nostalgia

Summer 2019 Vibes!!!

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I know I haven’t posted much this summer… I guess I’ve just been busy…

LIVIN MY BEST LIFE! 😉

As this Summer officially comes to an end for me, (I start work back up tomorrow!) it has dawned on me that this Summer has been pretty great. Which is not always the case for me. No, I wasn’t able to go on some luxurious vacation, but I was able to have some really fun times with great family, friends, food, and lots of wine! 😉 I got to do more than I usually get to, because this summer I decided to take off of work. Granted, my job is different then most, I can either apply to work the summer or not, it’s my choice. Normally I work every Summer, but something made me decline this Summer. And I’m glad I did. My credit card isn’t happy, but I think it was the right move for me personally. 

No my Summer wasn’t perfect, it actually started off really difficult for me and my family. And I have had many emotional moments and hard times, but when I look at all the good. Somehow, that wins. Good always wins. And so, I thought before I jump back into my usual work routine, I should just take a second and reflect of the Summer memories I was blessed with. 

JUNE, JULY, & AUGUST 2019

My Summer started with my usual tradition of taking my mom to see a broadway show. I get her tickets for her Mother’s Day gift and then we usually see the show in June. This year we saw Waitress, and it was ABSOLUTELY amazing. [Fun Fact: I actually just watched the movie and it was good, but I LOVED the play even more!)]

4th of July we celebrated with some family and it was really sweltering hot, but it was a really great time.  As an anxious person, heat really tends to effect me. But I’ve really learned to manage my anxiety in the Summer better. The 4th was really fun! Especially since my cousin and his family were in from Florida. It was really nice to be able to spend a holiday with them, it’s been a minute! I also found this super simple COOKIE RECIPE, and they were a hit! I think I made them, like 3 times for 3 separate occasions this summer, I just switch up the sprinkles depending on the occasion. A kid favorite for sure! *You could totally make these for Fall, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, etc. I would even like to try it with chocolate cake mix. BTW if you look closely, you may spy that I wore a Britney Spears t-shirt…it was the only red, white, & blue I had. And like I was cool with it! 😉 #ITSBRITNEYBITCH Guess you can tell, I’m kind of a graphic tee fan…more to come on that later on!

A Stranger Things themed Coney Island! So if you are a fan of the sci fi/mystery Netflix show, you would know that this Summer Season 3 was released. [I’M ONLY UP TO EPISODE 6…SHHHHH!!!!] Coney Island was transformed into a Stranger Things theme park in the show’s 80’s fashion. It consisted of just posters hung around of the logo and the characters, the theme song was placing on the speakers, and the staff had on custom tees. Nothing crazy, I was kind of disappointed. BUT I went with my mom, aunt and my aunt surprised us by bringing my goddaughter, so we got to go on some rides, play games, and eat some food court summer food. 

Local Baseball Game for my Cousin’s husband’s 40th birthday! I’m not a super fan of baseball, but we had a box room, and there was catered food, and the weather was great. The kids even got to run the bases after the game. 

   I got to catch up with my coworkers…and eat this load of calories! 😛

NIA fam

Atlantic City Overnighter with my fav ladies, my mom and my aunt! We stopped in the small town Smithville on the way. Gambling isn’t my fav, because I HATE losing money. But there were a few fun games I liked, like CRAZY MONEY! BUT I got some sweet Gilmore Girls/Stars Hollow vibes from the small, quaint town, and picked up some goodies.

[INSERT MINI SMITHVILLE HAUL-SLIDESHOW BELOW]

20190702_194522

Two small jars of honey, peanut butter, a candle, a jar of jam, worry dolls, a tie dye t-shirt [this was from one of the boardwalk shops in AC], and a wine opener in the shape of a wine bottle with my name on it and a cute saying-my Aunt bought me as a gift!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

TOY STORY 4! THE LION KING! ALADDIN! #RELIVEDMYCHILDHOOD Thank you!

So I never had a super strong connection to The Lion King or Aladdin as a kid. I was never a super big Disney kid, I had my favorites but they weren’t it. But I really had to see the new live action films. Because, duh? However, Toy Story was a thing! My brother and I were a fan of the films growing up.

I really enjoyed all three films.

[INSERT MINI MOVIE REVIEWS!]

