Justin Timberlake Feb. 2018 Fangirl Report

February 1, 2018February 1, 2018michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

Justin Timberlake’s new album “Man Of The Woods” is out THIS FRIDAY- February 2nd-TOMORROW! Just in time for him to take the stage this Sunday at this year’s Super bowl for the Half time show. And yes I plan on going to Target after work to buy my copy. Need that tangible stuff! Still no digital for me, not when it comes to this man!

Expect a full album review fairly soon!

album artwork

In the weeks leading up to this special day, Justin has released 3 out of 4 songs all accompanied by music videos. I imagine the 4th song will be released sometime this week. Yesterday Justin celebrated his 37th Birthday by rehearsing for the Super bowl and sharing some video clips of new songs. He hinted about “Man of the woods” being a “New song alert” but then he played a clip of another song entitled, “Montana.” I’m excited it sounds good!!! He also said that “Man of the Woods” the album title is named after his son, Silas- which means- of the woods; “So stop telling me I’m making a country album.” Hahaha ah Justin you might have wanted to lead with that little tid bit. Cuz you got people confused over here! 😉 Happy Birthday, to the man! Can’t wait for the new album! Now onto the 3 of the 4 songs already released.

You can read my feels about his first single- FILTHY HERE

The second song and video released was for SUPPLIES

Read the lyrics HERE

This song was more of a instant like than Filthy. And I think the video is pretty cool. Riddled with not so hidden messages and politics I’m sure there is a reason for each. But at first watch it’s just all very confusing. I do see Justin’s inner thug trying to come out here. Haha. That white hoodie tho. #ROCKYOURBODYVIBES

-The video starts with Justin sitting in front of a wall of televisions displaying a bunch of images- like eyes starring back you and weapons. Followed by news reports of racism and riots.

As the song begins.

-The next scene is filled with the colors, white, black and gold. As we see a woman in a black hoodie approach a man and some regal dressed women painted in white. As dozens of white umbrellas float above their heads and white painted alligators walk the streets. A man with a neck made of guns walks by too. To be honest I’m not getting this metaphor. Maybe it has something to do with racism or social class or the pouring rain of issues our world is currently facing.

-Next we have a crew of people holding flashlights in front of what appears to be a Library. As Justin is joined by Pharrell for the chorus. Flashlights. Supplies. He’ll be the light in the darkness.

-Justin also has a partner in these antics, a leading lady- who sets fire to the symbol of illuminati and we see dozens bow before it, praising it. Guess he’s stating his opinion of that one.

-There’s the political jab at President Trump- as the girl rocks a “P***Y Grabs Back” shirt while lifting a car above her head.

-Then there is a scene of floating people with light rings around their heads, Justin and his lady release two people as they fall free. My take is that society can brainwash you, but you have to think for yourself.

-2:42 is my favorite part of the song, and in the video it is basically the “romantic love scene” I guess you could call it. Justin and his love interest are circled in flashing beams of light while they have a make out session. He sings about being a generous lover.

-If you ask me that part is a little misplaced. The sound of it, makes it feel like it could be in a song on it’s own. I do get that the song is about living in a world that’s falling apart, and how he will be the light, he will be everything she needs to survive. He’s got supplies. Sounds to me like someone’s been doomsday prepping. Haha. No but honestly if you look into the deeper meaning of this Rap infused song, you can really say it’s kind of a love song, he’s basically just saying that in a world of scary scary things, they still have each other and they will make it through. It’s beautiful when you put it that way. Not sure if people are picking up on that though.

-The last few shots come to us from a dessert as Justin emerges from the ground of rubble, accompanied by his lady love and a few disheveled kids. Seriously though how is this chick still rocking perfect hair and lipstick in the apocalypse?

-The video ends with a very loud message as one of the young children screams into the camera, “Just Leave, die already. Your still asleep, wake up. Just leave, please. We’re good.” As Justin takes his girl’s hand and walks off, kids following. I think this has to do with needing to wake up to the world around us and accept that change has to come. Good change. I also definitely think it’s about Trump and our government and possibly how it is failing us. I know a lot of celebrities are not supporters of Trump. And neither am I. But I don’t like talking politics.

I also think you can really interpret this video is a million different ways, there are some bizarre images. It’s very Taylor Swift. 😉

But I think it’s a really cool video, and he has some strong messages in there. I’ve never seen him do something like this before. Go Justin!

