watch the scene HERE

I am so excited and appreciative of everything. I have already put some things to use! I’m one lucky girl to have people who celebrate with me each year! xoxo

*All images are my own.*

-<3-

 

 

 

My Birthday Weekend Food & Fashion

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

This weekend I celebrated my 26th birthday. My birthday is March 26th, so I turned 26 on the 26th. And this is when I learned I was celebrating a Golden Birthday.

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A person’s golden or grand birthday, also referred to as their “lucky birthday”, “champagne birthday”, or “star birthday”, occurs when they turn the age of their birth day.

Oh boy 26, I’m on the other side of the 5, and approaching 30, holy crap! Needless to say, I had such a great time with family and friends. Even my errand running went well! I found all that I needed for my best friend’s upcoming Bachelorette Party. That never happens!

 

FRIDAY NIGHT was my time to just relax and do a little pampering. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately with everything going on in my life and a lot of things needing to get done all at once, so I really needed this weekend to do my thing and relax.

 

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Started my night off with some Sushi ❤

 

I’ve also been loving lighting candles.

FUN FACT: the one on the right was a gift from my brother and sister in law. They brought it back from Hawaii for me, it’s a pineapple candle that smells unbelievable and it’s in a coconut!

Spring is here ladies, so you know what that means, time to shave yo legs. haha

 

 

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I tried this brightening mask, I’ve never done a face mask like this, and it was super strange, I felt like an Alien, I couldn’t move my face haha. But I didn’t hate it.

 

 

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Gilmore Girls, kept me company during my pamper routine. ❤

 

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SATURDAY NIGHT I met up with my best friends and their fiancés and they treated me to some drinks and desserts. A night filled with great company and great conversation.

I ordered the BLACK BOTTOM BUTTERSCOTCH A layer of bittersweet chocolate lies beneath creamy butterscotch custard, topped with fresh coconut whipped cream, and a chocolate wafer. And a glass of Moscato. It was delicious, I was sad when it was over! 😉

For my outfit, I wanted something comfortable, yet sophisticated. It’s a basic combination. But this picture of Bethany Joy Lenz was my inspiration for sure, (as usual.)

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I had these basic pieces already in my closet so I thought, why not?

saturday

 

I love how these bracelets kind of tell my story, they each show important relationships I have in my life. I am M which stands for Me or Michelle. I am a daughter, a sister and a godmother amongst many other things.

SUNDAY NIGHT I started my day with God at church. Can’t go wrong with that. Then later my parents treated me and the family to dinner at one of my favorite hibachi restaurants.

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I had the chicken and shrimp hibachi with vegetable fried rice, and a frozen margarita.  For dessert I ordered green tea fried ice cream. YES, YES and YESSS! Everything was so delicious, so I was a very happy camper.

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For my outfit, I wanted to dress up this plain black sweater dress I had gotten a while ago. And so any excuse I get to rock my leopard faux fur coat (and blue strappy heels) is always A-OK in my book.

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*Black, Blue, Leopard…I sense a theme. 😉

Last but not least I ended my night with some blueberry pie, instead of birthday cake, I love pie so this was perfect. My whole weekend was perfect. It wasn’t a crazy rager, but it was exactly what I needed to ring in my golden birthday! 😀 I am blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people who made it that more special. ❤

I also got a bunch of great gifts too, I think I might do a Birthday Haul/What I Got For My Birthday post-Stay Tuned!

 

 

 

*Most images are my own.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

Ed Sheeran ÷ Deluxe Album Review

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Ed Sheeran left us for a bit. But he is back and making us feel all the feels. Here are my first random thoughts during my first full listening party. Join me as I try and make sense of them all. Also I discuss some of my favorite lyrics. Ed does this amazing job of creating lyrical masterpieces.

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#MYLISTENINGPARTY

View All Ed’s Lyrics HERE

You can stream Divide on Spotify and on Ed’s YouTube channel. Or BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT!

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Eraser

Rapping like old times

Great guitar riff

Sway-it’s dancing and a description for how I feel inside

African Safari vibes

Fav Lyrics:

“I think that money is the route of all evil, and fame is hell.”

“And I found comfort in my pain.”- Heavy

 

Castle on the Hill (previously heard)

A song about his home

That Rasp!

“Whohoo”- love that note!

Fav Lyrics:

 “And I miss the way you make me feel, it’s real, we watched the sunset over the castle on the hill.”

“Had my first kiss on a Friday night I don’t reckon I did it right.”

“I was younger then, Take me back to when.”

