FOMO- The Coachella Epidemic

April 24, 2017April 23, 2017michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

So it’s that time again folks, the season of music festivals is upon us and these past few weekends has been all about Coachella. I can’t tell you how many Coachella vlogs I have watched. These YouTube vloggers make it look so effortless! Where ya’ll get this $$$? 😉

Coachella– The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is an annual music and arts festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, located in the Inland Empire’s Coachella Valley, in the Colorado Desert.

Hit you with a little Wikipedia info, ya know just in case you live under a rock and don’t get all huffy over the thousands of Coachella posts you’ve been seeing day after day.

We get it, it’s fun. You’re having the time of your life. No need to rub it in. 😉

Let’s be real though, I have to admit- I’m lowkey- totally jealous. FOMO [Fear Of Missing Out] is real, thank you internet.

Not because I want to stand for hours, in a crowd of people in the California desert heat.

But because the whole experience kind of speaks to my flowerchild self.

I LOVE music, I love food, I love FASHION.

And the fashion at Coachella is bohemian and hippie child and I am so with it!

However, I feel like my anxiety would kick into high gear in an environment like that.

I don’t do well in crowded places or in intense heat. So right there I feel like I would have such a tendency to be completely miserable there.

But I do think it’s a really cool idea and could be a cool experience if I worked myself up to go.

I feel like I’d fit right in, with the fashion inspiration.

Here are my favorite Coachella looks, I’ve seen from the YouTubers I keep up with.

Niki DeMar on YouTube

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Niki is my favorite Coachella look this year. I am OBSESSED with her blue hair. I always said I wanted to do something crazy like this. I’ve dabbled but it’s been a while and now with my job I feel like I can’t experiment like that. Anyway I adore her facial jewels and her nails! I also really love her cool and warm tone color combination.

Ashley Nicole on YouTube

Ashley has a bit of a more 90’s grunge vibe and I totally dig the black, and monochromatic shades, and the choker. And those glitter freckles! Come on now. I have real freckles and I love them, so I would be all about glitterfying them! 😉

Ashley

Bethany Mota on YouTube

Bethany is my original YouTube Queen. I adore her. And I also love this sheer top she has paired with her denim shorts and the necklace tops it all off!

Kalyn Nicholson on YouTube

Again with the black and the silver. I love it! I also really love this long lace skirt trend paired with a big floppy hat…perfection!

LaurDIY on YouTube

Love this high low number and I also love Lauren’s heart shaped glasses in the picture below. Her mini space buns are adorable and I love how she’s not afraid to just keep it simple with some distressed jeans shorts and a funky tube top. Can we also just give her wrist full of friendships bracelets a round of applause! That’s commitment. Haha. I love that look of stacked colorful bracelets.

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Tess Christine on YouTube

Her color combination and her fringed jacket are EVERYTHING! That print tho!

Sierra Furtado on YouTube

The bandana, the eye jewels, the sunglasses, very hippie chic, and totally cool! I dig it!

Mia Stammer on YouTube

Coachella is known for being the time where over accessorizing is a must. I love accessories and Mia killed it here! Super cool! I freakin’ love that purple ring!

Alisha Marie on YouTube

I love Alisha’s gladiator goddess vibe. The sheer overlay she DIY’d makes for the perfect cover-up.

Shay Mitchell on YouTube (Best known for her role on Pretty Little Liars)

Shay is keeping it simple here with jeans and a cropped knit top, but I just love the call back to 90’s denim and her hair…so rad. Yes RAD!

**Vanessa Hudgens- The Coachella Queen**

I feel like Vanessa is at Coachella every freaking year and she always has the best looks. I saw this one and fell in love with her butterfly braids and flash tattoos!

I feel like I would like to experience this at least once in my life. Despite the dirt, sand, lack of real bathrooms/sinks, and the intense standing in crowds on your feet…It has a lot of things I love-music, food, fashion, and cool pic options. Haha. Who knows maybe I’ll be brave one day and go for it! Or ya know just host a Coachella themed party this summer, for the hell of it! 😉

Last weekend I rocked this outfit, and I was feeling some Coachella vibes in there, a little bit…no? 😉

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*All images are credited to each girl’s instagram.

