absent minded.

My most favorite day of all time.

2011-11-11T12:52:00.000-05:00

Yup, so today is the day I wanted to get married.

And well, I'm not.

But one day I will and that is all that matters.

Remember Me?

2011-06-07T13:00:00.000-04:00

No, No, say it isn't true. It has not been three months since I have done anything remotely related to blogging. I can't believe it. Do any of you still read this? Do you even remember me? I can only imagine how outrageous my google reader is. Ek!

In these past couple months my life has been a crazy roller coaster of ups and down... but mostly ups, which is why I have been so quiet on these parts.

I quit my job, got a new job (which I love so, so much), I've watched my brother go to his Senior Prom, I've watched my brother graduate high school (I still can't believe he is that old!), I helped raise over $3,000 for cancer in the Relay for Life, I have celebrated friends birthday's and engagements, I celebrated my own 26th birthday (YAY!), went to multiple Detroit Tiger's games, cheered on the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup semi- finals all they up until their last game, got sick and paid much to much to see a doctor, watched my boyfriend spend his savings on a new fancy boat (which I like because hello summer on the water!), celebrated Easter and Memorial Day and much, much more!

I don't think I'm ready to start blogging again just yet... mainly just due to time and the fact that my interests just are not here anymore. But I'm going to try again. I miss doing this. And most of all I really miss all of you. Hope everyone is doing great!

You can get with this, You can get with that.

2011-03-23T05:57:00.000-04:00

Oh man this video cracks me up. Great job Kia!

Luck o' the Irish

2011-03-17T07:04:00.000-04:00

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, and may good luck pursue you each morning and night. -Irish Blessing

This past Sunday a few of my friends and I headed downtown Detroit for the St. Patrick's Day parade. I might be one of the only people in all the world that isn't a fan of St. Patrick's Day festivities, but I went anyways because my man just loves this holiday (case in point - he grew a beard and wears head to toe green just for this one holiday). We started drinking at 11a and by the end of the day were completly exhausted. Although I am still catching up on sleep four days later, we had a fun drunkin' irish of a time which made it all worth it!

Shit Cracks Me Up

2011-03-15T07:38:00.000-04:00

Sometimes when I look at my blog stats, I have no idea what my blog is really about. I mean is my blog really about "shit cracks me up" or "all husbands are absent minded" or lego whitehouse" or "stink at bowling" or "kidney cartoon" or even "you miss out on all the fun stuff when you're sick"?

HaHa. Oh my this blog is definitely "absent" and "random" - thank-you folks for such random and funny google searches.

Before I die I want to _________

2011-03-14T13:03:00.000-04:00

(( via ))

If you could only write one thing that you want to do before you die, what would you write?
Mine would be to visit every country on this planet. And cure cancer. And eat lots of really tasty food without feeling any regret of not going to the gym. And have a helping hand in changing someones life for the better. And getting a dog. And having a child. And finding a man I love and want to be with forever and ever. And donate all my money to a worthy cause. And find the perfect advice to pass down to further generations. And find the perfect LBD. And do a super cool physical feat. And get a job a love. And... well, I guess I can't only name one thing. This game is harder than it looks!

Double Date

2011-03-07T07:52:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a Groupon, my best friend and I took our lovely gentlemen out for a double date at The Whitney in Detroit recently. Even though this five star restaurant's food was just sub par (which I was surprised about), the wine was very yummy (and since my guy isn't a wine fanatic like me, I may have finished a bottle by myself) and we ended up having a great night full of laughs and love.

February Flowers of the Month

2011-03-02T07:25:00.000-05:00

For this month's flower I got a Cyclamen Plant. At first I was a little disappointed that it wasn't an actual flower I got, but after seeing this beautiful plant I didn't mind. The best part is that it's a bulb so it should live forever and ever! Well that is if I don't kill it first, HaHa.

Check out my other month flowers of the month:

January

Extraordinary Love

2011-03-01T13:12:00.000-05:00

Truth

Chicken, Veggies, Soy & Rice

2011-02-28T05:52:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago my small group and I spent our Saturday morning volunteering with NorthRidge Church packing a million meals for starving children in Haiti, Guatemala and Somalia. It was one of the most fun and rewarding experience I've ever had volunteering. See for yourself in this recap video that was made why I say that.

Feed My Starving Children, which is a Christian nonprofit organization, produces food formulas aimed at saving the lives of malnourished children. They are packaged in small pouches that contain a formula consisting of rice, extruded soy nuggets, vitamins, minerals, vegetarian chicken flavoring and dehydrated vegetables. (( via ))

At the end of the three day weekend with almost 5,000 volunteers, NorthRidge Church was able to pack 1,005,048 meals!

ps- hair nets = totally hot now. I'm thinking they will be the next "it" in fashion soon :)

What brain side are you?

2011-02-25T14:52:00.000-05:00

Woah! Has it really been over a week since I've posted? How lazy of me :)

I found this super awesome Mercedes-Benz advertisment that I had to share. I truly have no idea which side of the brain I fall under. A little of both I suppose. Isn't there like a test I can take to find this out?

What brain side do you think you are?

Wegasm.

2011-02-16T07:25:00.000-05:00

Sometimes my friends and I have just have way too much fun. Case in point...

Earlier this month, a friend of mine hosted a house warming/durex condom party for about 10 of her closest pals. Yup, you read that right, our evening was brought to us by durex condoms. Thanks to houseparty.com, we were supplied with lots of fun things, including...

Love boxes full of special surprises

Including XL condoms which we proceeded to blow up and turn into balloons. So mature, I know.

An awesome game of "he said, she said"...

That included a special prize for the winner. (I came in third, darn it!)

Basically it was a perfect night in with some of my favorite ladies.

The best part? This party supplied us ladies with lots of great things to give us all a perfect night in with our men too. Double Win! :)

Things I'm Currently Loving

2011-02-11T08:23:00.000-05:00

Fabulous earrings.

I am copying my friend Ria and purchased these fabulous most beautiful earrings in all the lands and can't wait until I get them. Thank-you Kohls.

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers.

Just a few hundred calories and a perfect lunch time meal.

Glee nail polish!

The fabulous Ashley from That is All had a quick give-a-way last Saturday for the amount of nail polishes she has and I guessed 62... which was the closest to her total of 135 bottles! Since I was the lucky guesser, she sent me this fabulous prize. I totally love it!

The Body Shop Love Etc.

The body butter, the perfume, the body wash... I can't get enough! New favorite shop for lotion and body care.

Blueberry Pomegranate Juice.

My man shared this lovely juice with me and I'm in love. So yummy.

Adorable cute new heart ring.

I had to use a Groupon that was about to expire and didn't see anything I liked but this super cute heart ring. I am in love with it.

FU song.

I can't get enough. It's so bad, it's good.

Valentine's Day Sweets

2011-02-10T17:49:00.000-05:00

(( via ))

Only a few more days until Valentine's Day. I cannot wait!

Alien Babies

2011-02-09T08:23:00.000-05:00

I am in love with this photo. It is a standard Windows background that is on my work computer and everytime I see it I get a big smile. So much so I have even made it the background on my phone now. Weird much?

The Mittin is where it is at.

2011-02-07T07:44:00.000-05:00

Y'all, I cannot wait for this! The 2nd Michigan Blogger Meet-up is happening in just five days from today and I'm already so giddy for it. I still can't believe what amazing friends I have made with fellow Michigan bloggers... and I can't wait to meet new women and men this year. If you live in or near Michigan, make sure to stop by this Friday for a night that is promised to be a rip roaring riot! Add your name to our list here.

I still can't believe I've only known these women for one year. In that short period of time, we have had so many memories. Everything from...

Bowling and lots of laughs on our first meet-up last January

3D movies and rather attractive glasses

Chick-fil-a (IN MICHIGAN!)

Pole dancing (oh la la)

Autograph sessions with the one and only Chelsea Handler

Professional photo shoots

Foundue nights out that turn into the best night ever (really though, still best night ever)

Wine tasting parties

Craft fairs, Detroit events, and just all around love and fun with some of the most wonderful women I know in Michigan.

...and these events are just a few of the fun things we did last year. So really, join us this Friday! I'd love to meet you :)

Finally took care of some outer

2011-02-04T07:54:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I finally took care of one of my outer body complaints - a hair cut. And hair cut I did. I said goodbye to a little over nine inches of hair.

