49-Relax, Take it Easy

Enjoy the little things today. Try and relax, take a calm approach and just go with the flow.
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48-Some Days Ya Gotta Dance

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47-Quiet Your Mind

So I suppose it's time to account for the lack of updates on my part lately. The honest truth is I've been struggling, in every sense of the word. I'm not complaining, quite the opposite, but I think it's due time that I admit to myself and everyone else that it's not the best of times for me. I've had a lot thrown at me recently, and my life has been thrown in all different directions. Every day I feel like I have a new mountain to climb, and the whole time, I'm wearing flip flops, struggling to get up the first hill.
I'm lucky to have the people in my life that I have. I've got the best friends and family I ever could have asked for. But sometimes it's hard to see through the muck to the brighter side.
Assume what you will, because I know people are going to, but my problems don't revolve around just one thing. I was telling a friend yesterday that 2010 has had my highest highs and my lowest lows. I can't call it a bad year, nor would I want to. If anything, it's taught me some of the most valuable lessons I've ever learned.
I'm beginning again in so many ways in my life, and it's scary, but it's also really, really exhilarating. I know that once this storm (or series of storms, rather) breaks, I'll be able to see the sun and it will be brighter than it's ever been for me. It just takes time, and for the moment, I'll just have to wait.

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46- Live For the Music

 Mellow Playlist
*Click on the picture to download*


Track list:

Also, check out Michelle's blog for another Friday Freebie: a free pair of Toms!

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45-Put Your Brave Face On

Product Name: Yes to Tomatoes
Product Type: Facial Mask
Purchased at: Target
Price: $$
Purpose: According to the website: "Yes to Tomatoes Facial Mask is a total deep pore treatment that refines, purifies and even moisturizes your skin, while keeping your complexion clean, clear, and balanced."
Review: I've used this mask several times since I've gotten it and I'm absolutely in love. It smells amazing, it takes 5 minutes out of my day, and I've already noticed an improvement in my skin (my pores and blemishes, especially). I have very oily skin, which is what this mask was made for, and I've noticed less oil production throughout the day, but it doesn't dry my face out either. I definitely recommend this mask, but only to those of you with oily skin. The rest of you will probably find it a bit drying. However, the "Yes To..." brand offers different masks for various skin types.
The Bottom Line: A bit pricey compared to your every day drugstore facial masks, but definitely worth the price you're paying.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10


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44-Working Class Hero

I find inspiration everywhere. Whether I find it in people, photographs, places, simple things, whatever, I try to let life inspiration in any and every way. With that said, let me introduce my first guest blogger: Stacy. She has been such an inspiration to me in so many ways (probably far more than she will ever know), and because of that, I asked her to write a guest entry for my blog.
She's a 28 year-old Social Worker who is following her dreams (and her heart) to all of the places that it leads her, which if you know her, oftentimes means a Dave Matthews Band concert. But Social Work is clearly her passion, and I can definitely say that it suits her. She's a woman with a huge heart and a fervor for helping the world, one step at a time.
I could go on and on for days about her, but instead, I'll let her speak for herself:

[photo credit goes to Stacy Anderson]

"You know, I wasn’t always a Social Worker. The heart was there, the thought-process was there, but I didn’t even know what a Social Worker was until a few years ago. In fact, I wouldn’t hesitate to say that I’ve always been a writer. Back in the 2^nd grade, I wrote a story about a trail of money that lead to a haunted house. It was cleverly titled “The Money Trail,” and the protagonist followed the trail to the haunted house, where she discovered a pile of money. When the police arrived, they awarded her the money for being such a great detective. Not many 8-year-olds out there with $100 in reward money, are there?

My love of writing turned into what I thought would be a career in journalism. I wrote for the newspaper in college and had two journalism internships before graduation. I’ve always loved writing, so it seemed like a logical choice. It didn’t seem to matter that I didn’t really enjoy interviewing strangers about boring subjects like going bald, the juggling club, and a new unisex bathroom on campus (yes, actual article topics in my personal archive).