The Lion King was a little bittersweet because I felt like Nala being played by Beyoncé kept taking me out of the story, because I was just thinking ok you’re Beyoncé. And I just felt annoyed by it. And I just felt like the real animals (although Timon and Pumbaa were HYSTERICAL) were just weird to watch in this sing along world. I felt like the color in the animation helped with suspending reality and enjoying the world. But I did enjoy it for the most part, the original is better, in my opinion. The music was better in the original too. 

Lion king 2

My friend and I in the theater with our cherry cokes and our granny glasses. 

Aladdin was amazing! I loved the romance between Aladdin and Jasmine. You know me, if there’s a love story, I AM IN IT! I thought Jasmine’s vocals were INSANE. And Will Smith as the genie….I mean he cracked me up the whole damn time. The music was beautiful…And I watched a crappy boot leg copy because by the time, I got around to watching it, it wasn’t playing in theaters near me. But I really loved it, and if I watched it in a clear, crisp copy, I’d probably love it even more.

Toy Story 4 was EPIC! It was everything-emotional, funny, nostalgic, scary….like those dummy dolls were legit! It was amazing and I actually didn’t think the ending was as sad as everyone made it. I think it actually left room for other films.  

Toy story 4

Had to see Toy Story 4 with my big bro, cuz… childhood. #Nostalgia Peep the shirts! #PIZZAPLANET

Pool/Beach Vibes

So I actually got to go to the beach TWICE this Summer, which is kind of a big deal for me. There have been some Summers I wouldn’t get to go at all! I went once with my mom to a local beach, then I went to Ocean City with some family, and stayed with them in a rented house for a few days. I also got to have some fun pool days, one with my best friend at her house and one with some family, my cousin has a pool membership. I kid you not it was very Stranger Things-80’s pool vibes. Super fun! 

[INSERT MINI OCEAN CITY HAUL]

We were only there for 5 days, but we did so much! The beach, the amusement park, the water park, the arcade, BBQ nights in, shopping strips, dinner night outs, we played cards and other games, mini golf AND survived the crazy heat wave too! 😉 

Goodies ocean city

Clearly you see I was vibing with the Tie Dye trend! I’ve always liked it, but now I actually own it! I bought two t-shirts, an ankle bracelet, a cross necklace, a candle, and Spice Girls wine glass charms. I mean I just thought they were hysterically awesome!

I bought my family tickets to see Ain’t Too Proud! It was my dad’s father’s day gift this year! And the talent was incredible! I honestly was so amazed by their vocals. I grew up with the music of The Temptations playing in my house. I’m definitely a MOTOWN influenced kid. I love their music, songs like My Girl and Just My Imagination were some of my favs! The show was so amazing, I felt like I was seeing them live in concert.

Descendants 3 Premiere with my God Daughter!

190616-descendants[1]

My cousin threw a party for her daughter & her friends, and so I made some fun treats for the girlies. Besides, I was kind of excited for the 3rd film too! I was a bit obsessed with Evie’s blue and red vibes from the second film. The second is my favorite, but I enjoyed the new film too!

Descendants premiere party

I love planning themed parties, and believe me I have a few TV related mini parties I had throughout this summer, but I’m going to do a whole separate post on my Summer TV and Music Favs! So STAY TUNED!

Fun with Fashion!!!

I got to play around a little more with fashion this summer. More than I usually do, because I didn’t have to dress a certain way for work. Also, I became a huge fan of hats and tassel earrings. Also the two white t-shirts with the logos on them are both shirts made by my brother. The “she writes her own story” tee was a custom made for me, but the “You’re Making Me Blush” tee is available on his etsy shop! He has some great designs up, please take a look and follow him on instagram @mytshirtaddiction 

I told you I love graphic tees, I guess it runs in the family! 😉 

I just got a fresh new cut and color because my hair was kind of looking rough from dying it purple in April. I basically had Mermaid hair all Summer. Which was like cool, but I was growing sick of it and I needed a darker vibe for Fall! I’ve had Pink, Blue, and Purple hair over the years and I still have yet to show any of that on this blog! One of these days, I’m going to do a whole Hair Chronicles! LOL. 