I went to Curl Up & Dye Detroit, one of the best salons in all of Michigan in my opinion (yes I love them so much I have talked about them here and here). Although my stylist cut it a tad bit shorter than I wanted (I really wanted right below shoulder, not above), I still like it. It's a new look for a new me in 2011!

Always makes me laugh

2011-02-03T13:05:00.000-05:00

It's freezing. It's crappy outside. And it's only Thursday. I think we could all use a laugh :)

I spent more time on DamnYouAutoCorrect and ParentsShouldntText than I should admit too but for real, it just makes me so happy. I just crack up at my desk, by myself, when I read these. Sometimes I think my co-workers think I'm crazy!

Over Hyped Snowstorm

2011-02-02T12:14:00.000-05:00

Last night it was predicted that the midwest would get a blizzard of up to two feet! Although some areas did get dumped on rather hard (hi Chicago!), the Detroit area got spared. Although, if you looked at the headlines and tons and tons of closing of not only schools but workplaces, museums, public spots, and stores, you would have thought we got a snowstorm of crazy proportions. Like for example...

GM, Ford and Chrysler have closed down multiple plants due to the storm...

My credit union has closed its doors for the day...

Even a local yoga shelter has canceled morning classes today...

But the most funny to me was that our local Applebees is offering a Snow Day special just for dining in at their restaurant today.

Okay, okay, maybe I'm poking fun a little at this storm and all the nutso closings craziness that was a result of the media before the storm but I did take a self imposed "snow day" from work just because I didn't want to drive on the roads (and possibly get stuck like I have heard many people have). After we got our driveway all snow blowed clean, you wouldn't even have realized that a blizzard hit our area...

(( left photo - before, Tuesday at 5p // right photo - after, Wednesday at 10a ))

So thank-you mother nature for sparing us the crazy snow that other states saw... just next time let's keep down the hype (although, this day off of work is nice!) :)

What is Love?

2011-02-02T09:07:00.000-05:00

Well when you ask children you get can get such an answer as "it's a hug and a kiss."

Oh how I adore children wisdom. With one of my favorite holiday's quickly approaching (yay Valentine's Day!), I had to share this adorable video from DailyCandy with lots of children love wisdom. Just some of the awesome advice that can be found on this cute video are:

How do you show someone you love them?
- You play together
- I draw them a picture

How do you know your mom and dad are in love?
- They dance at home and kiss on the lips

How do you heel a broken heart?
- Spend time with your family
- Find new people to play with

Check out the full video here.

Girls love food!

2011-02-01T12:59:00.000-05:00

A few months ago two of my best friends and I decided to have a dinner out on the town to use an old restaurant.com gift card I had. We choose a local and super yummy pizza joint, Pia's. Since we had this restaurant.com gift card to use we had to spend $50 among the three of us. Now let me tell you - this was a hard feat! In the end, we ended up each ordering a large salad (to split), each a cup of soup, two large pizzas and a pasta dishes to split! Not only were we busting at the seams after this meal we were excited to leave with lots and lots of leftovers! The best part? In the end it only cost us all less than $10! Score for online deals :)

The battle of inner vs. outer

2011-01-28T10:33:00.000-05:00

(( via ))

I am unhappy.

Not like depressed unhappy, just unhappy about certain things in my life and I need to change them to be happy but I’m not doing that just yet type of unhappy. You know what I’m saying, right?

The more I sit around and beat myself up about this unhappiness, the more I realize what I am doing to myself. Just like my body vs. mind battle, I am now encountering an inner vs. outer struggle. I take really good care of my inner self. I feed it the right foods (well most of the time), take my vitamins, stay away from drugs as well as nurture my soul at church, my Small group/bible reading studies and time spent with my friends and man. My insides are happy! But it’s my outer self that is in need of some attention.

I need to get a haircut. I need to get to the gym. I need to fix my habits to stop my face from breaking out. I need to floss more. I need to stop biting my nails. I need to get to the gym (this is an important one worth repeating). I need to moisturize more. I need to shave my legs. I need to get a pedicure.

And that is just the top of the icing. Although I am doing a great job in the upkeep on my inner body, I am totally slacking on my outer self. And this my friends is the secret to my unhappy state of mind. I know beauty is seen on the inside, not the outside (blah blah blah) but what do I do when my insides are screaming of happiness but my outsides and dying in neglect…?

Are you more of any inner or outer care person? Or are you good at the upkeep of both? Do share your wisdom!

Flowers of the Month Club - January

2011-01-27T10:06:00.000-05:00

Late last year I signed up for a flower of the month club (with proceeds from the sale going to PAWS charity) so I could get a new flower arrangement each month of 2011 from a local florist, Ray Hunter. I absolutely love this purchase and it is a way for me to bring fresh flowers into my home each month. This deal only cost me $25 total for the entire year and already I think it's the best purchase of 2011!

I just adore fresh flowers :)

No more getting pork(ed) on Mondays

2011-01-25T14:34:00.000-05:00

(( photos via here and here ))

So I don’t think I could ever truly become a full-time vegetarian as I love meat too much (hello steak and chicken and shrimp!) but since late last year, I have been trying to eat more vegetarian meal choices as much as possible. One of my biggest moves towards this endeavor was going Meatless on Mondays. With the exception of one Monday where I ate a BLT (dang it bacon craving!), I have successfully gone three months without any meat on Mondays.

However, I’m getting bored with finding good meals to eat on this day. Since I know a lot of you ladies (and gents) are fabulous vegetarians, I’m hoping for suggestions as to some of your favorite breakfasts, lunches, dinner and snacks. Please share all the wonderful vegetarian (and possibly vegan) meals you make. Thank-you in advance :)

News Flash!

2011-01-19T09:48:00.000-05:00

I feel as though the more I talk to people the more I learn that everyone gets their news in different ways. I must confess first and foremost that I am not the most with it person when it comes to the news. I do try to stay on top of big happenings; however, it isn’t a top priority in my think list (horrible, right?).

The best way I stay on top of the news is by watching Detroit’s Channel 7 news in the morning as I get ready for work. Usually it’s mostly gloom and glory (and lots of weather and traffic) that they share between the times of 5:30a and 6a, but still, it’s enough time to get me up-to-date on what’s going on in our area.

I choose channel seven because of the super cute Vic Faust

My favorite way to get the news is through my cell iPhone. Not only do I have a handful of news oriented apps, but Twitter provides a wonderful feed of news as it happens. Between Time, Detroit News, CNN, multiple local news stations and just people tweeting about current events, Twitter is one of my favorite places to find out what is going on in my region and the world.

So, how do you get your news?

Wine Wisdom.

2011-01-18T08:15:00.000-05:00

Don't take this quote at face value - read deeper into it. I believe it can relate to many things in life: relationships, jobs, friends, sex... the list goes on and on.

Anyone can drink enough wine to get tipsy. You can drink the cheapest, most awful tasting wine and still get quite drunk. But when you drink the cheap stuff, maybe holding your nose so that you don’t taste it as much, you certainly don’t appreciate all the other qualities that wine has to offer. However, if you drink a fine wine, after having learned to appreciate its subtleties, while you may wind up feeling the effects of the alcohol, you’ll also enjoy the taste, aroma, and the overall sensory experience that drinking fine wine entails. So the wine connoisseur enjoys his wine fully, even intimately. And he, or she, doesn’t just gulp down the wine but, instead, swirls it in a glass to release its aroma, smells it, sips rather than gulps the wine in order to savor the many flavors before swallowing, and usually makes sure that any food that accompanies the wine complements it.

(( via here ))

My 2011 Resolutions.

2011-01-14T11:09:00.000-05:00

Took me a few extra days to decide what changes I wanted to make in 2011, but here are my top five.
2011 is going to be a great year!

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11

Beautiful Engagement

2011-01-12T12:58:00.000-05:00

One of my very good friends got engaged to her long time boyfriend this past July. Just a few days ago she shared her fabulous engagement photos with us. I can't get enough of them. All taken in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on The Univeristy of Michigan campus. So beautiful and fun and truly capture the love this couple shares.

Photography by Jenni Marie

11 Words for 2011

2011-01-11T07:21:00.000-05:00

(( graphic by ))

Savour
Slow down and enjoy what's most precious about your life.

Laugh
Why so serious?

Explore
Step to the edges and hang out there a little.