However, my idealism was short-lived when, after graduation, I *gasp* …couldn’t get a job! Journalism is incredibly difficult to break into and it just wasn’t happening. So I applied for anything I could and got a job as a “Community Educator” for non-profit organization.

Thus began a future of having to explain every job title I’ve ever had. What exactly is a Community Educator? What about my next job, Prevention Specialist? Well, unbeknownst to me, there was a much simpler job title I could have used: Social Worker.

Except being a Social Worker isn’t simple. Even after holding a Master’s Degree in Social Work, I still have to explain what I do (and gladly do so). The stereotype that Social Workers take away children and give buckets of money away is still alive and well, and while some Social Workers do this, many others work in hospitals, schools, private therapy clinics, non-profit organizations, and in local and national government programs.

The best way to describe Social Work is as the “Helping Profession.” Everything Social Worker’s do is rooted in helping those in need.

My newest title is “Coordinator,” and while vague enough to satisfy most inquiries, it still doesn’t accurately describe what I do (for the record, I help people with disabilities find jobs in local school districts).  But I find for most Social Workers, their job title cannot possibly describe what they do, because how do you describe a job where you serve those in society that no one else wants to help? The downtrodden, the disabled, the victimized. The old and the young. Those down on their luck and those born without any luck at all.

We help those who can’t help themselves."

Stacy, aside from being an amazing, heartfelt Social Worker is also a blogger (and one of my favorites, to boot). So please be sure to check out her blog "Every Little Thing".

And I can't forget a massive thank you to the wonderful Stacy for being a guest blogger for me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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43-Different Kind of Fine

Things don't always work out the way you want. That's just life, and it's a hard realization for a lot of people. Everyone struggles, day in and day out, with their own demons. Some people shout their troubles from the rooftops and others keep it all bottled up. I can't personally say which is right, because everyone is different.
I just know that when things seem like they couldn't get any worse, and when you feel like you'll never be able to find the strength to pick yourself up off of the ground, something...even the smallest moment, breaks through and proves otherwise. Even the tiniest detail can turn your whole day, your whole outlook around, and it's in those little moments that everything gets turned around. Let the little things into your head and your heart. Don't shut them out, don't turn them away. Embrace them, and listen to them because it's in those moments that (if you're really listening), you'll realize that everything is going to be okay.

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42- Different Day

Do something different today. Something big, something small. Something. Anything. Just quit making excuses, and do it.


What are you going to do differently today?
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41-Food in the Belly

So today was my mom's birthday, and I decided to bake her a cake (with the help of my adorable little sister). I'll admit before I even let you see the finished product that I was a bit ambitious when choosing my recipe. I may have over-estimated my baking/cooking abilities (and/or the size of my kitchen and extent of my baking utensils), but all in all, the final product came out looking alright and tasting delicious.
Without further ado, I present to you another food porn post!

40-Some Kind of Nature

My first attempt at a video. Honestly, I kinda dig the way it turned out, even though it's pretty short.

I just wanted to put this together so that I could take a second and enjoy all the things nature has to offer. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Song is "Swept Away (Sentimental Version)" by The Avett Brothers

ps-keep an eye out in the next week for my first contest (there will be a prize giveaway!)

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39-Friday, I'm in Love

[T.V. Edition]

So of course, it's time for my 'Friday Favorites' again, but this week it's all about my favorite shows on television right now.

The Buried Life

Typically, especially within the last 2-10 years, I have been extremely skeptical of anything MTV has to offer. Most (if not all) of their shows in recent years have been "fluff" and purely for entertainment's sake (and by entertainment, I mean effectively reducing the viewer's brain capacity), so I've rarely given any of my time to their "new" shows. However, after having a friend sit me down and have me watch this show with her, I'll be honest, MTV: I'm impressed. These guys (and their show) seem so genuine and heartfelt that I can't help but continue to be compelled to watch. Don't get me wrong, it's not all mushy-gushy (after all, one episode's premise is to throw the world's greatest party), but the show's main message is a good one. They encourage everyone to live their life exactly as they would if they were dying, except...you're not. You're just living. The tagline: "What do you want to do before you die?" really gets you thinking, and I honestly can't see that as a bad thing. On top of that, these guys make it their mission every episode, not only to complete one item off of their list, but to help a complete stranger accomplish something that they want to do before they die. All in all, it's definitely worth the 30 minutes every Monday.
The Buried Life airs every Monday on MTV at 10:30pm