I do not take credit for any images used.*

-<3-

OOTD- Cold Shoulder Shift Dress

April 9, 2017michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I told you I’d show you how I styled this number from New York & Company that I recently wore for my Best Friend’s Bachelorette Party, so let’s get down to business! 😀

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Here’s my full look:

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As you can see already putting these birthday gifts to good use!

The dress had a loud print and some really beautiful cold shoulder detail so I wanted to keep accessories, hair, and makeup on the simpler side. I didn’t get any good close-ups of my makeup but basically I blended some greens, golds, tan, bronze, and brown eyeshadow. I used a hunter green eye liner and some mascara to define my eyes and make them pop. I filled in my brows and did some highlight, blush and bronzer. For lipstick I wore a neutral mauve- Revlon’s Ultra HD Matte Liquid Lipstick in the shade “Forever.” I love this color and it lasts a good while! For hair I threw it up in a messy bun to show off my big gold hoop earrings.

These chunky black heels have been such a great investment. I lasted the entire night dancing away in these, normally I’m in flats after an hour.

ACCESSORIES

Gold bangles, thin gold rings, and a light up engagement ring, because, duh? Bachelorette Party. 😉

I wore this statement ring on my other hand.

This was the manicure. I decided on- a pistachio green color, with a gold glitter ombre effect!

I rocked some black tights and a black side purse with a gold chain on it.

And last but not least here were some other accessories used to enhance the bachelorette party experience.

Team Bride Glasses, Body Tattoos, Light Up Ring and Glow Necklace.

We had a grand ole time! Love you Jenny Girl!

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*All images are my own.*

-<3-

What I Got For My Birthday- Birthday Haul

April 5, 2017April 5, 2017michelleleighwrites 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!

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!

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

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.

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.

Delicious!

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.

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

March 30, 2017March 30, 2017michelleleighwrites 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.

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.

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.

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?

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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-

OOTD: Palazzo Pants & Big Hoop Earrings

March 23, 2017March 21, 2017michelleleighwrites 3 Comments

New York & Company is a store I shop at when I need something a little on the fancier side. So for my best friend’s Bridal Shower, I went to pick up an outfit. When I walked into the store I was instantly aware of their newest trend- Palazzo Pants. Hello, welcome back to the 70’s ladies.

I had to get a pair and after trying on a bunch of prints, this is the pair I decided on. I have to say I saw these and knew they’d be the ones I’d end up with. #BlackAllDayEveryDay #ICantEscapeIt

My top and earrings are also from NY & Co.

Here is how I styled these Palazzo pants:

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I wanted the pants to be the focal point. I love that they were black with a pop of color from the flowers. Because of this, I wanted to pair them with a white simple blouse. I tried yellow, and red, but it seemed to be too much color. This simple white top was perfect. Not only did it blouse nicely when tucked into the pants, but it has that subtle yet unique neckline that spruced the plain white color up a bit.(The top was a bit sheer so I wore a black bandeau underneath.)

For makeup and hair I kept it pretty simple. Kept the eye shadows in the bronze, browns, golds family. That’s usually my go to, because I LOVE GOLDS! As for lips, I did a mixture of a burgundy red (Revlon’s Rum Raisin) and bright orange (NYX Cherry Cheesecake) to form a nice bright coral like red.

Next, I wanted a sleek, yet slightly messy high ponytail with some curls to frame my face. Added some bold big gold hoops for earrings, paired with gold bangles, and some bold rings with turquoise and green accents.

I don’t have any links to these rings- The one of the left was my grandmother’s and the one on the right I bought from someone at a garage sale.

On my nails I had Essie’s “Penny Talk.”

And for shoes, I kept it simple with some basic Mary Jane type black pumps. That chucky heel made them much more comfortable.

Got these suckers on clearance for $15! #WhatAFreakinSteal

The whole outfit is funky yet still sophisticated. I have this habit of wanting to funk up every outfit I wear! Lol. My best friend told me I look like a sophisticated flowerchild. And guess what, I’m ok with that. It’s completely accurate and exactly the look I was trying to achieve. 😉

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I was so excited about rocking this outfit. It was super comfortable. Perfect for all my maid of honor duties! I would definitely recommend the Palazzo pant trend, here’s a link to all the different prints New York & Company has to offer. Take a look!

