Love was made for me and you.

Hey ya'll! I'm guest posting for Tanya at A Taste of T today. Go check my post out. It's funny. You'll laugh, I promise...well, I laughed but that doesn't always mean much, now does it?

Happy Wednesday everyone! I'm linking up with Jaime at this kind of love for What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I'm loving Franks Hot Sauce-have ya'll heard that commercial where the old lady is like "I put that s#*% on everything"?

Yea, that's me.

I'm loving the slightly overcast, mid 60's weather we've been having. I think Michigan has finally made up it's mind and has decided it fall-yay!

I'm loving cleaning out my closet/car and finding *literally* a whole wardrobes worth of clothes, including my fave sweats from high school.

And yes, I rocked them the next day.

I'm loving the sweet kids I babysat last Friday and will be babysitting again this weekend! I was talking with the girl about music videos and mentioned TRL (anyone else remember that show!?!?! haha). The look of confusion on her face when I explained what it was to her was priceless!

Way to make me feel old, kid!

I'm loving my sweet cousin who is getting married this weekend! I'm not going to the wedding, but I'll be there in spirit. I love love love my cousin and the girl he's marrying is such a sweetheart! I'm so happy for them and wish them a world of happiness!

What are you guys loving today?
And go read my post!

Some days are made for smoking.

I am a former smoker. It's been almost 3 years since I officially quit. Quitting was, hands-down, one of the best decisions I made. I really have no want to start again.

Except...

when I'm stressed.

Seriously, I don't know what it is but every 6-8 months, I decide I'm too stressed out, and the only thing that will help me clam down is to smoke a cigarette. It's usually only one, sometimes two or three, but I haven't bought a pack since I quit. I just bum one at work and go about my day.

For some reason, my crazy brain still thinks that a cigarette is the answer to my crazyness.

I smoked this morning. Just one, and I doubt I'll smoke again today and probably not even for a few months. And the truth is, I felt better!

When I came back inside, I felt relaxed and happier than when I had gone outside. It's probably completely psychosomatic, but that's how I felt.

I just wish when I was stressed that my brain didn't automatically go to "Put some chemicals in your body. Those always do the trick."

Any former smokers still indulge once in a while? Please, make me feel better and tell me I'm not the only one :-)

When my faith is strong I know my strength

Source: thevintageapple.com via Amanda on Pinterest

She's on the TV, so beautiful on the screen

It's time to link up with Jaime at this kind of love again for WILW!

One of the things I love most about fall is all the television premieres! There's so many series I'm looking forward to this fall I thought it'd be perfect to share!

I'm loving Sons Of Anarchy! Seriously, its got violence, romance and motorcycles. What more could you want?

Oh and you get to look at this guy for an hour. Sign me up.

I'm loving It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia! This is one of my favorite shows. It's so random and funny, and it definitely crosses the line sometimes but I just love it.

How can you not love kitten mittens?!?!

I'm loving The League! It's definitely a guys show but if you like football/fantasy football and risque humor, tune in.

I'm taking the shiva home this year!

I'm loving How I Met Your Mother! The season premiere was so good and I'm so excited for this season. I totally think Robin and Barney are going to end up together-am I the only one?

I'm loving NBC's comedies-30 Rock, Parks and Rec, Community, The Office. When I march these, I literally have tears in my eyes from laughing so hard. Every single one cracks me up!

And finally, I'm loving my DVR! Seriously, how'd people live before these?!?!

What are ya'll loving this week? Any fall shows you're excited for?

Do you like my stupid hair? Would you guess that I didn't know what to wear?

It was the middle of August and I was fighting a losing battle with my hair. I picked up the black bottle of hair spray and gentle pushed down the nozzle, coating not only my hair but also my shoulders and the counter top in my bathroom with a fine layer of spray. As I inhaled, the alcohol hit the back of my throat.

With a small cough and sigh of resignation, I put down the bottle and opened up the top drawer, revealing a rainbow of make-up- cherry red lipsticks, vibrant blue eye liners, sultry dark shadows. I pushed beyond all of that to find a well-used compact.

I opened the lid to the compact and took out my brushes. I began with lilac, one that had just a hint of shimmer, spreading a thin layer over my brow bone. Cleaning off the brush, I dipped it into the darker color of the palette-a deep, plum purple. With expert motion, I swept the brush across my crease once, then over again deepening the rich color. Finally, a stroke of golden brown at the lash line, to highlight and reflect.

The tube of mascara sat to my right-I picked it up and unscrewed the cap. I passed over each eye, making sure to cover the innermost and outermost lashes; two coats on each side before putting the wand back into the tube.