The next song released was SAY SOMETHING

Read the lyrics HERE

Ok so this song may be my favorite so far (I play it a lot!), and this video is EPIC. It was a one shot, one take, live performance. And it gave me serious Lumineers “Ho Hey” vibes. There is an incredible in depth article about this video, and you can read that HERE

It’s incredibly cinematic and beautifully shot. And that choir that joins in later on in the Chorus, COME ON NOW! This song is going to be incredible in concert, I hope he sings it at the super bowl!

This was a new style song and video for Justin and I’m noticing that he’s really pushing the boundaries with this album. It may be different, it may not be what we’re used to, but artists are meant to evolve and transform their styles. And I’m excited to see what the rest of Man of the Woods has got for us! Fangirl mode…ON!

Tracklist

*Watch Justin’s socials for Behind the Scenes looks into his creative process.**

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

-<3-

January 2018 Update.

January 29, 2018January 29, 2018michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Hi friends!

How are those new year resolutions coming this January?

Surprisingly, I’m doing quite alright for this first month of the new year. Not perfect, but way better than I usually do.

By now, I probably would have given up on things and accepted that they just wouldn’t happen.

But this year, I don’t know- I just feel a little more motivated to schedule time for the things I feel are most important to me.

I talk a lot more about my planning process for this year, in this blog post- you can read more HERE

This month I’ve been trying to implement a few new things into my weekly schedule to better my life and work toward achieving my main goals for 2018.

For example…

I use my planner and then I have a yellow memo pad that I use for my daily/weekly to do lists.

So the first week of January was all about recovering from holiday stress and planning things out. I was researching a few things and getting ready to make some changes this month/this year.

January 8th-12th

Back to using apple cider vinegar.

-I’ve heard the many health benefits to having a glass of water infused with apple cider vinegar. I know you’ll read or hear mixed things. But my cousin’s a nurse and I spoke to her before starting this. She recommended Bragg’s Organic Unfiltered (with the mother)- it has a bright yellow label, that’s the purest one. I pour a glass of water, add two capfuls of the vinegar, add a splash of apple juice, mix and drink. The juice is just to soften the rough taste of the vinegar.

Start waking up earlier- 9:30 AM.

-My job has a later start so I was able to get up at like 10:30 every morning, but I wanted to start changing that and get up earlier so I can have more time to do things. I used to just wake up and get ready and have to rush out the house. I didn’t make use of my time wisely.

Work out every week day morning- Monday-Friday.

-So I’ve been wanting to work out consistently for so long. I started in the Summer and tried sticking to a 3 day routine and it worked for like 2ish weeks and then something happened to distract my schedule and I just stopped and never went back. So this time I wanted to do something that targeted the areas I want to make a change in. So I found this blogilates video and built up from there. If a workout is too long or I have to stay focused on a video, I won’t do it. So this video hits specific areas and it’s short- can’t beat that!

Make my bed every morning [I let it slide on the weekends ;)]

-This just helps tidy things up. And makes my room neater.

Remember to take my vitamins every morning, (Vitamin D3, and Iron)

-I know everyone takes different supplements, but these are the ones my doctor recommended me taking.

*Tip: Iron pills used to really hurt my stomach, so now I take slow release tablets instead and it makes all the difference.

Drink lots of water

-Try infused recipe- blogilates on YouTube has a good one that I tried recently…

I don’t mind drinking plain water, but sometimes I’ll buy some fruit to spruce it up every now and then.

January 15th-19th

I carried over all my habits from the previous week, but began adding a few new things.

Wake up at 9AM

-I want to start making the most out of my hours, so I’m slowly increasing my wake up time. Because if I do it all at once, I’m sure to hit that snooze button, and roll over.

Add to workout

– I added a bit of an extra crunch routine. Again slowly building up my work out routine, little by little. I’m not one to workout consistently so I know my body won’t be able to just jump in full throttle, and I won’t enjoy it.

Write more

-Mostly refers to my blog posts schedule- Mondays & Thursdays. But my writing time in general will grow too!

Research

-This refers to a few things-Wedding related things for my best friend’s wedding, career planning, wellness, etc.

January 22nd-26th

I carried over my habits from the prior weeks.

Go to bed earlier.