Had My God Daughter over for a sleepover- and we did everything under the sun from making tie dye tees to baking a cake for my brother’s birthday to making our own chipwiches- I also created a scavenger hunt for her! We also had my brother and his family stay over unexpectedly one night, and it was my niece’s first sleepover at our house. So I had to scramble and make it festive for her and get her some goodies. We decorate every time we have my god daughter for sleepovers so we had to do the same for my niece too! I also babysat my niece by myself for the first time! (It’s not like I can’t… I just never have until this summer, I can be a nervous Nancy when it comes to watching kids all by myself. LOL) Great times with my two favorite little girlies!!!!

 

Music & TV Vibes!

So I do want to share with you all the shows and music I fell in love with this Summer in a separate post, but I just wanted to highlight a few things! I saw Shawn Mendes in concert with my friend and needless to say it was kind of an anxious experience. I will get more into it in a separate post. But let’s just say I will never sit in Barclay’s upper seating again. It’s quite terrifying! Shawn however, was AMAZING! And it ended up being a fun night. Taylor Swift dropped her new album #Lover as you may have guessed from my last few posts, I’m KIND OF a fan! It’s EPIC and I love it! So there has been lots of fun Taylor Swift memories this Summer. As for tv, there were so many shows I saw premiere, shows end and all the feels in between. But the two that I hold so dear to my heart has to be the new 90210 reboot- BH 90210. SO GOOD! And the announcement of the Lizzie McGuire reboot! I AM DYING!!!! SO SO PUMPED for that! I’m already planning my premiere party in my head guys! Nostalgia is a dish best served nice and toasty. Childhood memories….feels like home. 

Family Day at the Aquarium! We got caught in torrential down pour, but it was still a good time! 

Speaking of rain, I think I got caught in crazy down pours and thundering and lightning like 4-5 times this summer. I’ve been soaked from head to toe on multiple occasions. One time my umbrella wouldn’t even open! Some days I could laugh it off and some I just wanted to stop and cry! But looking back at this summer I can just say Thank You! Thank You 2019 for getting me through some really hard emotional blocks, and testing me and proving to me that I can handle so much more than I give myself credit for. Anxiety does not define me. And just because I feel the weight of the world one day or even a week doesn’t mean that it’s forever. That my funky moods, don’t have to be my all day moods! I’m so hoping to bring that knowledge with me into this new Fall Season…MY FAVORITE SEASON! Such a basic bi*ch, I know! #FIGHTME. 😉 BRING ON THE PUMPKIN EVERYTHANG, the flannel, the leather, the cool air, the crisp leaves and the HOLIDAYS! I feel so blessed to have had the Summer I did. And blessed to start this new fall year, that is already filling up with some exciting things!

Time to focus on the positive. 

 

How was your Summer?

*All images are my own, except the movie posters, the Taylor Swift image I stole from my bestie, and the Lizzie McGuire pic I reposted from Hilary’s instagram.* 😉

 

-<3-

 

 

#BLOGTOBER Day 6- Witchy Reboots…

michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

It seems like every where you turn, there is another 90’s tv show reboot. To be honest, I’m here for it ALL! I was born in the 90’s and I remember watching these shows and loving them, so these shows are basically my childhood. Nostalgia is so good, sometimes.

As I mentioned in a previous post, Charmed is coming back to The CW (formerly known as The WB) with three new young witches with many new adventures to face and evil to conquer. Looks kind of good, I’m going to see if it holds up to the original. Because I used to love the original. My best friend and I used to “Play Charmed.” Where we would each  pick one of the witches to be and create spells and cast them. We often fought over who would be Prue or Phoebe, but let’s be real eventually we loved Piper because she’d get candle lit dinners with White Lighter Leo. 😉 #BESTFRIENDINSIDEJOKES

 

MV5BNTIxNmUxMWQtNjc0Yy00NjM2LWFjMTMtNjA2MmEzOTFiMWRmXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNzA5NjUyNjM@._V1_[1]

Milano, Doherty, Combs

market[1]

Combs, Milano, McGowan


The original premiered in 1998 and starred Shannen Doherty as Prue, Alyssa Milano as Phoebe, Holly Marie Combs as Piper, and Rose McGowen as Paige. Doherty’s character dies in Season 3, which is why they had McGowen show up to take the place of the third witch in the Halliwell family trio. The Series aired for 8 seasons on The WB.