For the first time, I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My brown eyes had gone from ordinary, to sultry, sexy, enticing. I studied my handiwork proudly and softly smiled.

I placed my eye shadows back in the drawer and pulled out my powder, a small pot almost the same shade as my ivory skin. I swirled her brush in the cap, picking up more and more of the powder with each pass. I used the same motion to apply it to my skin, and slowly any imperfections, both imaginary and real, were slowly buffed away. A small hint of color at the apple of my cheeks brought my face to life.

Until my eye caught sight of a few small hairs that had broken free of their confinement, now waving in the breeze of the overhead fan. They were so small, but they were all I could see.

I backed away from the mirror-I couldn’t spend any more time on my hair, I decided.

Exiting the bathroom, I entered my bedroom and looked through my closet, trying to find the perfect outfit in the mess of clothes.

Another sigh of frustration escaped my lips.

Why was getting ready for a first date so nerve wracking?

This is in response to a prompt at Write on Edge: sensory detail.

It's the eye of the tiger, its the thrill of the fight.

I'm a few days belated, but I just wanted to give a huge shout out to my boys for winning the AL Central!

I am seriously so happy-I'm so stoked to go to a play off game (my first!) and I'm so happy I was able to see so many games this year. It was seriously one of the best summers ever!

Also! The Lions have started out 2-0 since the first time in forever (not really, but it feels like that haha) It's sooo nice to wtach a game and know that we're not going to be on the wrong end of a blow out!

And the icing on the cake-I'm undefeated in my Fantasy Football league-is there anything more satisfying than beating a bunch of boys? No, no there is not lol

It's going to be an exciting fall in Detroit!

Maybe you should have thought about that, when you were cheating.

He got up early, as he always does. I laid in bed, and watched the light stream from the bathroom until he closed the door, so only a small line shone through between the bottom of the door and the carpet.

He dressed quietly and kissed me on the forehead before leaving for work.

"See you later," he whispered.

"Mmhmm," I mumbled in response. "Remember, I won't be here tonight. I'll have dinner waiting for you."

"You're the best. I love you, " he said before exiting the bedroom, bringing the door to a close behind him.

I heard him start the car, and listened intently until I could no longer hear his car on our street.I stumbled out of bed and saw a tiny, blinking light coming from my purse.

"Good morning, beautiful. Is he gone yet?" the text read.

"He is, I'll be leaving before he gets back. I miss you."

"I miss you, too. Can't wait to see you."

"Soon." I responded, and put my phone away.

I went through the day almost robot-like, finishing up the laundry, cleaning the bathroom and the kitchen. As my body performed the tasks, my mind wandered-the anticipation of leaving tonight was my guiding light.

I pulled out the chicken and vegetables from the refrigerator and grabbed the crock pot from the cabinet. I chopped the vegetables but couldn't feel the knife in my hands. It rocked back and forth on the cutting board, slicing though celery, then carrots. I stared blankly forward, eyes transfixed on some imaginary point miles and miles away, while the knife continued it's rhythmic motion, apparently propelled by my own hand.

I sliced the chicken breasts, adding them into the mixture of vegetables. It all looked so pretty together, the crisp green and vibrant orange, the spices dusting the top of the ingredients, and the chicken settling at the bottom, a cool, pale pink.

I pulled my eyes away from the meal I had just prepared and began to get ready. As I showered, the scents from the kitchen wafted into my bedroom. It smells to rich and warm, I thought as I inhaled deeply.

I fixed my hair and applied my make up. My black dress called to me from the depths of my closet. I hadn't worn it in so long, but I slipped into it and faced myself in the mirror.

I felt silly, and dangerous, and excited and anxious. I didn't recognize myself. A pair of black heels completed the look that was anything but my own.

Tonight, this is me, I reassured myself.

As I walked out the door, I could smell dinner. At the last minute, I turned around and stepped back into the kitchen. I scribbled a note:

"I hope you had a good day! Enjoy your dinner-love you xoxo"

It soothed my conscious just enough to slip out the door and not have to look back again.

This is in response to a prompt at The Lightening and The Lightening Bug: Hunger.

Place your bets, I want you to place your bets, Why don't you just place your bets on me?

This past weekend, a few friends and I went to the casino to celebrate one of my friends birthday! We ended up gambling a little bit and then going to the club inside the casino. I had to work in the morning so I didn't stay too late, but we all still had a pretty good time :-)

I'm pretty sure this was the only time I actually won anything!

(Notice the penny slots lol)

The birthday girl with her comp card

Some of our group playing slots

My pretty friend Sider-love this girl!