Rest
You, me, we're all sleep-deprived. Grab an extra hour.

Proclaim
Stand for something. Draw a line in the sand.

Discard
You've got clutter online, offline, mentally, emotionally. Purge.

Embrace
Who you are. Reality. Opportunities. Your shadow. Friends.

Partner
Build something with someone else.

Provoke
Poke the status quo and see what wobbles.

Love
Spread the net a little wider.

Flow
Find grace and ease.

Thank-you Box of Crayons for once again bringing me inspiration for the year.

(Outdoor) Ice Skating Fun

2011-01-06T07:54:00.000-05:00

One of the last things I did in 2010 was go outdoor skating (well, watching) in downtown Detroit at Campus Matrius. They have an outdoor skating rink in a park in the middle of downtown that is so much fun! I had hurt my knee rather badly on a slip and fall the morning of our planned skating trip on the ice in my driveway so I couldn't skate but I had a good time laughing at my friends ice skate.

iPad Musical

2011-01-04T07:47:00.000-05:00

NorthPoint Church did the unthinkable... created full out songs out of using just iPads and iPhones.

So, so very cool.

2011 - The Best Year Yet!

2011-01-01T13:06:00.000-05:00

This is going to be the best year yet!

The number 11 is my favorite so I just know this year is going to rock. I am so looking forward to each and everyday that this year is going to bring. I am very positive and excited for 2011!

I brought in 2011 in the best way possible... with my best friends and my man. We hung out at a friends house, drank lots of champagne and laughed a whole lot.

(( getting ready for her first move of 2011 ))

(( our first photo after the ball dropped ))

(( couldn't be happier for what this year has to bring her ))

(( best friends forever and ever and ever ))

(( presenting: the mister; poor boy was sick but still stuck out the craziness with my friends and I in good spirits ))

2010: The year of friendship

2010-12-31T14:54:00.000-05:00

Every year is good but I believe 2010 was a very special one as a lot of it was spent with my friends. Here are just some highlights from my year of friendship.

Started off January with some hockey game fun with my besties and meeting some of the best bloggers ever at our first Michigan blogger meet-up.

In February, I visited the Detroit ice house with Mallory then spent Valentines weekend visiting a fellow blogger and new friend, Kim, in Atlanta, Georgia... where for the first time in years it snowed!

March was a busy month! It started with going to get some Chick-fil-a with Lauryn at the one and only Chick-fil-a in Michigan, hosted a special surprise wedding shower for a co-worker, met up with the fabulous Michigan bloggers again for a movie (Alice in Wonderland!) and dinner, then last but not least I went on my first professional photo shoot with Lauryn.

April was full of lots of fun and new experiences... including meeting the fabulous Chelsea Handler with Ria and Mandy at a book signing and taking the plunge to try aerial yoga thanks to Sarah, Ria and Mandy and ended with a crazy drunken mess full of baseball on the Detroit Tiger's opening game.

As you all know, May is my favorite month of the year. And this one was rather special for many reasons. First it started with seeing our President, Mr. Barack Obama at UofM with Lauryn. After this one of the most horrible things happened, a friend of mine from high school lost her battle with cancer. This just might have been one of the worst parts of my year. After that, I celebrated the birth of me on May 11, went to the midnight showing of Sex & the City II and ended the month with fighting back against cancer at the Relay for Life with my team, The Pavement Pounders.

When the weather heated up in June, so did the fun! June started with one of the best concerts of the year, Mr. Brad Paisley! So much fun with so many friends! We ended June on the best friend date I may have ever had over fondue with all the wonderful Michigan bloggers.

July started with a trip to the Toledo Zoo with Mallory which brought back so many childhood memories, a wedding which happened to have all my besties in attendance, then ended up with a blast from the past at the Backstreet Boys concert with my favorite women.

Next to May, August might have been on of my favorites of the year. That might be because I spent the majority of it outdoors. Started it off with a bike tour of Detroit with Ria and Mallory, followed by a walking tour of Detroit's Eastern Market and a lovely brunch with Ria and Mae. August was also filled with some fabulous firework displays and a weekend trip to Frankenmuth with two of my favorite men.

September rolled around and so did more fun. Some of the blogger women and I attended a few pole dancing classes that were super fantastic followed by one of the best concerts I have ever been to in my life... the Jay-Z and Eminmen Home vs. Home concert. What an amazing month!

October was fun too. My friends and I had a great time tailgating for the in-state rivalry game of Michigan vs. Michigan State. Then after such a busy summer all my favorite women and I decided to spend a night in downloading music, painting our nails and laughing at my friends Vera Bradley collection.

I obviously forgot to blog all through November, but I didn't forget to do so in December. This past month has been super amazing. We hosted a wine tasting party where all of my favorites showed up to party and drink. Then my best friends and I took our mothers to see Mary Poppins at the Detroit Opera House.

I seriously have the most amazing friends in my life. Even through all the tough times, my friends made this year the best one yet.

Reading is Sexy.

2010-12-30T07:34:00.000-05:00

(( via ))

Isn't this the truth?

I got one of the best Christmas gifts ever this year... a Barnes & Noble nook. And truly I couldn't be happier.

It took me awhile to decide what I wanted my first nook purchase to be. I ended up purchasing The Hunger Games for the cheap price of $5!

Last night, while munching on some popcorn, I read over 100 pages of the The Hunger Games. I'm obsessed. I even brought it into work today to see if I can get some much desired reading time in. It is so much easier and quicker reading on the nook than a regular book. No having to put the effort in to hold the book open, no paper cuts, etc. - it's so awesome!

The nook just might be the best Christmas gift I've gotten in a long while.

Gift Giving Excitement

2010-12-28T10:28:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love giving gifts? Especially when you find the perfect gift for that special someone?
Well this year I was especially excited about one gift I got to give to my man. He is a huge Beatles fan and since I refuse to feed into his crazy addiction, I figured I would only buy him something Beatles if it's really cool. And well this, is really cool.

The Beatles Abbey Road Legos.

I mean, what cooler gift is there than this?!

December 25th

2010-12-25T10:51:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Jesus!

(( via ))

And Merry, Merry Christmas to everyone.

I hope you have yourself a very, merry day full of lots of peace, love and joy.

Mary Poppins

2010-12-21T07:20:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday, my four best friends and I treated our mothers to a special early Christmas gift - dinner and a play to see the fabulous Mary Poppins. This was truly the most over the top musical, theatrical, amazing, and fun play I've ever seen (rivals Rent and Wicked for sure). I just adore live theater and this one was truly one of the best.

Anything Can Happen If You Let It. Anything Can Happen If You Just Imagine. If You Chase Your Dreams You Won't Regret It.
Mary Poppins

Be Merry.

2010-12-16T07:21:00.000-05:00

Presenting my 2010 Christmas cards.

I love homemade cards and although mine this season are much more simple than last year's... I still love them all the same. I used the white space on the card to write a special Christmas greeting to my friends and family.

Filmography 2010

2010-12-15T12:38:00.000-05:00

Now this is cool.
A mash-up of the 2010 box office movies.

The Daily Puppy.

2010-12-14T07:50:00.000-05:00

You guys, I can't get enough of all these adorable puppies. And the site, The Daily Puppy, is a horrible thing feeding into my addiction. I mean how in the world can you resist these beautiful faces.

Bragging about a boy.

2010-12-13T12:04:00.000-05:00

One major thing that has made me smile lately is my boyfriend so I figured why not brag (sorry, I know it's annoying). Here are just a few reasons why this man has me smiling so big lately...

He will dress up like Nemo from Finding Nemo at a local parade. He even danced and "swam" just like Nemo. So adorable.

(The Lion is his brother)

He will surprise me with a bouquet of flowers sent to my work just because (and because I wasn't feeling well, but mainly just because he adores me).

Going to see The Nutcracker with little complaints. The cutest thing was that halfway through he asked if there was going to be any talking. Silly boy didn't realize it all a ballet.

My Grown Up Wish List

2010-12-12T15:31:00.000-05:00

No matter how old we get, we all should still have Christmas wish lists.

The board game, Quelf.

After seeing all the fun that Sarah had playing this game with her family, I must have it!

Canon 50mm Lens.

I need this in my life. Simple as that.

Cookie cutter/creator.