 

Check out the Reboot Trailer below:

The synopsis reads:

Mel and Maggie Vera suffer a shock when their mother dies suddenly, but before they have time to heal from their loss, another surprise shows up on their doorstep in the shape of an older sister — brilliant geneticist Macy — whom their mother never told them existed. The emotional stress takes its toll and the girls begin to exhibit impossible new abilities. An explanation comes from an unexpected place: the new chair of the women’s studies department. Harry Greenwood reveals that the three are powerful witches, and he is their white lighter, there to advise and guide them as they battle dark forces.–[Via Wikipedia]

The idea of this reboot seems relatively similar to the original so I’m interested to see how this plays out. I want the key components of the original, but not an instant copy, and they’ve already changed things up by casting three Latina actresses. Cheers from a fellow Latina! I think this could be really cool. However, the reboot did get backlash from the original actresses, when the reboot proclaimed itself as “Fierce, Funny and Feminist.” OG fans seem to be in agreeance and are skeptical to watch. Alyssa Milano also spoke to Entertainment Tonight saying, “I wish that they would have come to us and we would have been involved since the beginning…But having said that, I do hope that it reaches the newer generation and impacts that generation the way ours was able to do for its generation.” As an OG fan, I feel that the original witches were 4 badass FEMINIST women, but that doesn’t mean we can’t leave room for these new actresses to claim their own feminist badassery. At least they aren’t stepping into the same exact character roles, trying to be something they aren’t. So hey, let’s just give it a chance, shall we? No matter what- Milano, Doherty, Combs and McGowan will always be our original Charmed ones.

The Reboot airs Sunday, October 14th @ 9 PM on The CW

NEXT UP...

The latest 90’s sitcom to be revived is- Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Well sort of…let’s dive in.

The original live action TV series premiered in 1996, and starred Melissa Joan Hart as Sabrina Spellman. The show follows Sabrina Spellman – a teenager with magical powers who comes from a long line of witches. Until going away to college, she lived with her wacky aunts, who would teach her to use her witchcraft wisely, and Salem, the talking black cat, who always has a scheme up his paw. As a high-school student, Sabrina is less judicious about using her powers than when she enters adulthood. The series is  said to be based on a 1960s Sabrina, a spinoff of the Archie comic franchise, and an animated TV series that originally aired in the 1970s. –[Via Wikipedia.]

The original live action tv sitcom (1996) was funny, and light hearted, even the scariest of adventures had some humor attached, very kid friendly. I remember some of my favorite episodes were the ones where Britney Spears, and *NSYNC guest starred/made musical appearances. Another would be when Brian Austin Green played Sabrina’s Boyfriend for the night-yes they created a dough boy and basically baked her a boyfriend! Seriously I wish I was able to point my finger and be dressed and ready, or to zap myself to work, without the travel. Witches man! LOL.

The sitcom aired for 7 seasons on ABC and The WB and included two television movies and one soundtrack release. The series is also said to be outside the Archie comics. 

Thanks to my free Hulu trial I get to 90’s it up! Hey remember that time DJ Tanner (Full House/Fuller House) played a psycho cult witch and then Sabrina visited Philly in Boy Meets World…SO good! I’ll be watching that episode on Hulu asap. Been on a bit of a Boy Meets World/Sabrina the Teenage Witch throwback kick. 

This Sabrina Witch storyline has been revived/readapted several times, across several mediums. Comic book, Animation, Live Action TV sitcom, cartoon/animated series, films, and now it’s being given a darker, Netflix twist. 

Sabrina: The Animated Series

3931150[1]

In 1999, Hart provided the voice of Sabrina’s two aunts for Sabrina: The Animated Series, while Emily Hart (Melissa’s younger sister) voiced the character of Sabrina. This series lasted one season and produced 65 episodes, the television/direct-to-video movie Sabrina: Friends Forever, and the continuation-spinoff series Sabrina’s Secret Life. –[Via Wikipedia]

p480835_b_v8_aa[1]

Both of Sabrina animated shows and a movie are all produced by DiC Productions, now called DHX Media. The series is outside the Archie comics. –[Via Wikipedia] 

Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch
MV5BMTg1ODM1MTk5MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMzk1NDg5MTE@._V1_[1]

In 2011, Archie Comics announced plans to produce a new animated series based on Sabrina the Teenage Witch to be released in late 2012. The show featured CGI animation that was produced by MoonScoop, and a brand new look for the Sabrina characters. As of October 2012, The Hub has picked up the series, and it finally debuted on air on October 12, 2013. –[Via Wikipedia]

Films (with Melissa Joan Hart) 

Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996 film)

 

Not to mention there were many books too!