She was doing a lot better than I lol

I spent two dollars and didn't even bother to cash out my $.46 at the end of the night haha

Came up in the spot and grabbed the beat like a pressure point.

Last week, my friend Casey came up and went to check out a concert at this bar in Ann Arbor. I much prefer seeing concerts in small venues than at a big stadium, and the Blind Pig is the definition of a small venue-I was less than a five feet away from the stage for most of the concert-and it was so fun!

We knew it was going to be packed so we got there early and got some seats right by the stage. The first opening act was a guy from Kalamazoo, named Casper Da Ghost. He was ok, I cant really hate on him but I also couldn't understand him and he was just rapping over other peoples beats, but he brought up some like 15 year old kid to preform a song with him and he killed it-it was ridic.

Not really a good pic, but just to see how close we were-and this was when we weren't by the stage, we were just sitting off to the side.

Next up, was LA Da Darkman, who is a Wu Tang affiliate, and pretty great. The whole bar was hyped after he was done. He was just chilling after his set so my friend a nd I went up and talked with him and took some pictures with him. He was super cool and really chill.

Finally, the headliner came on and the whole crowd just went crazy. Royce Da 5'9" absolutely killed it. There was rumors that Em would show up, but instead he brought Kid Vishis who is Royce's little brother. The energy was just ridiculous and it was such a blast. I was basically in the second row and was close enough to touch them (which I did haha). My favorite part was when Vishis did an A Capella rap, and the whole crowd was dead silent until he finished and everyone just went crazy!

Vishis and Royce-we were so close, they were pouring shots of Patron for everyone in the front row lol

After the show, we went to Steak n' Shake before heading back to my place. I was so exhausted, I fell asleep pretty much as soon as I laid down!

I told him to smile and this is what I got-such a grump lol

I wanna love you and treat you right, I wanna love you every day and every night.

Today I'm linking up with Jaime today for What I'm Loving Wednesday!



So here are a few things I'm loving lately....

I'm loving being tan (even though it's September!) Seriously, I didn't have a tan *all summer*. Go to the ball park Sept. 1, and get the best tan I've had all year.

I'm loving Tha Carter IV. I have been waiting for this album since Tha Carter III and I'm soooo happy it's out now! I've been pretty much listening to it non-stop!


I'm loving my wonderful mother who has been so helpful when I come over and always makes sure whatever she's making for dinner is GF. It's made things so much easier with her help! Moms are the best!

And speaking of my mom...

I'm loving my parents who celebrated their 28 year anniversary last week!

Even though I joke with them, I'll be so very blessed if I'm able to find someone who I love as much as they love each other.

What are ya'll loving today?

Where'd you go? I miss you so. Seems like it's been forever, that you've been gone.

I feel like I just imagined you in my bed. Your hands running through my hair as I laughed nervously. I'm trying to convince myself to be content, to be thankful you were there at all.

But I'm greedy. It's been too long and I want you back.

There was always an excuse- the timing, the place, this girl, that boy. But we always came back to each other. The excuses are gone- now its just me and you and years of waiting.

Are you scared? I know I am, so I don't blame you. Just come back. Come back and we'll talk. Because I'm not scared when I'm with you.

Was I dreaming when you pulled me close? When I reached out to touch you, like I've wanted for so long, was it even real?

I've wanted this for so long. We both have.

There's nothing in our way.

So what's stopping us?

Internet relationships are not real. Your heart people steal but identities conceal.

AOL. America Online.

Every few days it seemed, a new cd would come in the mail. I'd take it dutifully to my father and beg him to put it on the computer. He would load the latest version and when he was done, the familiar voice would call out:

"You've got mail!"

My brother and I would climb onto the desk to check our email. I was barely 10, but being online soon became my favorite activity.

I would navigate through websites and chat rooms with ease. I didn't understand why my mother and father had problems with something that came so naturally to me. The mouse felt like an extension of me, one I never even knew was missing until we reconnected.

The internet seemed to call to me, to pull me in. I wanted to do nothing else but sit in front of the glowing computer screen. My parents would call from the other room:

"It's bed time now! Get off the computer! Say goodbye to your friends!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming..." I'd mumble back, not really having heard what they said.

Finally, my dad would come into the room and stand over my shoulder.

"Nothing good happens after 10 o'clock, in real life or online."

Every night an argument would ensue, and I was always on the losing end.

And he was right-nothing good ever did happen. I broke all of the internet safety rules my teachers and parents tried to instill in me

Don't talk to strangers? But they seem so harmless!

Don't give anyone my phone number? But how else am I supposed to talk to my new friends when you kick me off the computer at 10?

Don't share personal information? But they're my friends...

