Fall

#BLOGTOBER Day 19- The Jack-o-lantern

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

When I was a kid, my family and I used to watch Halloween every year together. We would gather on the couch, light our recently carved pumpkin and shut the lights out. The one lonely flame, flickering. My mom loves scary movies and growing up we always watched together, screaming along the way.  Cue the music…

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There was this one specific year we were in the middle of the chilling killing sprees of Michael Myers, when all of a sudden our flickering flame in our Jack-o-lantern shut out. I remember we all gasped, breath held in, until it then re-lit. I think the fact that it re-lit was more scary than it going out in the first place. A draft can come in out of nowhere, but relighting? Now that’s some spooky shit. Pardon my French. 
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We laughed and finished our movie. But for a few brief moments it was super creepy there, and we all felt it. Hey Halloween is a time to get a little spooked, right? Haha. It’s a memory we still talk about today. 

Ah, Halloween memories, with the fam. Good times. 

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Who’s excited for the new 2018 Halloween?…Jamie Lee Curtis is back, bitches!

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OUT NOW!

 

 

 

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

-<3-

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 18- Fall Mix [Middle School/High School Edition]

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Back in the early-mid 2000s, to say that my music taste was very different, would be an understatement. Enter Punk Pop. It was a HUGE deal and me and my friends were all in on it! I was into that emo, rock band, head nodding stuff. And our girl Avril Lavigne, she came just when we needed her most. She made ties and stud bracelets a thing! She showed us it was cool to dress different and not always be “super girly” just because we are girls.  

Avril

Avril Lavigne

For some reason, recently this Fall, those old songs are resurfacing and they just give off some Fall vibes. They have that weird emo/ almost eerie feeling to them, so hey I thought why not dive into my old CD collection and share some middle school/ high school favorites with you. [Some were in 2005 which kind of leaked into my high school years, same with some from 2001 that leaked into my middle school years. For instance  bands like Jimmy Eat World, and Foo Fighters were around a while before I started to really love them. I have older cousins and an older brother so I would hear their music, but then I actually began to listen to it myself. Big thanks to #OTH, #TheOC #ACinderellaStory] 😉

 

 

 

Middle/High School Emo Fall Mix [62 Songs]

Let Go-Avril Lavigne [Full Album, I can’t choose!] [2002]

The Middle-Jimmy Eat World [2001]

Sweetness- Jimmy Eat World [2001]

Hear You Me -Jimmy Eat World [2001]

If You Don’t, Don’t -Jimmy Eat World [2001]

Sugar, We’re Goin Down- Fall Out Boy [2005]

Dance, Dance- Fall Out Boy [2005]

A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More “Touch Me”-Fall out Boy [2005]

This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race- Fall Out Boy [2007]

Thnks Fr Th Mmrs- Fall Out Boy [2007]

Helena- My Chemical Romance [2004]

I’m Not Okay (I Promise)- My Chemical Romance [2004]

To The End- My Chemical Romance [2004]

The Ghost of You- My Chemical Romance [2004]

I Write Sins Not Tragedies- Panic! At The Disco [2005]

Nails For Breakfast, Tacks For Snacks- Panic! At The Disco [2005]

Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off – Panic! At The Disco [2005]

But It’s Better If You Do- Panic! At The Disco [2005]

How To Save A Life- The Fray [Full Album, I can’t choose!] [2005] *These guys are my fav, I’ve seen them in concert a few times, and actually met them at The Today Show Concert Series. Super chill guys! 😀 

Niki FM- Hawthorne Heights [2004]

^ there is a really cool tribute by The String Quartet

Hotel Paper-Michelle Branch [Full Album, I can’t choose!] [2002]

Can’t Hold Us Down-Christina Aguilera [2002]

Fighter-Christina Aguilera [2002]

Underappreciated -Christina Aguilera [2002]

Impossible-Christina Aguilera [2002]

Beautiful-Christina Aguilera [2002]

The Voice Within-Christina Aguilera [2002]

Wake Me Up When September Ends- Green Day [2005]

Ocean Avenue- Yellowcard [2003]

Only One- Yellowcard [2003]

Mr. Brightside- The Killers [2004] *Shout out to my best friend, this band was her fav!