Stay Tuned for when I style this little number for her Bachelorette Party coming up! 😀

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-<3-

OOTD- Black, Gold & a little bit of Leopard

February 23, 2017February 20, 2017michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

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Dress- Annie Sez

Coat- Annie Sez

Shoes- Payless

(These are like 10 years old, they were shot after tonight, and I had to throw them out! #WellLivedIn)

This outfit was a total steal! I was on a mission to find something both funky and elegant for my best friend’s engagement party. I looked and looked and was coming up empty for a while.

But then I saw this beautiful black and gold dress and I was excited about wearing one of my favorite color combinations.

After I decided on the dress, I thought it would be fun to funk this outfit up with a big furry jacket or sweater of some sort and that’s when I saw that leopard coat. I have been wanting something like this forever, but everything has been so expensive! But this Steve Madden Leopard Coat was $99.99, and was 70% off and ended up being $30. The dress was $30, too! So I left that store quite the happy camper!

I kept my makeup pretty neutral with browns and golds and a nude/pink lip. My nails were painted a matte gold and I added some pearl earrings and a pearl bracelet. The design on the dress was so stunning, I didn’t think I needed a necklace. As for rings I wore a simple black and gold onyx ring on one hand, and a big gold and crystal rock on the other. Rings are always my favorite!

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In other news my best friend asked me for some ideas for the party and after some Pinterest and google research I decided on these ideas and thought I’d share how they came out, (via her suggestion, haha.) “You should blog about these!” Love you girl!

Date Night Ideas Jar & Advice Jar, and Guess how many kisses are in the jar?

My love for mason jars and twine is real guys!

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And to top it all off, my best friend asked me to be her maid of honor…and I CANNOT WAIT!

My girl knows my mug obsession is real!

Move over Marilyn Monroe, there’s a new fashion icon in town. Love you girl, I can’t wait to be by your side throughout this whole thing! It’s truly and honor. #SoulSistas

What a beautiful party to celebrate the reuniting of two beautiful souls. I am so incredibly happy for you both! We had a great time. #ThatSpanishMusicTho 😉

*All photos are my own.*

-<3-

SAG Awards 2017 Fashion

January 30, 2017January 29, 2017michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I don’t care much about brands they could wear Target for all I care…but these gowns were gorgeous…so if you really want to know who they are wearing, I’ll leave that to E!’s Fashion Police. 😉

Last night I watched the SAG Awards, missing the Red carpet, I searched on instagram to see the stars in all their fashion. And I was surprisingly disappointed at first. No one WOWED me…until these ladies…

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Busy Philipps– dazzles in glitter and sequins. I saw her post this picture on instagram with a cute little caption about how attending an award show can feel like attending a high school prom. I thought this look was super funky and I love the color camouflage of sparkle, purple and silvers. Her messy high ponytail and dark lips complete this edgy look. Oh and that Dawson’s Creek nostalgia with Michelle Williams was just the icing on the cake. #Jenn #Audrey

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Emily Blunt– shines in this intricate beaded number. The pastel colors are so gorgeous against that nude underlay and her sleek hair and simple makeup match perfectly. I also love how she didn’t do a necklace but opted for those dangly long earrings instead.

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Maisie Williams– She’s a new face for me, yes I know I know she’s from Game of Thrones- I’m sorry I’ve never joined that world. But her old Hollywood inspired glamour really sparkled. I love the pale pink/mauve silk gown. The fact that it’s silk, is enough to understand her minimal accessories and embellishments. That silk, that color and her bold dark lip are EVERYTHING. Her softly curled hair and bold eyebrows just create perfection! #ThatClutchTho #DoesItDoubleAsAMirror #Multipurpose 😉

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Ellie Kemper– I love velvet AND blue is my favorite color! This dress is so simple, but the velvet and that rich blue color speaks volumes! I love her whimsical messy up do as well!

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Gina Rodriguez– She is just perfect! I adore her! I love this fitted, patterned dress on her. It has birds on it, I mean COME ON! So cute! It’s very conservative yet funky and sexy at the same time. I like this style neckline on her! I also really adore the contrast of the nude lace dress against her caramel skin tone- makes her glow even more. Her simple loose curl up do and minimal jewelry only compliments her sleek, fresh look.