 Not to mention the many Sabrina books!

NEW SABRINA NEWS!!!

Riverdale (2017 TV series-The CW)
On July 23, 2016, at San Diego Comic-Con, K.J. Apa, who portrays Archie Andrews in the darker, subversive live action take on Archie, confirmed that Sabrina will eventually appear in the CW series. Sabrina was originally slated to debut in the show’s season one finale, but this was eventually decided against, as showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa said it would’ve distracted from the rest of the episode, though she is still being considered for a later season.–[Via Wikipedia]

This could be really cool.
I wonder who will play her? 

sabrina-caprenter-eyes-wide-open-music-video-dress-06_1-800x800[1]

Sabrina Carpenter??? I could totally see her on Riverdale and her name fits the role! Or they may opt to do a crossover with Kiernan Shipka, who knows!

*Read the FULL Sabrina history HERE

Check out the trailer for the latest Sabrina journey-

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, where Kiernan Shipka (will be taking on the role of Sabrina Spellman.)

The synopsis reads: 

Her name is Sabrina Spellman.

Half witch. Half mortal. On her 16th birthday, Sabrina (Kiernan Shipka) has to make a choice between the witch world of her family and the human world of her friends. With her aunties (Miranda Otto, Lucy Davis), her cat Salem, and her boyfriend Harvey Kinkle (Ross Lynch), Sabrina will face horrors and new adventures in the mysterious town of Greendale. From the executive producers of Riverdale comes a haunting new tale. –[Via Released by Netflix]

From the trailer I can definitely see the Riverdale esque influence. To be honest I didn’t even know the character Sabrina was based on an Archie comic. I was never a comics kid, but I loved TV, (clearly still do!) Being a kid in the 90’s, Melissa Joan Hart was my Sabrina. Although all Hart’s Sabrina related content (Live Action TV series, Animated Series, Films) was considered “outside the Archie comics,” it does still say she was based off the original Archie comic character. So I’m guessing it’s a loose adaption. Hart was the Sabrina I know and love, as she is for many. So now I can understand the difference in direction for this Netflix reboot, it isn’t based on the 90’s sitcom. However, wasn’t Archie more humorous and silly? Where is this darkness coming from? But then again I wasn’t an Archie comic reader.

WAIT!!!! 

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is an American comic book series published by Archie Horror, an imprint of Archie Comics, beginning in 2014. The series focuses on Sabrina Spellman during her teenage years in the 1960s. The series is a darker take on the characters and setting of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.— [Via Wikipedia]

NOW I GET IT….DUH???

I know I’m intrigued just to see the same few characters pop back up. Looks really cool! 

The Reboot Premieres Friday, October 26th. Only on Netflix.

 

*DISCLAIMER: I used Wikipedia/IMDB to fact check, so please don’t quote me on any of this. Sometimes their information can be off. My apologies for any mistaken information. 

So who’s watching these Witchy Reboots? Any takers? Let me know how you think they’ll measure up to the original content in the comments below.

 

*I do not take credit for any images, video clips, films, trailers, or Wikipedia information*

 

-<3- 

 

Magic.

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Related image

Magic is something we understand as children.

A world of possibilities,

unlike any other.

Colorful.

Full of big dreams and twinkling stars, all within our reach.

All right at our fingertips.

A bolt like lightning in the sky.

So bright.

Fearless.

Free.

Freedom.

When the only thing that mattered was being a kid and having fun.

Playing outside.

“Making pretend.” 

It’s a shame we let life dim our lights as adults.

Leave a little glitter everywhere you go.

A little glistening never hurt anyone’s soul.

Sparkle- it doesn’t come with any age restrictions.

Be the unicorn this world needs.

Side note: So often we hear, “aren’t you a little too old for that?” We have these constraints put on ages- at [this age] you should be doing this, wearing this, saying this…who decided these things? As we approach adulthood, we silence our inner child at times. When really we should be embracing our childish moments. We should continue to dream without worry or fear of not being successful. and just continue to work hard at our goals and dreams. We should be mesmerized by the stars above, by the simple things like when you hear your old favorite song, or smell a scent that takes you back.