Without a second thought, I had become an online predators fantasy-naive and trusting.

I, like every teen, thought I was immune-Those horror stories on the TV surely won't happen to little old me.

And I got lucky. They didn't.

Only recently have I realized the danger I could have put myself in. And also recently, I learned my Dad was so very right-

"Nothing good happens after 10 o'clock, in real life or online."

This post is in response to a remembeRED prompt at Write on Edge-recall your early memories of being online.

I'm the guy that dies in the beginning of the movie

I don't currently have cable, so I've been watching a lot of movies. Usually, I go to the library and rent movies (My library has a great collection of documentaries which I love!) but lately, I'm addicted to RedBox! I had a few codes to get some free rentals and even without those, it's only $1! Can't really beat that!

Since moving in, I've watched a few that I really liked and one that was not as funny as I expected :-(

First, I was Just Go With It, with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.

Let me preface by saying that Adam Sandler is one of my favorite actors (Big Daddy is one of my all time favorite movies), and this did not disappoint! I thought he was so funny and Jennifer Aniston, too! Between this and Horrible Bosses, she's becoming quite the little comedienne, isn't she? The plot itself was kind of silly and predictable, but I thought the jokes more than made up for it. Plus, I love the Andy Roddick cameo at the end! (PS I loved the soundtrack from this-it was a bunch of mash-ups!)

The second one I liked was Hall Pass with Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis.

It was pretty funny, too, though I though the supporting actors and actresses were the funniest parts. I just love Jenna Fisher and Christina Applegate and they were both funny in this. And there were some definite parts that had me laughing out loud.

The third one I rented I wasn't really happy with. I got The Dilemma with Vince Vaughn and Kevin James. I love love love both of them, so I was a little upset that this wasn't really funny...at all. They tried, but the jokes just fell flat :-( I can't be too mad since it was free, so I'll just wait till they have another movie come out to redeem themselves lol

Have you guys seen any good movies lately? Any recommendations?

I still love you New York.

I was in 8th grade, sitting in math class. Half way through class, our teacher turned on the TV. We were excited-TV during class? That only happened on special occasions. What was going on?

Every station was showing the same thing-smoke billowing out of the first tower. No one spoke-I don't think anyone could comprehend what was going on. The bell rang, but the classes stayed put, all eyes fixated on the TV screens.

The second plane came from the right of the screen, crashing into the second tower. I thought it was a replay of the first plane, it took a few minutes to realize it had happened again.

As the news came in about the other two planes, my thoughts turned to family, some of whom lived in New York, and an uncle who worked in the Pentagon. It seemed like everyone was one step removed from someone involved, and everyone was scared.

The rest of the day was a blur. It was eerily silent, like even nature was in shock.

I left school and came home to find my parents finishing up the lawn work. As I walked inside, my neighbor asked my father if they should be listening to music, maybe it would help.

"No," My dad answered, "it doesn't feel right."

We watched footage all day, a constant loop of the smoke and fire and screaming and collapsing.

"There were people jumping out of windows..." my dad muttered. That image, along with so many others haunts me.

The next day, we all gathered in our classes, as the teachers tried to explain what happened.

A girl to my left raised her hand.

"I know this is bad and everything, but...what does this mean to me? How does this affect me?"

Her statement drew shock from our teacher, he tried to calmly explain that we didn't know what was going to happen next, the specifics were still very uncertain, but life as we knew it would never be the same.

Today, and many days since then, the people who lost loved ones have been in my heart and in my prayers. And I am so thankful for everyone who gave their time and their lives so I am able to say how proud I am to be an American.

We're gonna build something this summer.

I cannot believe how fast Labor Day got here! I mean seriously, I feel like it was just May and now, it's unofficially the end of summer-time sure is flying :-(

My Labor Day weekend was pretty chill, which is just how I like it lol Since I work in food service, I didn't get the day off or get to enjoy the long weekend but I did get to do some fun stuff anyway.

I continued my tradition of spending every summer holiday at the ball park and watched the Tigers lose to the Royals on Thursday afternoon.


I also picked up a pretty wicked sunburn...oops!

This picture doesn't really do it justice. When I saw my brother later, he just said "What up, lobster?" :-/
(Also, there are tan lines from my necklace...awesome lol)

We were super slow at work, because everyone else was enjoying a mini-vaca but I took the time to do some homework and get caught up on blogs so I didn't mind too much :-)

After work on Monday, I was able to enjoy some of my mother's delicious barbeque. I wanted to take pictures, but by the time I got there most of the food was gone :-( I was able to score some yummy ribs and potato salad, so I was a happy girl.

Even though it was 3453829561 degrees all week, it cooled down perfectly and I broke out my Uggs on Tuesday.