Dexter
I know I'm not the first to rave about this show, and I know I won't be the last, but I can't leave Dexter off of my list. With Season 5 just one episode in, I'm already on pins and needles over what's going to happen next. To avoid spoilers about what's currently going on, I'll simply leave it at this: with the plot of the being about a serial killer who kills serial killers yet...works for the cops...how could you not want to give this show a try? Plus Michael C. Hall, talented and attractive? Why turn it down?!
Dexter airs every Sunday on Showtime at 9:00pm

Boardwalk Empire
I'll be honest, I'm a sucker for pretty much anything HBO can come up with. Boardwalk Empire is no exception. Only a handful of episodes in and this is already one of this season's most buzzed-about shows. With Steve Buscemi and Michael Pitt starring and executive producers Mark Wahlberg and Martin Scorcese, this show was bound to be a winner from the start. Set in Atlantic City, NJ during the Prohibition Era, the series is not only interesting in terms of the plot, but stunning visually. The story gripped me almost instantly and kept me interested all the way through the nearly hour and a half-long premiere. May not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think you should at least give a chance before shutting it down.
Boardwalk Empire airs every Sunday on HBO at 9:00pm

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38-It's Just a Thought...

It's poll time! I wanna know what you guys think! So please take the time to answer the questions below, so that this blog can be more of what you want it to be!

Would you like to see more reviews (tv, product, movie, etc)?
	yes!
	nope

Do you enjoy the variety of the TYPES of post that this Blog offers?
	yes!
	nope

What would you like to see more of?
	your photos
	recipes
	reviews
	advice
	inspiration
	other (please post in a comment)

What is your LEAST favorite thing about this blog? (Please elaborate in comments)
	length of posts
	frequency of posts
	content of posts
	type of posts
	other (please leave comment)

What do you like BEST about this blog? (Please elaborate in comments)
	length of posts
	frequency of posts
	content of posts
	type of posts
	other (please leave comment)

Any other opinions?! Just leave 'em in the comments!
*Remember, comments are moderated, so if there's something you want left private, just let me know in the comment and I'll keep it that way!*

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37-The Book I Read

As some of you may or may not know, I'm a very, very avid reader. A few years ago, I actually built my own book shelf in order to have one place to put my books. Well, enough time has passed that my book shelf is now overflowing and my books are spilling out onto the floor. The overflow books need a new home of their own. Since I've been on a cleaning/redecorating/organizing kick, I took to the internet to see what could be done about this. As much as I would love to make another book shelf of my own, I don't have the time or resources (and frankly, I don't have the room). So with space being my biggest roadblock, I scoured the internet looking for the perfect solution, and of course, I found it. A bookcase headboard. Please tell me this isn't the most genius idea ever?! I honestly never would have even thought about something like that, but alas, they exist, they're cute, and they're the perfect solution to my problem! I'm still juggling back and forth between a few options, but this is definitely next up on my list of things to get.

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36-Too Much Food on My Plate

So it's finally time! As promised, here are a ton of photos of my grilling, cooking, and baking adventure with my best friend. I know I took a ton of pictures, but let's be honest, who doesn't love a little bit of food porn every now and then?! I know there are some days I just can't get enough of it. So enough rambling, and on to the food. I hope you enjoy, because I know that we sure did! All the good stuff is after the jump, so click, click, click!

35-Friday, I'm in Love

It's time for another edition of Friday Favorites, so here are the things I've been digging this week:

Although the name is a mouthful, these Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Honey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are beyond delicious. I made them with my best friend last night and not only was the experience of baking fun in and of itself, these bad boys turned out to die for! I took loads and loads of photos of the whole cooking extravaganza, so those will be posted soon.

Fall. It's finally here!