Nostalgia can be a tricky thing. We can get caught up in it, and forget to notice to present and the new journeys ahead. We idealize our pasts and believe our best days have been put behind us. I loved my childhood, I have many fond memories of growing up in the 90’s/00’s. But it wasn’t perfect, nothing ever is. Just like now isn’t perfect. But I’m approaching 30 [hey now, your only 27 girl, hush now! ;)] and they say that’s your prime. So cheers to that.

Believe in the magic, embrace your inner sparkle. Shine it for the world to see. Just because we are growing up and gaining more life responsibilities, does not mean we have to forget to laugh loud at silly jokes, play games, rock creative colorful outfits, or dance around to songs from decades past.

Magic comes in all shapes and forms, open your mind to it. Dream Big. And never stop. 

 

-<3-

Throwback Books on a Thursday

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

I remember loving to read as a kid.

Even when I got a little older I would go to the library with my mom and take a bunch of books out…goosebumps, Mary-kate and Ashley, the list was endless.

But then assigned reading for school came into my life and I was forced to read things I didn’t want to read, and it was linked to homework. So I feel like that kind of ruined it for me.

As an adult I don’t read much at all. And I know I know, I’m a writer who doesn’t read…what the heck is that? Right?

But the truth is that I don’t think that if a writer doesn’t read that means they can’t be good. I watch television and movies so that’s kind of how I write with that kind of lens on. But I do understand how reading can help you become a better writer and I do want to get back into reading a little more this year.

Last year I bought two books, a poetry book- milk & honey (which I finished last year) and an inspiration book- BIG MAGIC, (which I am currently reading now.)

So as I started thinking about books and how I used to read more when I was a kid, I also started to remember the books that meant so much to me. And the titles started floating through my mind, creating a beautiful sense of nostalgia.

Here are some that I remembered…

Quints- The Cleanup

Corduroy

Good Night Moon

 

Blue Suede Shoes-

I couldn’t find this book online, but basically it was about a little girl who buys a new pair of blue suede shoes and she loves them and wears them all the time. I loved this book so much and I remember always reaching for it as a toddler.

 

 

Bread and Jam for Francis

Strega Nona

Rainbow Fish 

 

 

The Bernstein Bears- And Too Much Junk Food, In The Dark

Green Eggs and Ham, Wacky Wednesday, One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish

-Dr. Seuss 

Amelia Bedelia Series

Are you there god, it’s me Margaret?- Judy Blume

This was a book, every girl was reading at the time. It was kind of a MUST read, because it was all about a young girl getting her period for the first time. It was kind of a lesson in between pages. Judy Blume was known for writing about “taboo” topics. But she was a force for young girls. 

 

Mary-Kate & Ashley books

Man oh man do these books, bring back my childhood, I read so many of their books, I was such a fan! And they really marketed well, books, movies, tv shows, I have such fond memories of the Olsen twins! 

Cinderella 2000

I blame this book for my romantic expectations. I believe I found this book in Junior High School in one of those scholastic book flyers. And I read it and fell in love with it, and when you fall in love with a book, you tell your friends to read it and they all did, and they loved it just as much. It’s a typical story of a young girl who has a crush and dreams of him sweeping her away on a romantic prom date. Of course she thinks he doesn’t know she exists, and yet…somehow magic strikes. It’s perfect for a pre-teen girl. Silver palm trees and all! (haha Til this day I remember that’s what she has painted on her nails.) 

Goosebumps books by R.L. Stine- The Prom Queen, The Girlfriend

And when I didn’t want to read about love…I turned to horror… and at my age R.L. Stine did it best, especially in his Fear Street Series. Prom Queen was another book, that circles through my friends, so much so that it basically fell apart! And can we just check out those little teaser sentences on the cover….so damn good! 

And there you have it, the books that shaped my childhood. I know I’m definitely missing a few. But I can’t seem to remember all of them. I know I have a box backed away in my basement somewhere. One of these days I really want to sift through it and see what other stories shaped my writer’s mind as a kid. Each of these books/series hold such a special place in my heart, and I have such fond nostalgic memories of reading them throughout my life. Some are young and sweet, others are lessons, and others are more mature with love and mystery. It’s super cool to think about what I used to like to read, since I really want to get back into reading in my current life. I guess the genres of Love/Romance/Drama/Mystery/Horror it is!