I want to make fun cookies like I used to when young with my mother. Not only do I want the cool cookie making supplies, I also want all the other baking supplies. I want to do grow-up cooking!

Barnes & Noble Nook.

I don't even want the color one, just the original Nook. I love reading and would love to have this!

TOMS 7.5 Women's Black Canvas Shoes.

Not only do I get a gift with this one, but a child in need also gets one. Two for one gift!

A new printer.

Nothing special - I don't even have a brand or style I want, I just need a printer! Anyone have one they love that they suggest?

A yoga package.

The worst part of this gift is that I don't like by any good studios. However, I would not care if the gift yoga package was for a studio not near my home. I just really want to get back to a regular yoga schedule.

New Tires for my Car.

Oh my do I need them. It's turning into a desperate thing. This might be one of those gifts I gift myself soon.

A new pair of work-out kicks.

I haven't bought myself a new pair of shoes in about three years. I think I'm due for a new pair.

Pretty much anything from all my Etsy favorites.

Handmade is the way to go.

New friends, old friends and lots of wine

2010-12-09T13:19:00.000-05:00

A few months ago I was able to combine some of my favorite things (friends, food, wine, laughing, etc.) for a Friday night of fun. Us girls had purchased a wine tasting event through LivingSocial for 10 people. Here is how it went down...

Since the host to the party was about an hour late, us ladies started our own wine tasting party with my friend Bessie taking lead and telling us all the great things about our $3 to $5 wines that us ladies brought to share.

By the time the host arrived, us girls were already having a super great time.

Lindsey and Lauryn made sure to drink every last drop.

Seriously, us girls wouldn't let any wine go to waste. Mandy spilt a little of her dessert wine on the table and made sure to clean it all up... with her finger.

After the many, many bottles of wine we had, Bessie and Lauryn pulled out their wine belly's. Oh girls - this is so not lady like!

I was so excited that two of my fellow blogging friends, Ria and Lauryn joining in on this evening of fun.

We might have ended the evening with a little inappropriateness with the wine aerator that totally looked like ovaries...

So basically, this night rocked. I'm so lucky to have such amazing women in my life.

(( all photos thanks to Lauryn Goodvich Photography ))

Melissa Cooke

2010-12-08T09:50:00.000-05:00

Very rarely do I see an artists work that actually stops me in my track in pure amazement. These drawings done by Melissa Cooke literally blow my mind. Taken from photos and turned into drawings, they are nothing short of beautiful.

Check out more of her work on her site, melissacookeart.com

Girl Talk

2010-12-05T13:53:00.000-05:00

Anyone ever heard of Girl Talk? He is a musician that specializes in mashups (think Glee times 100). A friend of mine recently introduced me to this artist and I'm in love. BEST MUSIC EVER! With Jay-Z, Akon, Aaliyah, Eminem, N.W.A, Romanes, 2Pac, Ludacris, Missy Elliott and David Banner being mixed into just one of his many mashups, it's so fun to listen too!

Best part of Girl Talk? It's Free!

Check it out here to download the full album. It's seriously amazing!

28 weeks later, it's finally the LAST ONE!

2010-12-03T11:42:00.000-05:00

FINALLY my 32-hour work weeks are over. I can't believe I'm actually saying this (and will likely take it back in a few weeks) but I can't wait to go back to working full weeks. I used to blog about my Seven 2 Four Friday's all the time... but since they were continuing on so much longer than years past, I got bored with it. Today is my last one though so I thought I would devote a special post to it.

It has been 28 weeks since I first went down to 32-work weeks this year. Funny that I have been a part-time employee more than half the year... to be honest, I made this year less than I did back in my early college days working part-time at a local sports arena. So sad. With money being tight because of this, I truly can't wait to get back to my normal pay checks. I will miss all the fun I've had all these Friday's but I truly don't care. With the holiday's quickly approaching and a few big things happening in my life, I could use the money more than I could use the extra day to sleep in.

So how do I plan to spend today? Well seeing that I slept in until 9:30a, I am going to pretty much spend the right of the day in bed. Listing to music, reading, cleaning (my online life), relaxing, purchasing Christmas gifts, doing laundry and just enjoying my last Friday of freedom.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend full of lots of laughs and happiness! xoxo

ps- I've missed you all! I'm such a bad blogger...

First Vera!

2010-12-02T07:54:00.000-05:00

I got my very first Vera Bradley in the mail yesterday (yea I totally buy myself Christmas gifts when they are on sale, HaHa). And I think I'm hooked! I purchased the large duffel in cupcake pink (so adorable, right?) when it was on super sale this past Monday during Cyber Monday. The amazing Vera Bradley had this bag at my doorstep a mere two days after purchasing it. Seriously - go Vera! I love quick shipping!

Now even though I am totally in love with my new Vera overnight and weekend bag, I must say, I don't think I'll ever meet someone as addicted to Vera as my friend Jessica. I know I've posted this photo before, but really, this girl has the most Vera that I've ever seen! Proof:

The Happiness Report

2010-12-01T07:36:00.000-05:00

Ya'll know I'm a happy person, right?! Well I decided to join The Happiness Project to determine just how happy I am and record what makes me happy and when. Three times a day for a few weeks now I would get a text to my iPhone with a link to a quick 10 question survey asking me simple questions about how happy I am and what I'm doing. I thought the results were rather interesting so figured I'd share...

Seems like I'm more happy on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays with Monday's coming in as my least happy day. I wonder why I dislike Wednesday's so much though...

Looks like I'm least happy shopping (spending money that I don't have), being at work (no surprise there), and being at home (which if you knew my current situation, you'd understand). I do love that I am most happy volunteering, being with family and being at church.

Again, looks as though I'm happiest volunteering, listening to music, talking and sleeping - HaHa. And even though taking care of my children ranked high - you all know I don't have any children. When I selected this option I was referring to taking care of my family (dad, brother, etc.)... these men are almost like children to me.

No surprise there - I am much more happy being outside and being with other people.

The more the merrier I say when it comes to interacting with people... and obviously talking with strangers makes me much more happy than talking to my boyfriend (HaHa).

Looks like I average between four and ten hours of sleep a night but I'm happiest at about eight. That's not so bad, I think!

Again, no surprise that I'm happier when I get more sleep. HaHa, hilarious.

So what did we learn?

These are the things that make me happiest: talking to strangers, volunteering, listening to music, talking, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, being outdoors, spending time with people, three or more is preferable and getting lots of sleep.

Check it out for yourself - it is rather cool!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T10:42:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I have so very much to be thankful for this year. My friends, my family, my love, my God, my job, my health, a place to lay my head and food to fill my belly... I am so truly blessed. To show my thanks, I'm going to gobble turkey until I wobble. HaHa. Happy Thanksgiving again my friends!

(( via ))

(( both via ))

(( via ))

Lesson of the Day - Don't Be Afraid to Apologize

2010-11-17T08:31:00.000-05:00

(( via ))

Don’t Be Afraid to Apologize

Apologize When Appropriate

When you’ve made a mistake that has hurt others, start with an apology. An apology is a statement that sincerely expresses your sorrow for your role in causing – or at least not preventing – pain or difficulty to others.

Now, an apology isn’t really an apology unless you experience a change in heart. To offer a sincere apology, your motives have to change. You have to give up saving face, being right, or winning in order to focus on what you really want. You have to sacrifice a bit of your ego by admitting your error. But like many sacrifices, when you give up something you value, you’re rewarded with something even more valuable – healthy dialogue and better results.

When your behavior has given someone clear cause to doubt your respect or commitment to mutual purpose, your conversation will end up in silly-game playing and frustrating misunderstanding until you offer a sincere apology.

(( sent company wide at my firm - thought it was powerful enough to share ))

Faygo + Cupcakes = A Perfect Match Made in Michigan.

2010-11-14T14:34:00.000-05:00

If you're not from the Detroit area, you might not know what a Faygo soda is. Made, manufacturing and loved in the D, this soda pop has become a Detroit staple. A few years ago, I stopped by their manufacturing facilities right in the city to photography their 100 year anniversary... maybe you remember these photos?

Now you can imagine my excitement when Faygo decided to team up with a local cupcake bakery, Just Baked, to create Faygo cupcakes! You know I wasn't going to pass up something this tasty...

Truly a perfect match made in Michigan.

Time Sure Does Fly...