“One friend left to sell clothes. One works down by the coast. One had two kids but lives alone. One’s brother overdosed .One’s already on his second wife. One’s just barely getting by. But these people raised me, And I can’t wait to go home” – I adore this storytelling section and that last line is the beauty. Home is made of people who affect your life and help you to create who you are.”

 

Dive

Different

“Woo Yeah!”- my audible response a few seconds into it! Pretty sure I was snapping along too.”

Sexy/Sassy

Deep Vocals

Guitar solo- Yes! That’s going to be BADASS live on tour.

Tears

Fav Lyrics:

“Maybe I came on too strong, maybe I waited too long…”

“So don’t call me baby. Unless you mean it. Don’t tell me you need me. If you don’t believe it. So let me know the truth. Before I dive right into you.”- Just let me go, I’m feeling all the feels. SO DAMN GOOD! #Goosebumps

 

Shape of You (previously heard)

All kinds of HELL YES!

I heard this song and it was an instant favorite, still is.

Total Dance Jam

POP

Chanty and I love it! Love those drums!

Would be a kick ass Zumba song!

Fav Lyrics:

“The club isn’t the best place to find a lover. So the bar is where I go.”

“I’m in love with the shape of you. We push and pull like a magnet do. Although my heart is falling too. I’m in love with your body. And last night you were in my room. And now my bedsheets smell like you. Every day discovering something brand new. I’m in love with your body. Oh I oh I oh I oh I- I’m in love with your body.”

“Come on be my baby, come on…” Clap along Sing along? YES Please! Slay ED, SLAY!

 

Perfect

Ballad

Lyrics! So sweet

Love letter

It’s got that oldies vibe

Fav Lyrics:

“Cause we were just kids when we fell in love. Not knowing what it was. I will not give you up this time. But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own.”

“When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath. But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight.”

 “Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know.”

“Now I know I have met an angel in person.”

“I don’t deserve this, you look perfect tonight.”

 

Galway Girl

Hip hop

 Violin/Flute/Fiddle?

Fav Lyrics:

“Kissed her on the neck and then I took her by the hand Said, “Baby, I just want to dance”

“And then she kissed me like there was nobody else in the room.”

 

Happier

Soft

Tells a story

Chanty- “hay ya hey ya hay yea”

Beautifully heartbreaking.

Fav Lyrics:

“I saw you in another’s arms. Only a month we’ve been apart. You look happier.”

 “Ain’t nobody hurt you like I hurt you. But ain’t nobody love you like I do.”

“But ain’t nobody need you like I do.”

 “Everything’s reminding me of you.”

 

New Man

Creeping- He admits it.

Jam

Swag

Jamaican

Sunglasses—-YES #truth

DJ-mixer/rap style YES!

There’s always the F-off song. This is it.

Fav Lyrics:

“But still, I’m just keeping it real, still looking at your Instagram and I’ll be creeping a little I’ll be trying not to double tap, from way back, cause I know that’s where the trouble’s at.”

“He wears sunglasses indoors in winter at nighttime, and every time a rap song comes on He makes a gun sign, says chune, boydem light up the room.”

 

Hearts Don’t Break Around Here

Daises. Baby. Lately. Roses. LOVE THIS.

Beautiful.

“Oh Yeah yeah yeah yeah”- I love this! I feel like he does this all the time and it love it!

Fav Lyrics:

“Took my heart upon a one way trip. Guess she went wandering off with it. Unlike most women I know. This one will bring it back whole.”

 “Love the way that you conquer your fear.”

“She is the lighthouse in the night that will safely guide me home.”

 

What Do I Know?

Campfire

Children talk

Backup Vocals- Chanty/Hums

Loving the chanty vibes

The world needs this song right now- Election inspired I’m sure

 

Fav Lyrics:

“I’m just a boy with a one-man show.” –Ain’t that the truth Ed! 😀

“Love can change the world in a moment.”

 “Spread love, understanding, positivity.”

 

How Would You Feel (Paean) (previously heard)

Paean: a song of praise or triumph. (Ed has said this was written for his girlfriend) Gosh I can’t- how freaking sweet.

That Piano ❤

This is most like the ED SHEERAN we’re used to.

LOVE

Vulnerability

Human

Wanting/ Needing Acceptance

Guitar Solo @ 2:57 crushes your heart. It reminds me of John Mayer playing “Gravity.” This has to be Mayer. I’m gonna check on this. Yup. Thought I read that somewhere, and even so I spotted it just by listening. Has to be this song that he played on.