-I realized I wanted to start getting up at 8:30 AM now, so I realized I would have to go to bed by 12:30 AM in order to allow a good about of sleep. I push it til 1/1:30 here and there, because well I’m a night owl and sometimes I just can’t go to bed early. And it’s been okay for me.

Wake up at 8:30 AM

Read before bed

-I have been wanting to read more for as long as I can remember but I always find other ways to use my time. But I’m trying to incorporate it into my routine this year, even if it’s just like 10 or 15 minutes before bed. Currently I am reading, BIG MAGIC by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Add to workout

-I added some stretching and my simply fit board.

^ Yes I have one of these! 😉 I will usually throw on a fun song and just swivel around for a while. And let me tell you, you will feel it!

Eat healthier

-I’ve been trying to eat more fruits and vegetables, but I don’t deprive myself either. If I want a donut, I’m going to eat it. But I definitely want to just keep striving to make healthier eating choices.

**A few of the things I have on this week’s list, I had on last week’s list and I didn’t get to implement them, so I moved them to the next week. I didn’t just forget about them. That’s what I’m trying to work on- my mindset. If I don’t get to it one week, that doesn’t mean all is lost. As a list maker, I can really put pressure on myself to finish everything, and it becomes like a stressful race to get it all done. I end up sacrificing time with family or friends or quality of what I’m doing. I know I write this super crazy lists and then mentally scold myself for not doing the 20 things on the list in two days. We cannot do that to ourselves. Write the long list, but then make a smaller, more important list. Things you really know you want to get done and work on getting those done above all else.

Schedule of important things.

-I’ve been trying to pick a day to work on each of the important goals I want to accomplish this year. And I came up with this schedule this week and am hoping to carry it over.

Monday– Bulk Blog (Write blogs for the week, post Monday blog and post to social media accounts.) Get all my supplies ready for work week- make copies, do research, etc.

Tuesday– Work on writing projects!

Wednesday– Career Planning and Research.

Thursday– (Post Thursday blog and post to social media accounts) Wedding Shower/Bachelorette Party Research for my best friend.

Friday & Saturday– Time with Friends/Family.

Sunday– Church/Family time (Sundays are usually the day I spend time with my new little baby niece! She’s just like pure sunshine! I’m so obsessed!) Self-care (grooming, mani/pedi/facial mask, etc.) Food shopping.

**Granted this schedule is tentative, it worked for the most part, but it’s not always going to work as it is written. Sometimes my pamper time will end up on a Monday, or my blog will take longer to write and need an extra day. As long as I get to stick to my M-F schedule as best I can, I try to let myself breathe on the weekends.

January 29- Feb. 2 -Current Week-Just Starting!

Continue those habits!

Write more.

-I want to write a little something everyday.

Make use of my morning free hour.

-After my workout, I usually have an hour before I have to start getting ready for work, so I usually will work on a writing project, or do some research, or in today’s case- write a blog!

Research weights/and workout videos using weights.

-I know I need to expand my workout routine and include some arm workouts.

Look into buying new workout clothes.

-Why are workout clothes so expensive???

Make plans with family and friends I haven’t seen in a while. (For the weekend)

Add to workout

-Added some more stretching time, and some push-ups on Monday.

-I want to add full crunches too.

So that’s my January 2018 so far!

I’m super happy with my progression from week to week, and I am going to try to keep pushing myself. Forcing myself to update you at the end of each month.

The only thing I wish I could do differently is not be so consumed by this schedule or these lists. I feel like I get tunnel vision and then I don’t get to be in the moment with my friends or family. I throw myself into a determined isolation. I’m hoping it’s only because it was the first month of trying to build a routine and that once I get it down I won’t feel so crazed. I don’t want to ignore the moments around me. It’s a balancing act, and that’s going to be something I know I need to work on.

Cheers, to a happy, healthy week!

-<3-

Movies I love…[Part 2]

January 25, 2018January 25, 2018michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Check out Part 1 HERE!

I’m a romantic, I love a good love story….or even a bad one. [Shout out to From Justin to Kelly and Glitter] Lol.

And I love romantic movies, comedies, dramas/thrillers. They are all right up my alley. Add a fierce female lead and I am sure to love it! Some of my favorite actresses are Mandy Moore, Jennifer Lopez, and Katherine Heigl, and a few others, I think you’ll start to see a pattern. But it just so happens that everything these women are in, I usually love!

So I thought I’d share the trailers with you for some of my favorites. Because these movies are movies I can watch over and over and over again.