2010-11-11T07:30:00.002-05:00

So does anyone remember when I made this bold statement back in 2008? Well in case you don't, I'll share once more what I was thinking...

Well can you believe that 11-11-11 is just one year away now!? And in some aspects I am no closer to getting this wonderful date as my wedding day than I was two years ago. It is such a sad realization that I will not get married on the one day I want. I suppose whatever day I do get married on will be just as good... right?

While we are on the topic of weddings and love, I have a confession to make to you all. I have a boyfriend. Yea, I'm guessing most of you figured it out already from the little one line sentense where I have mentioned him - but I never confirmed. Due to some ex-girlfriend weirdness that we are still working through, I'm not going to disclose his identity yet (kind of like Lauryn once did) but I do feel the desire to share more about our relationship on this little blog of mine as he has become such a big (and awesome) part of my life.

We just started officially dating this summer... and so far, every moment has been wonderful. It is the most easy, fun, passionate, honest, loving and just all around wonderful relationship I have ever been in. Over the summer he surprised me with a few weekend get-a-way trips and fun nights out on the town. He likes to try new things and is always down for going to fun events. He gets along with all my friends and accepts the fact that I need me time every once in awhile. I am already so in love with this man and so excited to see what the future has in store for us.

The one bad part of our relationship? We will not be getting married on 11-11-11.

Stuff No One Told Me

2010-11-09T05:46:00.000-05:00

Plain and simple, I love this site.

I'm not sure how I stumbled upon it but I can't get enough. Thank-you Alex Noriega

(( all graphics via Stuff No One Told Me ))

Good News!

2010-11-06T09:02:00.000-04:00

I'm alive!!! I can't believe it has been this long since I've ventured onto the blog-o-sphere. Although I have lots to share, I just haven't had the urge to blog lately. Sad, I know. I will tell you this much - I have been so busy and having so much fun outside of the internets that I think it has deferred me from wanting to blog. I'll get back to it soon on a more regular basis... I promise!

I am truly blessed. I have so much to be happy about in just this past week (or so)...

Amazing girlfriends that are truly the greatest a girl could ask for
A man that continues to make me smile on a daily basis
A Halloween filled with family and fun that was the most unique and different Halloween of my life
Books that are so good I can't put down and might even carry with me to read everywhere I go (I LOVE when I find a book that I'm obsessed with)
Wine tasting parties with some of the most fun women in the world
Laughing so hard that your stomach hurts and eyes cry
Date nights with the man I love
Reconnecting with friends of the past - even after 3 years, the friendship is still the same
Trying new things and venturing out of my comfort zone
Trying to get back on track in terms of my health - hello more gym time!
Having a small group filled with amazing women that have helped me connect with God and grow in my faith in ways I never though possible

Hope everyone has an amazing weekend! I missed you :)

Sunday is Fun Friend Day

2010-10-25T05:55:00.000-04:00

I love my best friends.

Yesterday, my four best girl friends and I got together for an afternoon of friendship and fun. We had lots of snacks (cheese, veggies, brownies and cookies) and later ordered pizza (and lots of breadsticks!)....

... we might have pulled out the alcohol for inventory on where we stood from leftover summer fun (no, we are not alcoholics!)....

...then the party began as we all pulled out our laptops for a CD burning party! We spent about four hours going through each others music collection burning and laughing and jamming out to old beats. It was amazing how many different CD's all of us girls have collected through the years.

This next photo makes me smile because my friend Jessica LOVES Vera Bradley. She is one of those crazy folk that even makes it out to the once a year huge sale they have. Anyways - she pulled out all her bags to show us and wow oh wow - it was crazy! This is us girls trying to hold all her pieces (what you see isn't even everything she owns!). After going through her collection, I'm thinking about purchasing my first Vera... the bowler bag. I just can't decide on the pattern - any suggestions?

In the end, it was a perfect Sunday afternoon that I think rekindled our friendship flame :)

Tough Truths

2010-10-19T12:43:00.000-04:00

Woah Nelly – time for the tough truth questions. Okay, deep breathes, here we go…

Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Is it cliche to say the bible? Because this would be the number one book that I’ve read (or should I say currently reading through) that has change my views on life and my approach to it. Every time I read it, I learn something new. It’s a never ending depth of knowledge and love that I just can’t get enough of.

Other books I’ve read that have completed rattled me to the core would be: Eat, Pray, Love; 1984; The Picture of Dorian Grey; The Glass Castle; The Help; A Million Little Pieces; Tuesdays with Morrie; and likely many others that just are not coming to mind right now. Check out more of my reads on GoodReads.

Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
I think that you should be able to love and marry whoever you so choose – regardless of sex, race, religion, etc. You love who you love and I’ll love who I love, no problem whatsoever.

Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Since I couldn’t give two craps about politics (although I do always vote), I will talk about religion here (I know you all are excited!). I did not grow up with any religion in my life. I went to church maybe once a year, usually at Christmas time with my friends and their families. In 2008, I decided to change all that and started going to a church that I now adore and call home. You have seen me blog about it many times (like here and here) but never really given my opinion of the matter – so I’ll do that now...

I am a Christian. I am trying to build a relationship with Jesus. I don’t believe I need to classify myself into one domination to do this. I read the bible and am part of a wonderful Small Group that meets weekly to discuss the bible, Jesus and issues we are currently facing. I have never felt so happy in my life as I do when I am close with Jesus (which isn’t always, I do sway). He is truly my homeboy. I have learned so much through my time going to church. His grace and my faith have grown exponentially over the past year in my life so much so that I now feel confident enough talk about my God. I do mess up still and I am messed up still, but I now have the knowledge and faith in my heavenly father to know that everything happens for a reason and his plan is greater than any plan that I might have for my life so I just need to put my trust in him and go on.

With that being said, I don’t judge (or I try not to). Even though I may disagree with their beliefs, I do not dislike other people of different religious domination's. I think that like gay marriage, their values and beliefs might not be just like mine, but that doesn’t mean they are bad people because of them.

Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
I view alcohol as a fun thing that isn’t always necessary but it usually more than welcome. I have never been a huge drinker, but I have had my fun. To be honest (since we are telling the truth here), I drank more alcohol when I was under age than I ever did past 21. I am not one that particularly likes to spend my evenings at the bar but I will definitely have a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching a game. And on a very rare occasion, I might just drink a whole bottle of wine on my own on a Thursday night. Oh alcohol… :)

As for drugs, as you might already know, I have never ever done a drug. With that, my views are that they are bad but I don’t think it necessarily makes a person bad if they have done it before. I do disagree with people who do drugs often. I feel like they are just using it as an escape from reality and their problems. I believe that facing your problems is much better than hiding from them. However, just like bondage and whips, if that is your forte then awesome – it’s just not for me.

Style Sense

2010-10-17T13:06:00.000-04:00

You all know I've been a fan of Gossip Girl since the beginning (remember this and this and this?) but this past season has been my favorite thus far for one reason... the fashion! I can't get enough of it! I wish I had the style sense (and bank account) to dress like this...

WTF'S

2010-10-14T14:03:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday = WTF'S! HaHa, I crack myself up sometimes. Okay here is some more truth...

DAY 13 → A BAND OR ARTIST THAT HAS GOTTEN YOU THROUGH SOME TOUGH ASS DAYS. (WRITE A LETTER.)

Dear John Mayer,

You are my man. For reals. Throughout the years, your CD’s have provided me so much comfort in times of needs. Anytime I have a bad day on the horizon, putting in your jams and listening to as little as five minutes can truly lift my spirit. From Your Body is a Wonderland to Half of my Heart to Bold as Love to Daughters to Waiting on the World to Change – they have all been there for me in my hardest times. Your soothing voice and lyrics sure do know how to make a girl smile.

In addition, you have gotten much hotter through the years so I’m very happy to have saw you grow up and get hot.

Yours always,
Jenni

DAY 14 → A HERO THAT HAS LET YOU DOWN.
I couldn’t post this blog until later in the day because of this question as I have no answer to it. I have been thinking about this all day and I couldn’t even come up with one hero that I could use to answer this with. This makes me sad. Have I really never had a hero in my life? Who are some of your heros? Maybe I’m just not thinking clearly…

DAY 15 → SOMETHING OR SOMEONE YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT.
Okay first and foremost – food! I seriously couldn’t live without it. I love food so much that even though I might complain about my body right now, I could never starve myself to achieve my perfect weight. I love food too much. Secondly, my brother. I seriously couldn’t imagine life without him. Next, my friends. They are my backbone and without them my days would be much, much harder. I am truly blessed to have some of the greatest people in the entire world as my friends. And last but not least, my new man in my life. He’s pretty darn fabulous and I definitely couldn’t imagine my life without him. Other than these folks, some hot tea, a good book, my bible (plus my church NorthRidge) and maybe some Chipotle on occasion – I think I could do without everything else.