Move Along- All American Rejects [2005]

Dirty Little Secret- All American Rejects [2005]

It Ends Tonight- All American Rejects [2005]

Bring Me To Life- Evanescence [2003]

My Immortal- Evanescence [2003]

Numb- Linkin Park [2003]

In The End- Linkin Park [2003]

Seven Nation Army- The White Stripes [2003]

Anthem-Good Charlotte [2002]

Speed Of Sound- Coldplay [2005]

Fix You- Coldplay [2005]

The Scientist- Coldplay [2002]

Clocks- Coldplay [2002]

Viva La Vida- Coldplay [2008]

Perfect- Simple Plan [2002]

Addicted- Simple Plan [2002]

Welcome To My Life- Simple Plan [2004]

I’d Do Anything- Simple Plan [2002]

In Too Deep- Sum 41 [2001]

Fat Lip- Sum 41 [2001]

Best Of You- Foo Fighters [2005] *Oh man my brother and I were obsessed with this song, #REPLAYBUTTON

The Sound Of Settling- Death Cab For Cutie [2003] *Shout out to the best friend again! She introduced me to this band. 

A Lack Of Color- Death Cab For Cutie [2003]

I Will Follow You Into The Dark- Death Cab For Cutie [2005]

Lightness- Death Cab For Cutie [2003]

Boston- Augustana [2005]

Hide And Seek- Imogen Heap [2005]

Snow Patrol- Eyes Open [Full Album, I can’t choose!] [2006] 

Misery Business-Paramore [2007]

CrushCrushCrush- Paramore [2007]

That’s What You Get- Paramore [2007]

 

So I was going to link each song, but I just don’t have the patience for that! Haha, hey at least now I put all these artists/emo bands back on your radar. Go crazy! Feel that nostalgia. You’re Welcome. 😉

All songs available on Spotify, YouTube, etc, and I’m sure hidden in your old CD collection. 

Side Note:

In 2014 I found a post similar to this, where I chat about old I-pod jams– below is a funny excerpt from it…

That awkward moment when you realize you used to be a really big My Chemical Romance fan and wore a lot of black eyeliner, and bought every shirt with a skull on it…wait was I goth that one point in my life? haha #letyourfreakflagflyyy

To be clear I wouldn’t wear the eyeliner to school, and that phase came more when I was in high school…Little Michelle…my 15th birthday party, channeling my…dare I say it…Peyton Sawyer (you know Haley is my girl!) vibes with them curls, black jacket & boots, denim skirt, and skull shirt. Oh and hey OC mix tape! 😉

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It’s so crazy to see how my taste in music varies. If you notice the vibes of The Fray, Coldplay, and Snow Patrol are a little less emo than say Fall Out Boy, and Panic! At The Disco. I would say my taste gravitates more toward the softer rock now. But emo basically stands for emotional, so really if any song inflicts a feeling, who’s to say that one song or artist can’t fit more than one genre. I love music, sure maybe I lost touch with a lot of these bands, you grow up, your life changes, your taste changes. But anytime I hear any of these songs, the vibes are still so good. My music taste is all over the place, and I don’t mind. 

*All images are my own, except the Avril Lavigne Image.*

Were you into Emo as a pre-teen/teen?

Did I miss any of your favorites?

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 17- Some Recipes for the Fall Season

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

During holiday season, I usually like to bake some treats. The next few recipes, I’m going to share with you, I have baked for Thanksgiving. I know we still have a bit to go. We still have to celebrate Halloween, and I’m not one to rush holidays! But I just thought since I’ve tried out these recipes in the past, I can give you some ideas for planning ahead for your Thanksgiving meal. Or hey maybe you want to try one of these recipes out for Halloween, instead. Do whatever your heart desires!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

I made these last year for Thanksgiving and added in my own little touch, by topping them off with Reese’s Pieces and adding Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to the cookie tray display. It also added some fall color to them! I made 3 trays of cookies, because I was visiting a lot of different people, (which is usually the case) so I made enough for each house. Can’t show up empty handed! To add to the presentation, I wrapped them in saran wrap and added some fall colored bows. I included a little tag with twine that said Happy Thanksgiving, and that stated they were Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip flavored, just in case anyone had an allergy, I wanted them to be aware.