Who’s with me, ladies? 😉

There are still so many movies, I didn’t mention…I’m sure I’ll do a Part 3 and 4 (and so on) in the future!

What are some of your fav movies?

-<3-

Movies I love…[Part 1]

January 22, 2018January 25, 2018michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

I‘m a romantic, I love a good love story….or even a bad one. [Shout out to From Justin to Kelly and Glitter] Lol.

So I thought I’d share the trailers with you for some of my favorites. Because these movies are movies I can watch over and over and over again.

Who’s with me, ladies? 😉

Part 2 COMING SOON!!!

-<3-

#Karamel #Feels

January 18, 2018January 18, 2018michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

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I fell in love with the relationship between Kara Danvers “Supergirl” who hailed from planet Krypton and Mon El Former Prince of Daxam rather quickly. From the minute they met, you knew it was going to be interesting to watch it unfold. And so this love/hate banter began between them, as Kara tried to train Mon El in learning to control and utilize his strength for good. SPOIILER ALERT: it was just too cute too deny. His smile when he looks at her is EVERYTHING!

Their relationship started off rocky, Mon El came into the show in a FISH OUT WATER like state. His “pod” landed on earth and he was needless to say…confused and he met the girl of steel and her mighty fist quite a few times. Their story has a bit of a Romeo and Juliet feel to it, as their alien lands were once rivals.

However, they had their ups and downs, they fought, they got drunk together, they flirted, they dated other people (well party boy Mon El mostly did and Kara grew jealous). But it was soon evident that Mon El grew feelings for Kara and he became this witty, adorable man with a crush. Watching him learn the ways of earth and adapt to social cues is hysterical. However, as cute as they had become, Kara is a very independent woman, and Mon El often times would try to interfere with her decisions, they broke up for a brief period when Kara realized Mon El was lying about his past. Mon El was quick to work at winning her back.

At the end of season two, due to a device that was used during a fight with an evil alien (Mon El’s Mother), Mon El was expected to die, and Kara placed him in a pod and sent him off into space as a way to save him.

When we return this season, in season three- 7 months were spent in fear, wonder, worry for our beloved heroine. Not knowing where he was, or if he was alive. Kara became closed off, and through herself into being solely Supergirl. Kara Danvers was her human side, with a human heart that knew how to love, and she decided to leave that part of her behind. Until one day Mon El returns from living a life 7 years in the future with a wife-Imra a.k.a Saturn girl.

Kara never saw it coming. And neither did I.

Here’s a video explaining their full history a bit, better you watch it then read it! 😉 *Seasons available on Netflix!

My favorite Kara/Mon El “Karamel” moments are…

Below @2:15- Mon El is suggesting they watch a Musical and Kara freaks out and gets all excited. This may be my absolute favorite scene of theirs. Because the way he looks at her is so perfect, he loves her so much! And he loves seeing her happy, and she’s clearly so happy with him. #RelationshipGoals #AlienLove 😉

Although the next scene is heartbreaking, it really shows just how much Mon El really loves Kara. You can just tell by how badly he doesn’t want their relationship to end. This is the Mon El we are used to, the guy who tears up, the guy who expresses his feelings. The guy completely in love with Kara.

This season has crushed many Karamel shipper hearts. Not only does he have a wife, but he isn’t who he used to be on the surface.

“Your different…” oh gosh she cries, I cry with her. So sad.

We see bits of the old Mon El come out from time to time, but Kara has quite the heartbreak over it all. Her boyfriend came back after months of not knowing, and he’s from the future with a whole new life. Not the mention his wife is also a superhero, beautiful and nice, constantly complimenting Kara. Ugh god, could you imagine wanting to hate someone who is always so nice. Torture!

I really hate how they’ve written this storyline, and how Mon El is being portrayed. Granted Mon El was always a little self absorbed, he usually only thought about himself and his safety but when it came to Kara, he would protect her at any costs and he started becoming a better man for it, caring for others as Kara cares for National City. But the second half of season three, has me questioning Mon El’s character. There are signs that point to Mon El still having feelings for Kara, but there is still something up, something missing. It’s like he doesn’t care for her as genuinely as he used to. I understand it was 7 years for him and a lot can happen to a person in 7 years but to know how heartbroken Kara was when he was left away in that pod, all of us Karamel fans were holding out hope for the day he would return and they could just pick up where they left off. A couple of superheroes so in love. Like Kara says in the 3×09 video clip above…

“I see this very clearly for what it is, we’re just three good people stuck in a really crappy situation, but you know what at least two of us still get to be happy….I really am trying to be okay with this but…this is worse than the worst thing I could possibly imagine and that’s you looking at me with no love in your eyes.”