DAY 16 → SOMEONE OR SOMETHING YOU DEFINITELY COULD LIVE WITHOUT.
Hate. Anger. Mean and cranky people. Children that are being hurt physically or emotional. Onions. Car Accidents. Work (but not the money). Facebook. Cable TV (with the exception of sports, I need ESPN!). Wal-Mart. Biting my nails. Bills. Snow. Winter.

In-State Rivalry

2010-10-12T07:32:00.000-04:00

(( via ))

If you live in Michigan and love sports, this past weekend was one that you look forward to all year - the Michigan/Michigan State football game. As you already know, I'm a huge Michigan fan and my best friend is a huge Michigan State fan. Being so we always have a lot of fun with the rivarly of this weekend. Too bad her team really gave us a butt whipping this year.

A bunch of us got together in Ann Arbor to tailgate before the time. I love football Saturdays, especially when I can spend them with a ton of my friends drinking, laughing and cheering on our favorite teams.

We can still be best friends and cheer for opposite teams

Two of my besties, and State fans, giving me some loving

We might have had a broken pumpkin incident with a State pumpkin... it wasn't pretty (but was kind of funny)

I actually had a ticket into the game with my college friend Melissa

I love the Big House

Regardless of score, I will always say Go Blue!

Thursday thru Tuesday

2010-10-10T13:48:00.000-04:00

Thought I would do a little making up and catching up...

Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
This one is easy... my brother. He is by far the one person in my life that I love and adore more than anything or anyone. Ever since he was young, he has always been my favorite. He truly makes my life worth living.

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
I could name a lot of people here, ex-boyfriends, ex-friends, certain family members, etc., but I don't think any of them have made my life hell or truly treated me like shit. I believe that if a certain situation in my life felt like hell, it was something of both of our doing. I don't blame any one person for a bad time in my life. Life is what you make it, no matter the situation.

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
I don't think I have anyone like this in my life now, but I definitely have had this happen to me in my past. During college all of my best friends and I went to different colleges. Being so some of us drifted apart. Not because we were trying to push away our friendships, we just had different lives at the time. Since then we have all drifted back together and all is well, but this is the only example that I can think of where someone drifted from my life that I didn't want to let go.

Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
I don't think there is anyone that I need to actually let go out of in my life right now. Yes, maybe I need to move away from a few, but I don't ever wish I didn't know anyone. I believe that everyone is brought into your life for a reason, and even if that reason isn't apparent right now, God has a plan that is right. I trust him to lead me into the right situations, friendships and relationships.

Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
My personality? My hair? My purses? My accessories? I feel like that is all I ever get compliments on to be honest.

Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
My smarts... my body... my wonderful family...

Day 5 & 6 ... and no more settlin'

2010-10-06T10:45:00.000-04:00

Ready for some more truth? Okay, here we go...

Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.

Golly, there are so many things I hope to do in my life - get married, have children, move into my own place, have a job I love, not eat Mac & Cheese for dinner once a week, etc. But one thing I would really, really love to do would be to travel to all seven continents. I think that would be amazing to say that I have touched foot on all of earth's continents. Thus far I have never left North America. Here's to hoping...

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

Again, so many things! I could name a whole list of things I never hope I have to do - bury a friend, bury a family member, go bankrupt, get into a bad car crash, eat a bug to survive, etc. But I suppose if I had to choose one thing I hope I never have to do that would be to never try. I don't regret many things in life, however, I've learned that the only things I do regret are things that I didn't do. I have never once regretting doing something, even if I did fail. So here is to hoping that I don't give up on even my littlest of dreams! No settlin' for this chick!

(( See more of my truths here ))

------------

Speaking of settlin'...
I have been thinking a lot about settlin' lately. Even though I am so very happy at this current moment in my life, I still feel very uneasy. I feel like I'm not going anywhere, not moving anywhere. I'm just settlin' into my current lifestyle and leaving it at that. And I don't like this feeling one bit!

Let me be honest with you all for a moment... I am a very picky girl. I am picky about the clothes I wear, the events I attend, the places I go, the friends I keep and even the boys I date. I'm easy to please but hard to got (and even harder to keep). I know what I deserve and will stop at nothing to get it... which leads me back to my uneasiness. Am I just feeling this way because I'm being too picky in my perfectionist ways? Or am I feeling this way because I truly I need a chance in my life?

I'm not one to settle. If I'm not 100% over the top happy, I won't stop. I only have one life to live and I believe that I deserve to be happy! Maybe I don't have the dream life I always envisioned (who does, right?) but my life is just as it should be and because of that, I'm happy. Each and every day I set one goal for myself - to be happy. Sometimes that is in the form of a kiss from a sweet boy, an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen, a laugh with a good friend, or even a few solo quiet minutes to read my favorite book. I won't settle for something that doesn't make me entirely happy.

How about from here on out, we all make a pact to not settle for anything less than everything? Who's with me?!

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
Just enough ain't enough this time
I ain't settling for anything less than everything

Day 4 & Homecoming

2010-10-04T10:53:00.000-04:00

Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.

Hum, this is a tough one. I used to be much worse at holding a grudge and not forgiving people, but I have learned that life is to short to be mad at people. Forgive and move on I say (the forgetting part is rather hard still for me, but this truth isn't addressing that, hehe).

So forgiving someone... I think that would have to be a particular, unnamed family member. This person has hurt me over and over again since childhood. Each time I try to move past the hurt and give the relationship another try, I always seem to get hurt again. I wish it was as easy as just moving on or not dealing with this family member any longer, but it's not as they are family. I will forgive again and try again. Maybe one day we will have the relationship that I very much desire.

-----

Speaking of family, you all know how much I love and adore my lil' brother, right? Well last weekend was his high schools homecoming dance. I miss high school events like this. I used to love getting all dolled up and going out for a night of fun with friends. Below are some adorable photos of my brother and his girlfriend before the dance. Don't they look stunning?

They are just too adorable for words <3 Love young love.

He loves his sisters almost as much as we love him.

Also, see the dress on the girl to the left? I need it! I don't have a place to wear it yet, but I need this dress. As soon as I saw it at the park I fell in love. If anyone knows what brand it is and/or where to purchase it I'll love you forever and ever and ever!

30 Days of Truths - Days 1-3

2010-10-03T13:23:00.000-04:00

At the beginning of each month, I set myself a goal. Usually they are pretty silly like visit my Grandparents more, sweat four days a week or don't eat meat on Monday's (true stuff!). I always feel validated when I can look back on my month and see if I've achieved my monthly goal. It's the little victories that matter, right?

Well this month, I've decided that my goal is going to be to face myself, find myself, explore who I am. In achieving this goal, I've decided to do the 30 days of truths.

I found this over at the fabulous After I do Blog by Krysten and knew it was what I needed. I am going to aim to post a new truth everyday in October. However, since I'm already three days behind (oops), I'm going to start it off with three. I hope you all enjoy getting to know me a little better. Here is the full list so you get to see what you can look forward to learning about me. It's going to be journey, that's for sure.

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 → A hero that has let you down.
Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

--------------------

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
One thing that I'm currently hating about myself would have to be my body. I'm unhappy with my weight and current strength ability. I have never really loved my body, but I have accepted it. At the current time, I don't even accept it. I'm not eating as I should. I'm not working out as much as I would like. I'm not wearing the type of clothes or doing the things I want.

This is a thing that I can easily fix about myself and I don't know why I am not doing more. Here is to getting some motivation to get off my butt and fix this.

Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
I love myself. No really, I do. I've always had a huge love obsession with me. I mean, if I don't love me, why would anyone else ever love me? One thing I really love about myself is my ability to smile through the pain. I enjoy life and even through hard times, I try to find the strength smile. There are enough unhappy and cranky people in the world, why add to that? Life is good (even when it's not!) :)

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
I need to forgive myself way more often than I do. I'm a perfectionist at heart and because of that I easily get mad at myself when I fail or fall short of my expectations. I am slowly learning that I'm not perfect and shouldn't try to hold myself to a standard that I can't reach. Wherever I am is exactly where I am supposed to be. God's plan is way better than mine will ever be.