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Kate Hudson– I love this cape like, sheer yet sequined dress. I love how she’s not afraid to rock the basic black, but she stepped it up with this edgy piece. I love her sleek bold blonde hair with that dark red lip. The contrast of darks against her fair skin is extremely flattering and so gorgeous on her. She reminds me of a vixen in this look. Total badass. Although I have mixed emotions about that flower on the hip. I love how it adds a pop of color, but then I wonder if it would look even more chic without it. Either way, this was definitely one of my favorites of the night.#ThatRedVelvetClutchTho

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Sophia Bush– I saved the best for last. My girl! I saw her and I was officially WOWED! I like her dress, I’m not obsessed with it, but it works with this look. What I did LOVE was her hair and makeup combination and how she choose to go monochromatic with just a few silver bits to accessorize. That bright hot pink extended to her eyeshadow and I can’t tell you how obsessed I am! I love the dramatic hot pink smokey eye, with a hint of purple peeking out. Who knew you could make a smokey eye with such vibrant colors. I love her low curled ponytail and her baby pink nails. Perfect. The dress is the accessory here. Sophia wins the SAG Awards for me for sure.

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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 29: Actress Sophia Bush attends The 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 29, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 26592_009 (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TNT)

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

-<3-

The tears were real during last night’s 2017 Golden Globes.

January 9, 2017January 9, 2017michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Last night was full of beautiful long dresses, sparkling jewels, and a dapper host in Jimmy Fallon. But the true inspiration were in the messages within the powerful speeches given by some of the most talented women in this industry of film, tv, and music. As a writer and someone who feels that creative pull and that need to be artistic, these words sung out into the world by the women I admire, in a field I hope to have embrace me in my future, were taken to my soul and felt. They were inspiring and they were hopeful.

Viola Davis presented Meryl Streep with the Cecil B. DeMille award. Her speech was funny giving us insight into their friendship, yet powerful as she explained how much Streep has meant to her and her career.

“Her artistry reminds us of the impact of what it means to be an artist, which is to make us feel less alone.”

“You make me proud to be an artist. You make me feel that what I have in me — my body, my face, my age — is enough.”

Meryl Streep‘s acceptance speech was about having empathy in the face of this world we live in today, as she criticized Donald Trump, calling his real life faults a performance that broke her.

“Hollywood is crawling with outsiders and foreigners, and if you kick us all out, you’ll have nothing to watch except for football and mixed martial arts, which are not the arts.”

“We have to remind each other of the privilege and the responsibility of the act of empathy…As my friend- the dear departed Princess Leia said to me; “Take your broken heart, make it into art.”

Emma Stone‘s speech was about perseverance in the face of rejection.

“This is a film for dreamers and I think that hope and creativity are two of the most important things in this world and that’s what this movie is about. To any creative person who has had a door slammed in their face either metaphorically or physically… to anybody anywhere really who feels like giving up sometimes, but finds it in themselves to get up and keep moving forward- I share this with you, thank you so much.”

It’s times like these when you see that sometimes, Hollywood breaks the mold, and special gems are born to shed a light and pave a way.

And onto the fashion…

[I don’t care about brands they could wear Target for all I care…but these gowns were gorgeous…so if you really want to know who they are wearing, I’ll leave that to E!’s Fashion Police. ;)]

Mandy Moore in stunning navy. She was the first one I saw who really made me fall in love with the fashion of the night. The neckline is something different for her I think but she still looks absolutely classic. The earrings match perfectly and I love her simply sleek middle part.

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Emma Stone sparkling in stars. She never disappoints, ever.

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Gina Rodriguez, my Latina queen. She is my favorite of the night. This dress was like poetry in motion as she walked on that carpet- the tassels just swayed. And what a beautiful color against her gorgeous skin tone. SLAYED.

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Also on the sparkle trend is new comer and young actress Millie Bobby Brown. What a little sweetheart! I love her sleek hair and her bright lip, I love that she still kept herself looking her age in a cocktail length dress.

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Hailee Steinfeld. Can we just take a moment. Anyone who rocks a flowy lavender number, just gets me. What a red carpet steal! And the top and netted plunging neck line make it edgy.

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Lily Collins was next on my favorites! I adored this entire look. Her hair, her makeup is AMAZING, and that dress. Total princess. She came for the best dressed Trophy.
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This one never changes. Her face is still as young and fresh as the 90’s- #NeverBeenKissed. I love her beachy waves, and her smokey eye, I love her dark nails and her dress is just BADASS. It’s still really feminine but funky, in that Drew Barrymore way. What a class act.