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I searched my recipe folder, and my favorites and I couldn’t find the recipe. However, I feel like I remember searching simple few ingredient peanut butter, chocolate chip cookies, so it might have been one of these, linked HERE, & HERE 

Taste Verdict:

Peanut Butter and Chocolate are two of my favorite things. So I LOVED these. They were very rich and VERY peanut buttery. With milk, you can have one or two and it was delicious. I would definitely make these again. If you are not into peanut butter, I guess you can just omit it, and bake your traditional chocolate chip cookie. That’s always a crowd favorite. 

Layered Pumpkin Lasagna

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I found the exact recipe I used HERE

Taste Verdict:

This was a bit of a long process, and requires many ingredients, and ALOT of work. I wasn’t aware how time consuming it could be. It’s more of a no bake dessert, but you do have to create each layer and than build this sweet dessert lasagna. It’s a bit of a weird concept, but I thought it was actually really delicious and those who are pumpkin fans, seemed to enjoy it! I feel like I would tackle making this again, at some point. 

Apple Pie Punch

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Ingredients 

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I found the exact recipe I used HERE

Taste Verdict: 

In my family, I seemed to have taken on dessert and drinks. I usually bake for every holiday event. And one Thanksgiving I decided to add in a little drinky drank recipe. I omitted the vodka for this recipe, because I wanted it to be safe for the kiddies to drink, but guests were free to add a little spike if they felt so inclined to. This was a tasty treat. I’d definitely make it again. It was easy enough!

 

*All photos are my own, I do not take credit for any recipes used.*

Have any fun fall recipes to share?

If you make any of these, let me know in the comments below!

 

Happy Fall Baking!

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 15- Jewelry Making Tutorial- Memory Wire Bracelet

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

I love jewelry. I love accessorizing. I think it’s such a creative form of expression. With just a few key pieces of jewelry you can transform any outfit. I have draws full of jewelry and then because of the nature of my job, I was able to take on a new hobby of jewelry making. In order to educate others, I had to do a bit of research. Shout out to YouTube!

FINISHED WIRE BRACELET

(Due to the wire type, and the style of the bracelet, you can have different looks, just two rows, or many rows- creating a multi bangle bracelet look with, essentially just the one bracelet that wraps around your wrist several times. The wire also allows for it to be adjusted to your wrist, basically a one size fits all bracelet.)

I made this bracelet back in March or April I think. I made it with earthy colors- a mix of glass and clay beads- some with tribal designs on them. I made it like so, because it fits my personal style. However, I just feel like it has such fall vibes to it, and I wear it now, so I thought I’d share it. (You can customize this bracelet to your style and use any style beads, or colors/patterns/designs.)

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I followed this Jewellers Academy tutorial on YouTube.

^Memory Wire Bracelet Tutorial starts @ the 9:48 mark. However, I suggest watching Parts 1 & 2 of this Beginner’s series because it will teach you all about the tools and how to use them for specific techniques- such as cutting memory wire and looping- both used in this project.

jewelry making mem wire

All supplies were purchased from blick.com

^Just look under jewelry making.

CLOSE UP SHOTS

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I didn’t really have any specific pattern. I just knew I wanted an earthy color scheme, and a junky multi bracelet look. So I just added beads randomly, trying to create a unique, bohemian look.

I’ve made various jewelry pieces by following these tutorials (and various others). I’ve made earrings, bracelets, necklaces, chokers, pins, etc. I still have yet to conquer any rings, but hopefully soon. It’s super fun, and it’s even cooler to be wearing something and be able to say, I made this. And they can be great gift ideas too. If you package it nicely and add a little “made with love” sticker…and Voila!

 

^ Here is a pair of earrings I made and packaged for my Mom as part of her

Mother’s Day gift. 

 

 

If you make any jewelry pieces of your own, let me know in the comments below!

*I do not take credit for the videos used as tutorials.*

*All photos are my own.*

-<3-

#BLOGTOBER Day 14- Fall Themed Gift Basket Idea

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

My best friend recently got married this Summer. So each of the bridesmaids created a seasonal themed basket for her Bridal Shower. I chose Fall, because the feels and obsession is real. I love the cozy fall vibes and colors. And knowing the color scheme for her new place, I really tried to tie all that into the pieces I purchased for her basket.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT:

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CLOSE UP SHOTS:

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The basket was actually lent to me by the bride’s mother. It was my best friend’s grandmother’s basket so it was really nice to have that special touch added in for her.