That scene was so amazing, although it was so heart breaking, I was so happy when she laid that all out in front of him, because although it’s been 7 years for him, [and Imra has said to Kara how Mon El loved her so much and didn’t look at another girl for years,] Mon El still needed to hear that it is NOT okay for him to be all chummy and kissing his wife right in front of Kara. 7 years, yes ok, but for Kara it’s still only been 7 months, her wounds are still fresh and he should respect her enough not to flaunt his new found relationship. NOT COOL Mon El, NOT COOL.

Last night I was watching the new episode- 3×10-The Legion of Superheroes- and I was just so angry at Mon El. There Supergirl is lying, nearly dead and there he is just chilling and not helping- throwing out some “I can’t risk dying the future needs us” bull crap. I was livid that he had to be encouraged by Imra of all people- to intervene. Granted, I know he had his brainiac friend from the future helping to coax Kara out of Acoma, but he was just standing around, waiting, the old Mon El would have been freaking out doing whatever he could to save the love of his life. So I ask myself, what gives? Like in this scene where he tells her he still cares. And sure I believe him, but it’s not the same as it used to be. He’s distant, he’s holding back. And it breaks my heart.

I’m still holding out hope, the rumors I am hearing are that Imra (Mon El’s wife) is in fact manipulating his mind. And that is why Mon El is behaving the way he has been. That would make a lot of sense, So here’s hoping that’s true. Because I’m sorry I ship, my ships, and I take them seriously. I know I’m not the only one. I can’t accept a world without a Karamel reunion. P.S. 7 years and Mon El still doesn’t end up REALLY helping in battle. Lol. Dude you want to wear the suit, do the work! 😉 No but I love him, I do, I just need this weird version of him to be gone. I miss the old Mon El. Come back to us, come back to Kara.

Hey at least Chris Wood and Melissa Benoist are a couple in real life!

LOVE WHEN THAT HAPPENS! 😉

Supergirl airs Mondays @ 8PM on the CW

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

-<3-

Cheers to 5 Years! Happy Birth-a-versary!

January 8, 2018January 7, 2018michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

I baked some red velvet cupcakes just to celebrate a bit!

Let’s take a look back…

5 YEARS AGO I posted my first blog post here on michelle leigh writes…

Hey there…and welcome ❤
January 8, 2013

I guess I should introduce myself. I’m Michelle and I’m going to be writing for you. Writing is something that I’ve always enjoyed. It’s difficult to put one’s writing out into the world and have others read and speculate and generally speaking, critique your inner most thoughts. I’m very modest about my writing and often get nervous to share it with others, but this year I’ve promised myself that I would start changing that. I know, I know, once the new year strikes often many of us make promises we know we can’t keep…or won’t keep. But starting a blog has always been on my radar and I’ve always made excuses not to do it, but not this year. This year it’s happening. So if this blog speaks to you please read along, if not no hard feelings. But all I ask is to let this be a safe place for the written word. I’m not claiming to be an award winning writer, I’m just a girl with a lot of heart, who has A LOT of thoughts like I’m sure many of you do. Thoughts that may serve better being read then being cooped up in a journal. Who knows maybe you’ll find that someone else understands you. Here’s to writing! and Happy Reading Folks! -xoxo Michelle Leigh

To say that as I’m reading these words today, and I still feel a strong connection to their meaning is amazing. For the most part, I’ve overcome the fear of posting my work for strangers. Not that the fear is no longer there, I still find it difficult at times, but I continue to do it anyway. Sometimes I still worry what others who know me may think if they read my blog. If a family member or friend reads it, what will they think of me? Like- oh SHE wrote THIS? I know people may think of me a certain way and then they may read a “scandalous” scene in one of my short stories and think wait what? Ew. Lol. But I can only be true to my writer’s heart and to the characters I create in my stories. At the root my stories are all about love, friendship, family. Things that make life worth living.

Below are all the celebratory birthday/anniversary posts over the past 4 years…

“Secret” Society, “Resolutions”, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! + (My 1st VLOG)

Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary?