Further confirmation…

knew it

Fav Lyrics:

 “We got questions, we should not ask but-.”

“How would you feel if I told you I loved you?”

 “Taking my time- spending my life. Falling deeper in love with you. So tell me that you love me too?”

 

Supermarket Flowers

LYRICS!

Heartbreaking

Recalling Memories—> history

Comfort

Simplicity in the vocals and the piano

“Who ooo who”- love that shit! 😉

Church like

Different

Love letter to his mom?

Fav Lyrics:

“Mom there’s a tear every time that I blink.”

“Oh I’m in pieces, it’s tearing me up but I know.  A heart that’s broke it’s a heart that’s been loved.”

“Hallelujah- you are an angel in the shape of my mom.”

 “When God takes you back he’ll say Hallelujah you’re home.”

 

Barcelona *Instant Fav

Up beat

A good change of pace from the prior heartbreaker

Saxophone

Breathy chant/beat box beginning

Sexy

One man band

Flutes/whistles

Guitars

Rasp!

LOVE

Spanish- YES!

Mamasita/sangria

Tropical

Feel good

Would be awesome live on tour

Dance anthem/Sing along

I want to go to Barcelona with Ed Sheeran right now.

Fav Lyrics:

“Well get up up on the dancefloor, move, it’s a Saturday night. I fell in love with the sparkle in the moonlight. Reflected in your beautiful eyes, I guess that is destiny doing it right.”

“You’re like something that God has sent me. I want you baby-solamente.”

 

Bibia Be Ye Ye *Instant Fav

Bibia Be Ye Ye- means All will be well/Everything will be alright

Different

Nice follow up to Barcelona

What a night!

Travel influence

Spanish/Twi vibes

LOVE

 

Nancy Mulligan

Irish/Ireland

Irish jig/River dance

Pub

Beer

Storytelling

Inspired by his Parents?

Claps/Chants

I’m there in a pub with Ed.

Only Ed can jump from an ethnic tropical vibe to a river dance vibe and make it work.

Fav Lyrics:

“From her snow white streak in her jet black hair. Over sixty years I’ve been loving her. Now we’re sat by the fire, in our old armchairs. You know Nancy I adore ya.”

 

Save Myself

Piano & Vocals

Letter to self

Sadness

Oddly Inspirational

Fav Lyrics:

“They gave me the heartache and in return I gave a song. It goes on and on.”

“So before I save someone else, I’ve got to save myself.”

“Human beings are destined to radiate or drain.”

 “Before I blame someone else, I’ve got to save myself.”

“Before I love someone else, I’ve got to love myself.”

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As I mentioned Ed had left us for quite a bit, but as he echoes in first track “Eraser.”- “Welcome to the new show I guess you know I’ve been away. Where I’m heading who knows. My heart will stay the same.” And I think that describes this journey perfectly. He’s always Ed, no matter the chances he takes, he’s still that talented one man show, we all know and love.

My first initial thought was this album is love- all the colors of it. Current. Past. Present. Heartbreak too. He’s storytelling, and at times he finds inspiration in other people’s stories too. Which is such a beautiful thing.

He’s still his usual self, he still has killer lyrics and rap moments, still hits those riffs, still has those guitar ballads, still rocking that epic loop pedal. But then there are the different elements. We get some more production in this album, we get a bunch of different instrumental sounds- violins, whistles, etc. He’s experimenting without losing what makes him so unique and special. And I love, love, LOVE how he mixed a bit of the Irish vibes and the Spanish vibes in one album. He had mentioned he was traveling throughout the writing process of this album and I feel like that shows in all the unique sounds and lyrics he created.

I also really like the track list placement. The order of the songs flow really well. The sad songs are followed by upbeat songs, the travel inspired songs are clustered, and then we get a bang of an introduction with Eraser and the sweet love letter to oneself at the end. What a beautiful message. You can also see this album is a reflection of where Ed is at in his life. Or so I would think. It’s quite different than the others.

Granted we get our Ed, but he’s softer, raspier, more hopeful, and there’s a maturity. He keeps themes of love, home/family, and parents, as he has in the past, but I also love how children has become a theme. He’s probably looking into the future and where he’s going to be soon- married with kids. Soldier on Ed, whatever you do, we’ll follow and listen.

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16 tracks Ed. 16 tracks. Solid. Epic. Welcome back, sir. You are killing the game. You are truly a talent- a one man show. Here’s hoping I’ll get to see you on tour this time!

 

*I do not take credit for Ed’s images.*

 

-<3-