I’ll keep you posted!

 -<3-  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Tree Hill Fame Resurfaces

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

It’s been a minute, I know! I was doing good with my post schedule for the most part and then I slacked off the past two post days. Well I didn’t exactly slack off, I was busy babysitting! But today I am back!

I’m no stranger to award show season. I used to live for it! I loved watching the Kids Choice Awards and the Teen Choice awards just to see my favorite stars from my favorite shows win or at least see them walk the “red” carpet. What color was it, orange? green? blue? And the slime, there was always slime. Haha.

As you may know, I was and still am a HUGE One Tree Hill fan girl. I lived that experience of watching that show for 9 years! Even when it drove me crazy, I was always in it for the long haul. Watching and waiting with my best friend.

It was always the little show that could. I can’t even count how many times we would think the show would get cancelled. Season after season we held our breath, and they kept coming back with new stories to tell us.

During the time One Tree Hill was on the air, I don’t ever actually recall the show winning any awards. I was always so disappointed. However, I remember Chad Michael Murray and Sophia Bush winning awards. Whether it was for their role on OTH or their work on other movies, in true OTH fan girl fashion, we were happy just for them to be recognized. A win was a win. Although um, Bethany Joy deserves all the awards…just saying. Give this girl a GRAMMY! #SheNeedsToReleaseAnALBUMFirst #GETITGURL

*Watch my Vlog of her Concert last summer- HERE

But recently, this year the Teen Choice Awards added a new category- Choice Throwback TV Show. And One Tree Hill was pinned against many other favorites like-

teen choice ot h

choice throwback tv show

DHKYZ-HVYAAiNqI[1]

Netflix Generation you lucky lucky littles, you get to stream it all at once, while we had to wait! But I have to thank you for giving OTH a whole new group of fangirls and for keeping the show alive 13 years since it first premiered and 5 Years since it’s series finale! ONE TREE HILL WON A FREAKING TEEN CHOICE AWARD IN 2017! Yes Yes and More Yes! I definitely foresee an OTH movie, or spinoff, or reunion in the future. The cast still hangs out, still keeps in touch, still supports the show by doing those eyecon events-Return to Tree Hill- Conventions. Speaking of, it is a goal of mine to get to one of those at some point in my life! 😉 Hey I’ve met Danneel Harris, Lee Norris, Tyler Hilton, Sophia Bush, Daphne Zuniga, and Bethany Joy Lenz, so I don’t think I’m doing too bad. Sophia and Joy were like massive bucket list points for me!

I just think it’s super cool that One Tree Hill is still teaching young girls (and boys) lessons and giving them a place to call home. Television is home for me. I see stories and characters that I can relate to or that I aspire to be like or are already like me, or gather inspiration from and it is just such a comfort. One Tree Hill took me from my middle school years through high school and even to college, and I have some of the best most special memories because of that show. So much of my adolescence is linked to that show, and it’s always going to be. So for me, One Tree Hill is the reason why I want to write for television one day. So in a nutshell, I’m really happy to see it still being recognized and loved by so many generations.

Now, I’m 26, so no I didn’t watch the Teen Choice Awards so I don’t know how the category was presented, I don’t know if anyone was there to accept it, or if it was just kind of announced in passing. But either way, it’s still super cool that OTH won. To be honest, I probably would have checked in on the show if I remembered it was actually on, but I didn’t. And yes I saw OTH was nominated and I thought it was so awesome, but no I did not vote, because when I was a teen I did and I’ve done my time. It’s their (the Netflix generation) time now, and I had faith in them, Haha. Although let’s be real that category was full of epic shows too!

For the total list of winners click HERE!

Side Note: I was happy to see Supergirl’s Melissa Benoist won and Riverdale swept the stage with a ton of awards! We all know they were both my most current Netflix binge parties. Can’t wait for the fall so I can watch them both live! 😀

 

*I do not take credit for images used.*

-<3-

 

 

The Nostalgic Generation- 90’s Babies this one’s for you!

michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

90s-collage[1]

The reunion epidemic.