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The yellows were also a bit of a trend, here we have Viola Davis sporting a bright yellow and Reese Witherspoon in a pastel/baby yellow. Both beautiful, both stunning. Viola Davis is someone who I cannot quite get over when I see her on screen. Every time she speaks, I am willed to listen. Reese Witherspoon is a heart, she’s a Hollywood gem and I will never not love her and her sweetness.

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I had to include a black dress in here….because well let’s be honest, black is never going to be replaced by anything else. It’s chic, it’s sophisticated, it’s sexy, and so is this gown that Kristen Bell is rocking. I love her understated hair and that smokey eye/nude lip makeup combo. It really was the way to go, she really let that sparkle talk. #ThatNecklineTho Also I love how it is long sleeves and her diamond cuff bracelet lies on top of the sparkly sequins. Paired with that black velvet clutch…now you have a fashionista. I have a new found love for all things velvet. Hello 90’s.

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And last but not least, I wouldn’t be a fangirl if I didn’t acknowledge that Jimmy Fallon is adorable and did great (what with the 12 minutes of air time he actually got, haha) and Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel actually walked the red carpet together. What? Is this new? In all honesty it made me happy. Earlier I joked as I said “You know you’re getting old when you are actually happy to see your ultimate celebrity crush happy and walking the red carpet with his wife.” Haha. Although “Trolls” didn’t win, it looks like Justin and Jessica won the night as cutest couple. 😀 (Although how bout Ryan Gosling being such a gentleman and thanking Eva Mendes in his speech! #SWOONINGEVERYWHERE)

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are a major miss in these clashing patterns, and Biel shows how the night’s daring low-cut trend can backfire at the Golden Globe Awards on January 8, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

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*I do not take credit for any images, links to videos/other articles, or videos used.*

-<3-

2016 Memory Jar Review

January 3, 2017January 3, 2017michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

First off, HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS!!!!!!

I cannot believe it is already 2017.

My camera year is wrong…should say 2016, ignore that mishap.

As I sat down on New Year’s Eve to sift through my memory jar- a bandwagon that I finally hopped on two years ago- I was amazed at how little I felt like I did, because of how quickly I felt the year had flown by. It was a blur for me. But as I dove into these colored pieces of paper, the many memories came flooding back….and a lot actually happened. It’s so easy for us to get wrapped up in the holiday bit at the end of the year, that we forget all the memories we made throughout the year.

So here are some of my most favorite memories- (in no particular order!)

*My 2016 Highlights*

Took my god daughter to see Trolls- “Sophie’s big girl movie date”- Trolls, went to a diner, and saw the Christmas Lights with my family.

Had a little Walking Dead Season 7 Premiere Party but… RIP Glenn still heartbroken: / haven’t watched an episode since then, but my party looked awesome. Read my post HERE!

twd-viewing-party

Celebrated my grandmother’s 83^rd birthday with a whole bunch of family.

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I made a few job changes and had to bounce around a bit, which was a bit difficult but finally found a place where I am happy for now, it was for the better- I’m building a work family and have made some great friends. Read my post on “adulting” HERE!

Finished two short story series-On The Run & Love Conflicted (-premiered in 2015 but carried over into 2016)

Official full cast photo movie poster

Started a brand new series- Welcome Home (-first chapter premiered in 2016, rest will be continued in 2017)

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My best friend Roe got engaged!!!!

roe-got-engaged

Went on a massive family trip to Great Wolf Lodge and had a blast! (vlog will eventually get edited!)-Read my post HERE!

Why does my camera have the wrong year? How do I fix that?

Sophia Bush retweeted my tweet and my phone blew up….

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My brother got married and he and his wife bought a house.

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I entered one of my scripts into a writing contest! (although nothing came of it, it was a huge leap that I took, and I was really proud of myself for facing that fear.)

I got free movie passes for covering a story in my local theater, my best friend Jenny and I saw Finding Dory in 3D…because why not?

I’ve realized that I can overcome my anxiety on my own, but the help that I have received has been a gift I will continue to utilize.

My best friend and I finally saw Bethany Joy Lenz in concert and WE MET HER! #LifeGoal –Read my post HERE!

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Fuller House seasons 1& 2 are killin’ the game #NetflixIsDangerous

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I went for bridesmaid’s dresses for my friend Jenny’s wedding-I was asked to be her maid of honor last year.