Dear 2016, + Happy 3rd Anniversary!

Happy 4th!!!!!!!

In 5 years, I’ve managed to form a post schedule, share poetry, short stories, fangirl experiences, music and movie reviews, fashion, lifestyle, female empowerment, party planning tips and Writing experience/tips, with you. I’ve given you my heart for 5 years and it has been such an important part of my life. And I’m really glad that my motto, “A safe place for the written word,” still holds true for me. Because this blog has really been my writer’s outlet.

We’ve gotten to explore different writing styles, I’ve posted vlogs/videos, and I even have social media accounts for this blog now too. Come and follow along, talk to me! 😀

Social Media Links:

Twitter

Facebook Page

Instagram

It’s crazy to me that it’s been 5 years!

I’m excited for the future. For the new characters you’ll meet and the new poems that will come together and if you are reading this or have read any of my blog posts, I thank you for your support. I know that I may not have thousands of readers, or comments, but that doesn’t matter to me. What matters to me is that for those who do read along, or manage to stumble upon my blog, that they take something from it. That they find something in it that they can relate to. I hope you continue reading! And I hope to continue to grow this blog with all my heart.

Happy Birthday/Happy Anniversary or (Happy Birthaversary) if you will,

michelle leigh writes!

(I still don’t know what to call it!) 😉

Again THANK YOU, thank you!

See you Thursday- with an *ALL NEW* Chapter of Move!

MOVE poster

-<3-

Filthy Friday

January 5, 2018January 5, 2018michelleleighwrites 3 Comments

Although it’s been about 5 years since a Justin Timberlake album, we still had a lot of music from him 2 summers ago, when he did the soundtrack album for DreamWorks “Trolls,” where he also starred as “Branch,” and released the mega summer anthem “Can’t Stop The Feeling.”

But it’s that time again, my fellow fangirls… Justin Timberlake is back at it again, with a full solo album!

It all started last weekend when his website JustinTimberlake.com just displayed this logo…

tease

Then shortly after he released a trailer introducing his new album…entitled “MAN OF THE WOODS.” It was a very artistic, beautiful, scenic video, with Justin’s voiceover explaining how this album is very personal, inspired by his wife and son, as we see him with them in the video. Something that I feel is very rare for him to do. And at the very end of the trailer it is announced that Justin’s 5th solo studio album will be released February 2nd.

Along with that announcement came the announcement of the album’s 1st single, “Filthy.”

filthy

“Filthy” was realized along with a video to go with it, at midnight last night-January 5th.

*Read the lyrics HERE

I have to say upon first listen/first watch I was not completely in love with it. Which you know as a MAJOR JT FANGIRL I was quite heartbroken to admit. But I heard the song for the first time as I watched the video. And I think that’s what threw me, it was too much to take in all at once. I was confused by the song, something felt like it was missing, I kept waiting for a mega chorus that didn’t come. I kept grooving, then stopping, I was unsure if I liked it.

Kind of like Perez Hilton’s reaction-

I cracked up so hard watching this, because I was just like same, Perez, same. Except maybe not so vulgar in my dance moves. Haha.

But then again I was watching this bizarre futuristic robotic performance. The video is basically this tech conference held in Malaysia in 2028, as Justin performs behind the scenes, a Robot takes his place on stage. Like a literal Robot Justin, grinding on Malaysian girls quite vulgarly. I was so confused. It wasn’t at all what I expected after seeing such a rustic, woodsy, man living off the land trailer.

Had I just listened to the song on it’s own, I think I would have had a different first reaction. However, as I gave it a second listen it began to grow on me. And I started to vibe with it. In other words, I’ve been jamming to it all day! 🙂 I feel like I had the same experience with Sexy Back when it first came out, it was so produced and you could barely hear his true vocals and it wasn’t something I was used to. But after a while it grew on me, and it became a song I love and that album became an album that I loved and that broke records! So I figured I had to give this one a minute to sink in. And it has. And I’m so glad. Because trust me, no fangirl ever wants to admit they don’t like bae’s music. But honestly speaking, I just can’t vibe with that music video. It’s too futuristic, Steve Jobs on crack for me. Lol. Artistic, Sure. Different, Absolutely. So I guess that’s enough…for now. 😉

Timberlake has since released his album artwork along with his track list…

album artwork

track list

Timberlake enlisted long time friends and partners; Timbaland and Pharrell Williams (the Neptunes) for this album. That in itself should tell you this album is going to be a force to be reckoned with!