The Backstreet Boys

That Bogus 30 second *NSYNC reunion

The Spice Girls

Boy Meets World…Girl Meets World

Full House…Fuller House

The constant tricks of a F.R.I.E.N.DS. reunion

All making comebacks and bringing us back into a world we once treasured and still do.

Awesome? Or should we leave well enough alone.

Should stories be reinvented and revisited to fit current times or should they have ended where they did?

Just a memory.

Is this nostalgic culture hindering our plans to move forward?

 The 90’s kids have been labeled the nostalgic generation.

As a ‘91 baby, I can attest to that first hand.

The past decade has left such an imprint on my soul that it both excites and pains me to see something from that time.

Buzzfeed you get me.

Lisa Frank and Smackers lip products take on a whole new meaning to me now.

Back then they were just the cool fun thing, now they are the epitome of my childhood brought to the surface.164416_10200389704846400_855351744_n[1]

Why?

Because it brings me back there.

To something that has long since been over.

The simplicity of it.

The carefree nature of a child is untouchable.

The idea that the world is this open, honest forum to do with what you please.

This idea that you can be anything and everything you want.

No limitations.

No restrictions.

No time restraints.

No-one telling you, you can’t or you won’t make it.

Just dreams and awe.

And the possibility for anything.

The possibilities were endless.

One day maybe you’ll be a ballerina!

The next a teacher!

The day after that a ballet teacher!

The future was grand.

But now those 90’s babies are in their 20’s and the real world is kicking in and we are realizing it moves faster than we ever could have thought. And that maybe it’s not as nice as we thought either. That it’s going to take a little more than wishing on a star to make your dreams come true.

Enter the internet and boom…total chaos!

Growing up I never had a laptop. I was lucky I had a house computer.

But I would get yelled out for being on it for too long, because well you couldn’t get through to the house phone if someone was on the internet. Let’s hear it for dialup!

We didn’t have Facebook, or twitter, or instagram. We didn’t have ways of competing with our peers past the face to face contact we were forced to endure. Sometimes they were pleasant sometimes they weren’t. Some friendships last a lifetime, some don’t.

I didn’t even have my own cellphone until I got to high school, up until middle school I shared one with my mom! #firstworldproblems

It wasn’t until I was in high school that I even considered getting a Myspace.

And even then the thought of putting my life online creeped me out.

And yet a decade later here I am typing this to you, sharing my thoughts with people I don’t know.

Things really do change.

Now, if you’re not on all these platforms you’re somehow deemed irrelevant or let’s face it… a hermit.

I think change can be good, but it’s dealing with that change and accepting it that makes it hard for us to move on.

Because maybe we convince ourselves that the best years are gone.

When really we haven’t seen anything yet.

So it’s ok to feel nostalgic.

Just don’t allow yourself to dwell in it.

I really need to learn to take my own advice.

If you find yourself mourning the past, understand you’re not alone, we’re in this together.

Because there is always going to be a next chapter.

There are going to be new faces, new adventures, new locations, new things that are going to come in and out of your life.

Some may be easier to let go of then others.

Some may fight their way into your heart and stay for good.

But you will always have your memories no matter what. So take your real pictures along with your mental pictures and hold them in your heart. Because some moments you can’t catch on camera.

Because one day you’re gonna be telling your kids all about the 90’s and 00’s and maybe they’ll be into it.

And you can relive it with a fond memory with your feet rooted in the present. Because where you’ve been is important, but where you’re going is even better. Be present. And enjoy. And keep your fingers crossed for a real freakin *NSYNC reunion..(I’m never letting that one go!) 😉 #FangirlLife #SorryNotSorry

ns906971

****Some pics of me in the 90’s with my best friend!****

267649_2192429811470_5894330_n[1]

Notice…my best friend dressed up as baby spice for Halloween…too bad I didn’t get a shot of her in her pleather shiny pink jacket.

314707_10200173744687531_1614213505_n[1]

Playing Dress Up. I was clearly getting married and she was my maid of honor. #goodtimes

267649_2192429771469_5857233_n[1]

Check out my paten leather BABY blue back pack…oh baby blue was a major thing! #IBlameJustinTimberlake

230109_2009626921512_6103974_n[1]

HOLY BANGS!!!!!

-<3-