The Sweetest Lil' Wedding You Ever Did See.

2010-09-30T08:51:00.000-04:00

Bloggers have the best taste.

Do you ever see those weddings and think, "That's perfect! This is what I want. I'd like to order one of those for me. Thankyouverymuch!" I think I just found it in Liz's wedding. The dress, the bridesmaid dresses, the winery, the outdoor reception, the flowers, the lights, the shoes... everything, I just adore it.

If you haven't already, you should check out Liz's blog, From Portland to Peonies, she's pretty awesome.

To see more wedding photography, visit Jill Thomas Photography

Detroit Eminem & Jay-Z Concert!

2010-09-28T13:06:00.000-04:00

Why it took me so long to post about this, I have no idea!

On September 2nd, I attended one of the greatest concerts of the year (decade?). Yup - the Eminem and Jay-Z concert.

I went with three of my beautiful friends. We chowed down at Five Guys before the concert and started to get our drink on for a night of fun!

Pre-drinking is way cheaper than the $8 beers in Comerica Park

The concert kicked off with B.O.B. rocking the house. See for yourself...

Jay-Z came out first and put on the best show I think I have ever saw. I'm a long time Jay-Z fan and every single song he performed I was rapping along (really!). I totally love and adore him. Beyonce is one lucky chick!

I mean really, this is epic...

At about 10:30p, Eminem took the stage. Even with everything people say about him, he is an amazing performer and artist. Just listen to his lyrics - he's genius! Oh and also, he is a good dancer and rocked it out all over the stage.

I took a little video at the concert because I wanted to forever more remember the concert (and share wtih all of you, of course)...

He brought out lots and lots of special guests, including D12, Drake, Young Jeezy, Trick Trick, Lloyd Banks, 50 Cent...

And even the one and only Dr. Dre!

Even in a crowd full wildness and crazy drunks, my friends and I had an amazing time.
Who took the show? In my opinion Jay-Z but I'm a little biased since I have a crush on him :)

Yea, I Pole Dance.

2010-09-22T07:34:00.000-04:00

Yup, rumors are true. Your favorite Michigan bloggers have decided to take up pole dancing. I mean, times are rough in Michigan and we need to make cash how we can!

Thanks to Groupon, I got together with Lauryn, Ria and Sarah last night for a fun night of pole dancing at PoleFIT Revolution. We walked, climbed, spun and shook our hips like the pros do on the pole. And on top of learning some fancy new moves to take to the bedroom (or streets), it was a great work-out. By the end, not only did my stomach hurt from laughing but I was weak in the knees from trying all the tricks.

You can bet your bottom dollar I'll be back for more pole dancing and maybe even at the next local amateur night!!

(only kidding on that second one, I think)

Ria & I trying a short pole trick routine - sliding down the pole and trying to look sexy is tough work!

Ria shaking what her momma gave her and me dropping it down to the floor

The beautiful and fabulous Sarah and Ria

My partner in crime, Lauryn, and I making sweet love to our pole (and eachother at times)

Happy Week List and Simon Says.

2010-09-19T19:00:00.000-04:00

I have been having a lot of happy weeks. Okay, maybe not every single day of the week but more of them are happy than sad and that alone makes me smile :) Here is my past week's happy list

Surprise double dates
Dinner with friends I haven't seen in months
Buy one, get one free dinners and ice cream (score!)
Nights with no plans but to lay in bed and read
Sunshine on a 70 degree day (the best!)
Being smitten :)
Text messages that make me laugh out loud while at work
Michigan football - actually all football in general makes me happy
The Sugarland concert and Jennifer Nettles (as you know, I have a little girl crush)
Playing Simon Says with glow sticks at church (see below)
My best friends

----------------------

We all know that I love my church. Well today at service we did something extra special. We played Simon Says. Yes, the game. And yes we used glow sticks. Check out the video below from this morning I took briefly with my iPhone.

I seriously love NorthRide Church - find out more about this series and all the great things we are doing by visiting their website at http://www.northridgechurch.com

Random Weirdness

2010-09-16T12:22:00.000-04:00

So much has been going on that I don't even know where to start. So instead of sharing all the fun and exciting things going on in my life right now, I thought I'd share some random, weird things that have been floating around in my head lately. Enjoy!

Yesterday I stood in the gum aisle at Target for 15 minutes trying to decide what brand of gum to purchase. I seriously could not make up my mind. I ended up texting one of my best friends and asking her favorite gum (Eclipse) and purchasing that. So far, so good. What is your favorite brand and type of gum?

Also while at Target, I saw this horrific new gift card for Facebook credits! I don't even know what you do with Facebook credits! I mean really, people actually buy stuff like this? It is freaking digital folks - Facebook does not matter in real life (well except for confirming relationships, that is always important).

Just recently I have come to like mushrooms. I used to always hate them, but I randomly got them on a meal one time, decided to eat them with this meal, and have since enjoyed them rather often. I still onions though and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

It's a photo swap!

2010-09-13T17:09:00.002-04:00

Okay, how beautiful are these photos? I just can't get enough of them!

I love participating in Rhiannne's yearly film photo swap. This year, I got partnered up with a fellow blogger that I did not know from across the world. Elle, from Diana Mini Love, shared these wonderful photos shot with her Lomo LC-A+ camera using redscale film. From what she told me, they are mostly from London, with a few snuck in there from Paris. I truly adore each and every photo she sent me. To see more beautiful photos from Elle, visit my Flick page.

Don't think this swap was one sided though - I did send Elle some pretty neat Detroit and beyond photos. Below are a few she passed along. To see the rest of my photos, visit her Flickr page.

I love Detroit.

2010-09-12T13:16:00.000-04:00

(( postsecret ))

When I saw this postcard on PostSecret this morning, I just had to post it here as it is so true. I wish more people would think this way and stop being so scared of and negative about this wonderful city I call home. Yes, it's not perfect. Yeah, it has a lot of work to do. But who or what doesn't?

I write about the fun that I do in Detroit rather often, so if you are one of those people that don't think very highly of Detroit, check this out and think again.

If you want more proof about how awesome Detroit is, watch this short minute and a half trailer with Johnny Knoxville (hello cutie!) and see for yourself.

Testing, 1, 2, 3...

2010-09-10T13:28:00.001-04:00

I know what you're thinking, yeah, yeah, we've all heard that line before. You're too busy for me anymore - you don't care - blah, blah, blah. Well it is true but not reall.. I am busy, but I do still love you all. I have been so preoccupied with things outside the internet world that I haven't even read any blogs in almost two weeks now (gasp!). I'm hoping that with this cold weather quickly coming into Michigan, I'll settle down and get back to doing one of my favorite things - blogging.

Anyways, here is a quick recap of just some of the little happy's that have been going on in my life lately:

My best friend Mallory surprised me yesterday with this gift on my front porch. I was out for the evening and when I got home around 11p I found this box of my favorite tea and an adorable best friends card. I can't tell you how blessed I am to have the amazing friends in my life. Thanks a million Mallory :)

Okay so who doesn't love Dave & Busters?! Hello adult Chuck E. Cheese without the creepy mouse! A few days ago I headed out to our local play place with a handful of my guy friends for a fun night of drinks and games. It turned into an all out attempt to get as many tickets as we possible could... which in the end was over 2,000! Needless to say, we got some pretty great prizes (like tons and tons of candy and a pillow - HaHa).

Speaking of fun with friends, me and another one of my best friends, Mandy, went out a few Friday's ago for a fun lil' local event we like to call Arts, Beats and Eats. Can you guess what it's about? Yup, lots of art booths, tons of fun bands and artists jamming out some great beats and lots and lots and lots of yummy eats. Could life get any better than this? Well maybe, if it was cheaper to purchase the food. Mandy and I did get this super great deal though for large wine tasting for only 2 tickets ($1) - totally a steal!

Even with my wild and crazy lifestyle right now, I have been making time to hang out with myself and read. In one short weekend I finished The Glass Castle. It was such a great book and has officially made it into my top ten favorites books. Now I'm onto The Girl Who Played With Fire and loving it already!