ALL THE CONTENTS & WHERE I GOT THEM (as best as I can remember): 

Fall/Thanksgiving Tea Towels (Amazon)

Halloween Towel Set (Amazon)

Throw Blanket (Lakeside)

Coaster Set (Pier 1)

Thankful Candle & Pumpkin/Apple Candle (Bath & Body Works)

Apple Orchid Hand Soap (Bath & Body Works)

Chevron Pumpkin (Lakeside)

Metal Pumpkin (Pier 1)

Amber Glass Pumpkin (Pier 1)

Wine Glasses (Pier 1)

Place Mats (Pier 1)

Seasonal Napkins (Oriental Trading)

Fall Chalk Wall Design (Lakeside)

Rug (Pier 1)

Harvest/Autumn Gatherings Sign (Amazon)

Give Thanks Tin Sign (Amazon)

Foliage and Grass (Various Dollar Stores) 

 

Making a fall basket as a gift?

Hope this helps!

*All images are my own.*

-<3-

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 12- A Cheesy Fall Poem ;)

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

 

Fall

Crisp leaves falling from trees

Oranges, Reds, Golds, and Greens

Rain drops dancing upon the ground

Cool breeze flowing all around

Pumpkin spice scents everywhere

Patches of pumpkins and spooky hayrides if you dare

Apples cider and pies galore

Cozy sweaters and fuzzy socks that allows you a good snore

Scary movie marathons

The haunting hour is upon

Michael Jackson’s Thriller

Forever and always a good Chiller, Killer

Disney Channel’s Halloweentown

Starring Kimberly J. Brown

Thanksgiving and Halloween

Memories for family and friends- the greatest team

 

 

Happy Fall!

*All pictures are my own.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 11- MLW Halloween Themed Shorts Collection

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

Over the past 5 years I’ve had this blog, I have written a number of Shorts/Story Series. And within those, there are a few that come to mind during this time of year. Two are more horror based, one is more romantic based. I usually write drama/mystery/romance So the horror was a fun segway to try. 

Cloaked in the Night

cloaked-in-the-nightThis is a story I wrote inspired by a walk home, where I saw a creepy skeleton decoration. And the idea of it coming to life, hit me and this story was born. I think everyone has felt that fear of walking home alone, late at night. Everything around you suddenly feels eerie. 

Summary: For this young character, well she was just running out to grab some ice cream one night…

*Read HERE

The Halloween Party

halloween-party

Summary: This one is more on the romantic side. Jared has always had a thing for his best friend Maddie. When she recently gets her heart broken just before her favorite holiday, she decides it’s time for some changes. And Jared finally decides it’s time to confess his feelings for her…will Jared get the girl he’s always dreamed of or will Maddie’s ex get in the way? 

*Read HERE

RED THIRST
red thirstThis story was super weird! LOL. I honestly don’t know where it came from. I knew I wanted to write something scary and it just kind of snowballed into this freakshow of a story. But I wanted it to be different. It become this sexy, scary story [hence the parental advisory stamp!] and even when I read it back I feel like it’s nothing like I would typically write. So I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone for this one. But hey ,we have to do that sometimes, right?

Summary: What was supposed to be a fun night out with friends turns into Clara’s worst nightmare as she encounters a handsome bartender named Christian. And the color red takes on a whole new meaning.  

*Read HERE

 

ENJOY!

Maybe I’ll have a new Fall/Halloween inspired story coming soon!

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

-<3-

#BLOGTOBER Day 10- Stranger Things Themed Party

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

I know Stranger Things Season 3 is still filming and said to arrive on Netflix sometime in 2019. But if you haven’t caught up or never watched, Fall season is the perfect time to do so!

And nothing is more fun than binge watching a new show with friends and hosting a good viewing party! Here was my viewing party planning process for the start of Season 2. 

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Here are some key elements I incorporated in my table scheme/decorations/treats. Based on the show logo, my color scheme involved using- black, white, and red paper goods and table cloths. 

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Here is a full view of my table set up…
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Close up shots: 

For the upside down I used part of a black table cloth and layered some cob webs and creepy cloth on top, adding some fake spiders here and there. 

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I used the lights to symbolize Will talking to his mom through the lights. Nearby is the upside map they drew in the show. 

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I found this old vintage looking wrapping paper in the dollar store and it reminded me of the Byers home living room, so I freehanded the letters to the alphabet and strung up my Christmas light necklace. I feel like this was a pretty close look!