The track list looks like it fits much more along the lines of the trailer video, with titles like Flannel, and Livin’ Off The Land. I’m super excited for HERS, I loved all his preludes and interludes on Future/Sex Love Sounds, and I just feel like it’s going to be like this sexy love ballad.

A.K.? Could that be ya girl…Alicia Keys, that would be an incredible collaboration, if I remember correctly pretty sure they were photographed together recently at the Rock In Rio, event…coincidence I think not! 😉

I googled and looks like I’m right… Read More HERE

The C.S. stands for country singer Chris Stapleton.

If you noticed in the Filthy artwork he posted to his social media (shown above) it reads “1 of 4,” as quoted in the article linked above…

“The remaining three singles will be released weekly beginning January 18.”

In other words we’ll be getting weekly singles, until the release of the album, and just two days after the album release, Timberlake will perform the coveted Half Time show at this year’s Super Bowl on Sunday, February 4th! This will be his first time since his “wardrobe malfunction” incident with Janet Jackson in 2004. I’m just hoping he brings out *N’SYNC, who’s with me?. 😉 No but really, who’s with me?

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

-<3-

2018 Inspiration and Planning Ideas

January 4, 2018January 4, 2018michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

I’m a planner and I love to know what’s ahead of me. Granted, I realize that’s not always possible, but having some vague plan in mind, tends to lessen my anxiety so I go with it.

Closeup image of notepad with pen.

I recently bought myself a new planner. Nothing fancy, as much as I love how they have all the stickers and the sticky notes and all that, I just don’t think I would actually use them. So I just went to my local Walgreens and picked up a Blue Sky, monthly/weekly planner.

When I start to plan for the new year, the first thing I like to do is reflect on the year that just passed. As you can see in my- 2017 Memory Jar Review post.

I go back through my memory jar, my instagram posts and my blog posts and see what I accomplished. I also review my goals list and check off the things I accomplished, and narrow in on the things I still want/need to work on, or continue to implement.

Because even if I did accomplish a specific goal in 2017, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t carry over into 2018. For instance like personal growth- and working on my anxiety, that’s a goal that’s on going, bettering my mental and physical health is always a goal every year, as it should be.

After I reflect, I review my old goal list, and check off, or add to it. And then eventually I’ll probably make a new list.

After that I will look at the many many things on my list and realize that it is VERY overwhelming!

So this year I’ve decided that from that big list I will pick 4-8 things that I want to ABSOLUTELY accomplish this year. And so that way my brain knows what it needs to focus on. Categories can help- so for instance- Health/Self-care, Relationships, Career.

After that, this is where my planner comes into play.

I like these planners (Blue Sky) because they have the monthly calendar and then the weekly where you can write in things per day.

However in hindsight, I usually end up needing more space, no matter what. So I’ll either use post-its or a separate sheet of paper/notebook or notepad for daily To-Do Lists or if something I’m working on needs a little more planning.

I’m debating getting just a desperate notebook for To-Do Lists, because I feel like I make them so often, I end up with all these sheets of paper all over. So we shall see.

It’s only January, things are definitely going to change as we go along.

I’ve started to do like weekly to do lists, and goals, and also I think eventually I may try monthly. Let’s be real January is a total hangover month. I’m still on 2017 time, so everything is trial and error at this point for me.

And that’s totally okay, because you don’t need a new year, to make a change. I kind of feel like I implemented some new things into my life last year around fall time, because I felt inspired to do so with the new school year starting up again. So you can always renew, revamp, and reflect. There are no rules.

Last year I said my “mantra word” was CHANGE, and ALOT changed around me, and I adapted and am continuing to do so, and although I feel I made some changes for myself too, I want to continue to grow and change on my own this year as well. However, I’m going to add another word to my mantra this year and that is DETERMINATION. There are certain things I want to do, that are big, BIG CHANGES I want to make in my life, and in order to do them, I’m going to need that fire, that determination. So I’m going to aim to up that factor in my life this year, because let’s be real, we all get in our lazy funks. It’s winter after all, and there’s a huge snow storm outside. So nothing says “it can wait til tomorrow…” more. But here I am trying to stick to my Monday/Thursday posting schedule anyway, while the tv is calling my name- waiting for me to catch up on all the shows I’ve missed over the past few weeks. Determination, Michelle, DETERMINATION.