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I went on The Polar Express with my god daughter and other family members. (vlog will eventually get edited!)

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I worked for a summer camp, and my kids made some really great story books for my creative writing class.

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I hosted a Gilmore girls: A Year in the Life- Netflix revival….viewing party- Read my post HERE!

I got a vlog up on my YouTube channel, and have been vlogging more, but editing has been a slow process. I WILL GET THERE!

I finally got to pretend to be a YouTube vlogger and did a Mini “Vlogmas” from Dec. 23-Dec. 31 into 2017 (Stay Tuned!)

My brother and I started to shoot the first installment of our zombie short, but it got halted because…. #WeddingCraziness #BridalShowerCraziness

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michelleleighwrites turned 3!!!!!!! Read my post HERE! (It’s turning 4 in a WEEK!!!!!!)

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Justin Timberlake released new music & a video – Can’t Stop The Feeling! (he also produced the soundtrack to Trolls (What a beautiful, fun loving film, highly recommend seeing it!). Read my fangirl report HERE!

Valentine’s Day Girls Nite In with my girls.

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Celebrated my Aunt Mary’s birthday with some dinner at her favorite Mexican restaurant and had some Pepsi- her favorite drink. Love you Aunt Mary, Miss you!

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Bruno Mars new album, listening to it as I write. So obsessed! #24KMagic #Chunky #ThatsWhatILike #VersaceOnTheFloor #Finesse LISTEN

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Rocked some obnoxious Christmas Lights for the holidays. #BestDecisionOfMyLife #5BucksWellSpent #ShoutOutToStrangerThings

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Received some handmade Christmas cards from my students.

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30^th Birthdays Celebrations- We hosted a big family dinner for my sister in law and went on an AC family trip for my brother.

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Family BBQ’s!!! #Cousins

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Best Friend Weekend. – Even at 25, my best friend and I still keep our sleepover tradition going. It started off going to the Zumba class that my best friend teaches, then we had some dinner at her house (BBQ chicken my fav at their house hold-like old times), next we watched our favorite tv show One Tree Hill until 4 AM, Went for breakfast the next morning, got manicures, and shopped a bit. It was so nostalgic and it was just what we needed. #BestFriendMiniWeekend #RoshellWeekend

That Zumba class tho-I had been trying to get to one, forever!

Britney’s back bitches! #GLORY album is just….EPIC! Read my post HERE!

glory

Rainbows.

Pineapple float- #SOTRENDY

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Took my mom to see the Radio City Spring Spectacular- it was her mother’s day gift and it felt really great to be able to do that for her. What a brilliant show. Visually stunning!

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Got hooked on Murder Mystery 13 Part Series American Gothic- so damn good! #SHOUTOUTTOBETHANYJOYLENZ

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Started Stranger Things #NetflixIsDangerous

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Attended my best friend’s engagement party.

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Continued with the annual chop.

Dressed up in Hawaiian theme attire for my cousin’s birthday party.- Read my post HERE!

hawaiian

Finally got to rock the yellow, red, blue look I’ve wanted to try for forever! Read my post HERE!

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After the chop, had to try out some new hair do’s – Reverse Space buns.

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Marina Squerciati answered my tweet, (cuz we’re besties) ;). #thathashtagtho

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My parents treated me to a massive birthday dinner at my favorite restaurant. Got my big gold number balloons too! #BlackAndGold #Family #Friends Read my post HERE!

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That TWD finale tho. #WHOISIT? Read my feels HERE!

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Started an unintentional tradition of taking massive group family photos/selfies.

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Bridal expos with my bestie. #MaidofHonor #OnCall

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My cousins from Florida surprised us with a quick visit!

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Curvy Barbies (and other body shapes and sizes) are a thing! #FINALLY #Variety

Read my post HERE!

curvy-barbies

That *NSYNC picture. #reunion #myheart

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Met our newest family member! My god daughter is a big sister!

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Started watching a few new tv series- This Is Us (I have to catch up, I’m so behind) and Shades of Blue.

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*****

Damn a lot can happen in a year. I am grateful for the blessings 2016 has given me. Of course it wasn’t all marshmallows and honey all the time, but I still fought through obstacles and made beautiful memories. Cheers to 2017, may it be beautiful and happy and healthy for all of you, filled with love and inspiration and success. See you soon friends!

*Most images are my own.*

-<3-