And my blog post wouldn't be complete without dropping a lil' Go Blue on it :)

Have a super duper weekend my loves :)

The Leaders and the Best!

2010-09-04T09:31:00.000-04:00

My favorite day of the year (next to my birthday, of course) has arrived.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL!

Hail! to the victors valiant

Hail! to the conqu'ring heros

Hail! Hail! to Michigan

The leaders and the best!

GO BLUE!

Do you like college football? What is your favorite team?

Busy Bee

2010-08-31T10:15:00.000-04:00

In case you haven't noticed, I've been slacking on the posts on my blog this summer (and even worse, I'm so very far behind on reading anyones blogs - sorry!). It has been this way because I've been a very busy bee. Check out some of the fun things I did just this month...

A city right by mine celebrates their Homecoming festivities in August with fireworks and concerts and lots of fun. I hung out there a few nights with my bestie Bessie and got to see one of my favorite country bands, Emerson Drive, for free (!!) and watch some of the best fireworks of the decade. Truly, they are my new favorite. I love summer nights that include fireworks.

As I had mentioned a while back, my best friends and I headed out to see Eat Pray Love at the midnight showing. We must have been the only people in Michigan that thought to do this because we had an empty theater. Of course we had to take advantage. I pulled out my camera and the photos went a flying (only during the previews mind you). It's so funny just how much fun you can have in an empty theater with four of your best friends.

Road trips are one of my favorite things to do during the summer... even if they do land me in a city in Ohio. Being that I've never been to Cleveland, Ohio, I headed down there for a weekend of fun earlier this month. We got to see the stadiums, play on the waterfront, tour a huge boat and submarine and see the craziest wedding I've ever seen. The groom came in on a horse, with about 50 people in front of him dancing and singing and acting a fool... right on the streets of downtown Cleveland. Got to love Ohio (or not) :)

On a random Saturday night a few weeks ago, two of my best guy friends and I decided to just pack our bags and take a quick road trip. We had no destination or plan. By midnight on Saturday night we were on the road. We ended up heading into the thumb of Michigan. The result? Most boring place ever. Don't get my wrong, it is beautiful with lots of rivers and lakes but rather boring. In the end, we drove almost 8 hours to end up at a destination, Frankenmuth, Michigan (as I have mentioned before here, here and here), that is only 1.5 hours away from our home. All in all, we had a total blast with lots of laughs and stories (and beer and bugs!). The following day we spent almost our entire day at the Frankenmuth brewery drinking away our long night. I love unplanned days like this.

My company had our summer picnic two weeks ago and boy-oh-boy was it a home run! It was Detroit Tiger themed and so very much fun. We had unlimited hot dogs and peanuts and popcorn and lots of baseball themed games. We also hosted a pot luck, which is my favorite as I get to try lots and lots of yummy and unique foods. This was the first time the whole company has got together since Christmas of last year so it was nice to see people who I haven't in while. Oh and I loved being able to wear jeans and Tiger's gear to work - it's the little things that make me happy.

Just this past weekend I took another short notice road trip to Three Rivers, Michigan, with the boys to meet up with one of my guy friends girlfriend. Again, we took off on Saturday afternoon and spent all of Saturday night drinking and laughing and having a good ol' time. The next day was spent fishing and hanging out at a super fun petting zoo with a huge turtle that I went crazy for (you may or may not know about my turtle obsession) and just trying to stay out of the heat so our sweet selves didn't melt. It was a perfect weekend get-a-way.

Even though I'm sad to see August leave, I have had a rather good one and am looking forward to what fun this fall will bring!

Drinking and Reading, it's all I do.

2010-08-28T10:11:00.000-04:00

So I'm down to only one more Seven 2 Four Friday. Can you believe that it has already been 12 weeks since I first got put down 32-hour work weeks? I can't! Like where did summer go?!

This Seven 2 Four Friday was rather nice though. I feel like I've been lazy every single one - but I don't care. For the wild and crazy weeks I've been having - I deserve one day to just be lazy. Anyways...

So my Thursday night consisted on sitting outdoors in the beautiful weather enjoying the sunset/moon light and a bottle of wine... all to myself. Yup, I drank that sucker down in less than an hour. Without eating dinner. Let's just say that I felt a tiny hangover when I woke up on Friday.

After my solo wild and crazy Thursday night I ended up sleeping in until 10a. Such a treat. I ate some food right away and decided that it was too beautiful of a day to sit inside so out I went. I really craved a body of water to sit by but the best I could do was my backyard pond. I ended up spending the rest of the day laying outdoors reading my new favorite paperback obsession, The girl with the dragon tattoo. Let me tell you that it took me well over 100 pages to actually get into it, but now that I am, I can't put it down. It's starting to turn into something like my Harry Potter or Twilight reading obsession. Think I might order the next book in this series right about now.

Hope everyone has a super weekend!

In Michigan, this might be one of our last official summer weekends so I'm going to try to soak it up all I can!

Girl Crush

2010-08-26T18:47:00.000-04:00

(( all photos found here ))

Sugarlands newest video, Stuck Like Glue, makes me love Jennifer Nettles all the more. She might be one of the biggest girl crushes I have. Not only is she beautiful, but for the three times I have seen her in concert, she is always having the best time in all the land. Not like forced fun, just pure beautiful, crazy dancing and laughing fun.

Also, I might have listened to this song on repeat about 15 times now. No I'm not obsessed at all.

I got 99 problems but a beotch ain't one.

2010-08-24T12:39:00.000-04:00

Have you ever stood in the shower, water falling over your face, crying? It's like you're not really crying. You can let your body release the emotion without really feeling anything.

That has been me these past couple days. Unlike Jay-Z with his 99 problems, I've only got one problem - and it's reoccurring and truly has nothing to do with me but it affects my life so very much that it turns my life upside down. I am seriously envious of those people that have problems that are strictly unto themselves - complaining about their work, love lives, pets, neighbors, car, friends, etc. I do not want to go into details - but I'm sick of crying and being upset and feeling numb to the world.

I am a happy person - I love life - I enjoy smiling.

The only good thing that comes out of this whole situation is that I know it's for the best. Yup, my crying and hurt and pain are all for good. I believe that God put this situation into my life because not only did he know I could handle it, but he knew I could conquer it.
He has given me amazing friends in my life to help me overcome my hardships.
He has given me enough faith in him to turn to him when things are not going well.
He has given me strength to be honest and stand up to people when things get scary.
And best of all, God has given me the amazing ability to continue to be positive and know that this too shall pass.

Until then, I'll just keep on smiling... even if it is fake at the moment :)

What do you do when you are faced with a situation that you don't know how to handle and have no idea how to solve it?

I'm smitten with life.

2010-08-21T12:41:00.000-04:00

So this past Seven 2 Four Friday was not fun at all. Why so? Because, once again, I spent it at work. Having to work on your assigned day off is so not cool. The only good thing about this is that I will be getting a 40-hour paycheck for the first time all summer. Hello cash money!

I have been having such happy weeks lately. Going out, having fun and just being young has been my motto for this summer. Its been rather awesome. Here are some reasons I've been smiling this past week:

Football starting. I LOVE football and the boys who play.
Unplanned road trips
Taffy
Detroit Tiger's themed work parties
Green tea
Fabulous weather and beautiful skies
Tenant appreciation lunches with lots of free food!
Costco cake frosting
Best friend happy time walks that turn tears into cheers
Three year work anniversaries as a full-time employee
Hanging out with boys that continue to make me smile

Hope you all have a great weekend!

I am Loveable.

2010-08-18T11:02:00.000-04:00

Remember when I was taking those aerial yoga classes? Well the instructor of the class, and owner of Detroit Flyhouse, was awesome. Although I don't do the aerial yoga anymore, I still go there on Friday evenings for yin yoga (best thing ever!). A few days ago, this photo above was posted on her Facebook page. I thought it was so awesome that I had to share. Just somethings to keep in mind...

Mimosas, Laughs & Beautiful Women

2010-08-16T07:50:00.000-04:00

I'm so blessed to have meet such wonderful women through blogging. I still can't believe that we just met eight months ago (remember this?)... I feel like we are best friends already.

A few Sunday's ago, I got together with two of my favorite women, Mae and Ria, for brunch and mimosa's. Talk about a perfect Sunday.

We love our champagne and OJ

She couldn't even put it down long enough to take a photo - I adore her

Lots of yummy food and drinks