I'm usually not one to jump on the bandwagon with workout programs until I've given them a while, but this program is amazing. Unlike the 30 Day Shred, you will not feel like you want to die and/or kill someone while doing this program. It's fun, it's quick, and it gets your in shape without over-doing it. If you're in the market for a new workout routine, I definitely suggest giving this a try.

34-So Fresh and So Clean!

After moving back home, I decided that I would tackle not only unpacking everything, but reorganizing everything and changing my room around to suit myself a bit more. Surprisingly, I got it done in two days (trust me, I'm a huge fan of procrastination), and I'm pretty pleased with how everything came out. Speaking of procrastination, of course I distracted myself by taking some pictures while I was 'cleaning', so here ya go:

Snagged the idea for putting my sunglasses on hangers from...well I can't even remember, but I love it. It keeps them organized and visible and easily within reach, so all I have to do is pick a pair, grab it and go!

Reorganized my shoes. Subsequently realized how many pairs of heels I own.

Went through my clothes and separated them into three piles: keep, donate, and sell. Needless to say, I ended up with a slew of leftover hangers.

33-Friday, I'm in Love

Here are some of the things I can't get enough of lately:

alex [in wonderland]

This girl is crazy talented. I can't get enough of looking at her photostream on Flickr. Seriously, she gives me such inspiration as a photographer, and all of her shots capture me. Check her out, for sure. You won't be disappointed!

Netflix: Instant Watch

This doesn't really need much of an explanation, but I can't get enough of watching all there is to watch on Netflix: Instant Watch. Their selection has expanded and they have some really amazing choices available. If you have a Netflix subscription, this is definitely a must. And if you don't have a Netflix subscription, you may want to get one!

Seven One Six

This girl is getting things done! Despite being pregnant and on bed rest, she is transforming her house and her life. Her blog is the ultimate inspiration for the crafty person itching to get out in all of us. Whether it be transforming something as simple as spice jars or creating the most adorable storage boxes for free using things scattered around the house, I suggest taking a look at her blog if you want to be inspired to get creative on a budget!

Aura-Joon

Simply put: this woman is amazing. Her blog features everything from little blurbs about her life with her husband, to photos of her life (all of which she takes herself), to crafty ideas, decorating ideas, recipes, anything and everything. She seems so put-together, and so happy with her life, that I can't help but a get a twinge of jealousy every time I read her blog. Inspirational, captivating, and funny, hers is a definitely a blog you want to be reading on the regular.

32-It Takes a Toll to Show You Care, It Takes a Whole to Make a Mountain

Sometimes the most obvious path in life is the hardest one to take. We make excuses, whether it be for ourselves or other people, and end up holding on to things that simply need to be let go. I'm going to borrow a quote from Mark Twain to make my point a bit easier:

"Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured."

I have been holding on to a very toxic relationship for a very long time. Far longer than I would like to admit. I'm sure the gossip-mongers are going to assume they know who this is about, and that's fine, but please do not assume you know everything about me. But I digress. I finally took one of the biggest steps forwarding in getting this negative force out of my life, and as simple as it sounds, it took upwards of ten years for me to do: I finally spoke my mind. I was absolutely honest about everything that I felt and all the thoughts that had been floating around in my head. Getting everything off of my chest and out in the open makes me feel like a new woman. And in retrospect, I can't believe it was that simple. I wasn't expecting any great revelation from opening up and pouring everything out. I knew I would most likely get no response (which is the case, go figure), but that wasn't the point. The point was the get that negativity out of me. To clear it out of my soul and my life and quilt holding on to it and dwelling on it. Like I said, it's something that took me years to be able to finally do, but I'm glad that I did. I can't wait to see where I go from here.

31-Close the Door and Take the Stairs...Up or Down? Ups and Downs...

Imagine stairs.

Imagine lots and lots of stairs.

You start walking up, but you have no idea where it ends; where you'll be when they run out.

But you're going up.

What if you never get there?

What if they twist and turn endlessly, but never reach a final point.

Were you too concerned with the destination that you missed out on the entire journey?

Think about it.

30-In My Darkest Hour, I Will Be Free

Sometimes a little piece of good advice is all you need:

Especially when it comes at just the right time in your life.