Another thing I find that inspires me is looking up videos on YouTube. Some of those ladies make the most inspirational planning videos! And they just give you the pep you need to get planning.

I’ll link a few below, that I’ve watched this year for inspiration. I’ve definitely pulled from them when doing my planning.

I also like to have a visual to display so that I can see it. I never shared last years with you-(it was just a bunch of fun images with the word CHANGE), but after a while, it ended up getting buried in a corner of my room when I was reorganizing, but it’s back up and I’m going to add one near it to display images of my 2018 MAIN GOALS and the word DETERMINATION!

vision board 2018

***

So to review the steps I use to plan:

Step 1: Reflect on the past year

Step 2: Review 2017 Goal List/Write a New One

Step 3: Narrow Goals Down (to the most important you want to focus on)

Step 4: Buy/Use a planner/To-Do List (to keep track of everything)

Step 5: Find inspiration (if you need help planning your goals)

Step 6: Choose your mantra word (the theme for your year)

Step 7: Create a vision board (to keep visible as a reminder of your goals for this year)

Step 8: Breathe & Believe in yourself ❤

MY MAIN BIG GOALS FOR 2018

*Get healthier- mentally/physically/emotionally

*Take the next step in my career

*Save money for my best friend’s wedding festivities!

*Get my permit/take driver’s ed (yes I know I’m way behind on this, in life- but hey I live in NY, technically- I don’t NEED to drive) 😉

*Work on relationships

*Self-publish a body of work (not on this blog, but elsewhere)

*Write my Pilot episode

Now that I have this locked down, I can go through and plan how to accomplish each one, step by step. I haven’t done that just yet, but…I will. The year is new, the year is young.

Happy 2018! Now let’s crush it! ❤

Tell me how you plan for your year ahead in the comments below, and if you have any other YouTubers you find inspiring!

-<3-

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

2017 Memory Jar Review

January 1, 2018michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS!!!

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!!!!

*BLOG*

–michelleleighwrites turned 4 years old!!!! (it turns 5 next week!!!!)

-I finished the short story series- Welcome Home! (Start the series from the beginning by clicking the title.)

-Started a new short story series MOVE (will be continued this year).

-Also posted two themed shorts- one for Halloween entitled RED THIRST & and the other for Christmas entitled A Husband for Christmas.

-I did BLOGMAS! (and posted to social media regularly.)

-Someone made “She Said” into a little video and sent me it, I found out it was also used as someone’s monologue.

-I created social media accounts for MLW!

^(Accounts are linked in the BLOGMAS RECAP! post.)

*TELEVISION/NETFLIX/MOVIES*

-I fell in love with Hallmark’s When Calls The Heart and #JACKANDELIZABETH

-I started watching Supergirl

–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 found a bunch of good movies on Netflix!

*MUSIC*

-Bruno Mars “24 K Magic” Album (songs rolled over into 2017)

-Ed Sheeran “Divide” Album

-Sam Smith “The Thrill of it All” Album

-New Selena Gomez Music

-Demi Lovato’s “Tell Me You Love Me” Album

-TAYLOR SWIFT “Reputation” ALBUM!!!!!! (And Music Videos)

*PERSONAL/PARTY PLANNING*

-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!).

-Mini When Calls The Heart Premiere Party!

-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 celebrated My GOLDEN Birthday! #26OnThe26th

-I had some fun fashion moments! Palazzo Pants

-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 finished editing a bunch of VLOGS!

-I put my birthday gift-Ninja bullet to 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!

-<3-

BLOGMAS RECAP!

December 31, 2017December 31, 2017michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

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 account needs 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.)

BLOGMAS -Day 1- Christmas Bucket List

BLOGMAS -Day 2- Christmas Playlist

BLOGMAS -Day 3- Christmas Movie List

BLOGMAS -Day 4- A Broken Heart For Christmas Short Story

BLOGMAS -Day 5- My VLOGMAS Favs

BLOGMAS -Day 6- (Mini) VLOGMAS 2016 Update

BLOGMAS -Day 7- Single in Season

BLOGMAS -Day 8- A Christmas Story

BLOGMAS -Day 9- A Christmas Morning Memory

BLOGMAS -Day 10- Winter Wonderland

BLOGMAS -Day 11- The pressure the Holidays put on us