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For Beverages I thought cranberry juice suited the idea I had for Dragon Punch inspired by the game the boys play- Dungeons and Dragons. I bought the little dinosaur/dragon figures in the dollar store. 
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To be a little more theme oriented, I decorated red cups with Stranger Things Labels, and made drink stirrers by putting marshmallows on coffee stirrers. 
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Cocoa Cola because the 80s setting! But also because…Eleven (as scene in gif above) is a total #BADASS. I also quoted the term the kids often use in the show.
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Chocolate pudding because…Dustin…well loves it… (see gif above)
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And my favorite part of all…a waffle bar because Eleven is a huge fan and so am I!!!! We just toasted a bunch of waffles, and put out some ice cream, and some toppings. 
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Below is ya girl, cheesin’ hard. I had actually made this t-shirt. Now I own several Stranger Things Graphic Tees, but for this viewing party I didn’t have any so I improvised. I bought a black cheap t-shirt, and cut the collar off. Then I cut the bottom hem off and the two hems on either sleeve. Pulling the sides as to stretch and allow material to roll at the ends causing a distressed look. Lastly, I cut random holes all over and added stick on black letters that I had painted with red glitter.  
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I also had the song that Mike always heard/played…Will’s song…

 

I love doing stuff like this. I love tv and I love living in a tv world for a day! That is my favorite type of party planning!

So…Who watches Stranger Things? Did you have a viewing party of your own? 

*All party images are my own.*

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

 

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 9- Pumpkin Picking with the Family plus mini Fall Haul #2

michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

Every year, my family tries to schedule a day to go pumpkin picking. My family is pretty big so it can get really hard to get everyone’s schedule to line up. But this year, even though not everyone could make it, we still had a pretty decent sized crew. And it was even more special because it was my niece’s first time pumpkin picking!

Here are some fall shots I took…  

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I spent quite the pretty penny in the little shop that they had there, so I figured why not show you what I bought…

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Treats/Goodies:

Blueberry pie

Apple Cider Donuts

Moon Pie Bites

Red Raspberry Preserves 

Pumpkin Butter

Peach Apricot Cherry Jam

Apple Cider

Décor:

3 little stick figures- a pumpkin, sunflower scarecrow, and ghost 

^I feel like these would be really cute in a floral arrangement. 

A witch

^This can be hung up on the wall or on the door- anywhere really. 

My pumpkin that I picked! I have to think about what I want to do with it this year. In the past I’ve done some fun and funky designs…

RHONDA

rhonda

JUANITA CROMWELL

juanita cromwell

ROXY

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SUNFLOWER SAGE

Sunflower Sage

LOLITA LEIGH

Lolita Leigh

BABY PUMPKIN

baby pumpkin

 

Any ideas for my 2018 design?

*All images are my own.*

 

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 8- It’s October again…

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

In my quest to keep this blog thing going for the entire month of October, I sought out some Halloween playlist inspiration and somewhere along the line, the lyric “It’s October again, leaves are coming down…” slipped into my memory.

And I realized how perfectly it lined up. 

The lyric is from a song called “Let Me Fall” performed by Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill. [Haley was portrayed by real life singer/songwriter Bethany Joy Lenz.]

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The lyrics: 

“Let Me Fall”

It’s October again
The leaves are coming down
One more year’s come and gone
And nothing’s changed at all

Wasn’t I supposed to be someone
To face the things that I’ve been running from

Let me feel
I don’t care if I break down
Let me fall
Even if I hit the ground
And if I cry a little, die a little
At least I know I lived
Just a little

I’ve become much too good
At being vincible
I’m an expert at play it safe
And keep it cool

But I swear
This isn’t who I meant to be
I refuse to let my life roll over me

I wanna be somebody
Who can face the things that I’ve been running from

Let me feel
I don’t care if I break down
Let me fall
Even if I hit the ground
And if I cry a little, die a little
At least I know I lived

It’s October again
Leaves are coming down
One more year’s come and gone
And nothing’s changed at all

 

***

 

I feel like this song is really hitting home for me, right now. All the feels in the world. I can relate, Haley, I get you girl! 

 

I wonder is Joy wrote this song herself for the show?

 

Watch the performance below featured in episode 2×07 titled

“Let The Reigns Go Loose” 

Episode Backstory: In this episode Haley conquers her stage fright and performs at TRIC’s opening night. 

 

Soak in those fall vibes…

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

 

-<3-