Hello, Michigan weather-we go from 90 and sunny, with 100% humidity to 60 and rainy in 2.5 seconds flat.

With just one key on my key chain, I'm gonna start all over again

I've been meaning to post this but totally blanked! Doh!

All summer long For The Love of Blogs, was holding daily giveaways and I was lucky enough to win one!

I won a personalized can koozie and key chain from Bobbi at DAT's so Cute, which came not too long ago and I am just in love with them!


I think the bow on the koozie is too cute and the keychain is perfect! Mine broke this week and I could not have found a better replacement! I love having a new key chain for me new apartment keys-it seems very fitting, no?

She does all sorts of personalized stuff too-diaper bags, burp clothes.... all sorts of stuff! She blogs over at DAT's so cute so go check her out!

Simple things we say, everyday we find the way

I haven't linked up with Jesslyn Amber for a few weeks but I thought this was a good week to appreciate the Simple Things!

*live music*
*cool weather*
*hanging with my mom*
*old friends*
*fantasy football*
*September baseball*

What simple things are you enjoying this week? Go link up and share!

With a shiver in my bones just thinking about the weather.

I've seen this pop up on a few blogs, and since I'm addicted to Pinterest, I figured I'd play along!




Lately, I've been obsessing about fall, so here's all some of my favorite fall pins!

Source: blog.lescomposantes.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I just love fall fashion!

Source: blogs.babble.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Can you imagine coming home to a warm mug of this? Yum!

Source: hisforhandmade.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

So ready to wear all my scarves!

Source: nailstah.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Matte nail polish is so perfect for fall-and that color!?!?! I die.

Source: google.ca via Amanda on Pinterest

Peppermint hot chocolate. Second only to Pumpkin Spice Latte :-)

What fun pins have you guys found? I'd love to see!

And if you want, you can follow me!
Or if you need a invite let me know!

Go link up with Michelle at The Vintage Apple and check out everyone's Pinterest finds!

It's your turn, step up and take it.

I've seen a few people doing this and I thought it would be kind of fun to play along :-)

1. What is a nickname only your family calls you?
• I've always had lots of nicknames but the one that's stuck the longest is Panda. My mom calls me Panda and then my friends in high school picked it up too haha
  
2. What is a weird habit of yours?
• Just one? lol Um...I always make sure I have even numbers of things. I hate having odd numbers! If I'm eating I make sure to chew an equal amount on both sides, otherwise I feel weird lol
  
3. Do you have any weird phobias?
• I'm *terrified* of geese! My co-workers have been trying to convince me that geese can't kill you, but I'm not sure I believe them...
  
4. What's a song that you secretly love to blast and belt out when you're alone?
• I pretty much do it to any song, but when I'm really alone, I usually try to rap along with Lil' Wayne...I'm not horrible, but I'm definitely not good lol
  
5. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?
• Again, just one? just kidding lol I hate when people text and they don't have their keyboards on silent so you hear all the beeps. It drives me ca-razy!
  
6. What's one of your nervous habits?
• I check my phone *constantly* when I'm nervous. And half the time I don't even realize I'm doing it!
  
7. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
• Usually on the left... even though I'm the only one in it haha
  
8. What was your first stuffed animal and its name?
• My first stuffed animal was a yellow bear named Teddy. I took him EVERYWHERE. in fact, I even took with with me to my new apartment (He has separation anxiety....or maybe that's me lol)
9. What's the drink you always order at Starbucks?
• I had to give up coffee, so my order has changes alot because I'm still trying to find a non-coffee drink I love. Lately, I've been getting Iced Chai Lattes, but I'm trying to figure out how I can get the Pumpkin Spice Latte without the coffee, because those are one of my favorite things about fall!
10. What's a beauty rule you preach, but never actually practice?
• I don't know that there's anything I preach exactly, but the one that I believe in that I break the most is picking at my nail polish :-/
  
11. Which way do you face in the shower?
• Away from the water, until I have to wash my face
12. Do you have any weird body skills?
• Umm....I read somewhere years ago that it's impossible to move your pinky toe without moving the rest or your toes. Not sure if that's true or not, but I can lol
  
13. What's your favorite comfort food that is "bad" but you eat it anyways?
• Does Taco Bell count as comfort food? lol I had to stop eating it since going GF but it's one of the things I miss the most lol
  
14. What's a phrase or exclamation that you always say?
• For reals, BRB, lame, silly, get over yourself. I also add "right now" to the end of everything (Seriously, right now? I can't believe you right now! etc)
  
15. Time to sleep -- What are you actually wearing?
• Whatever is on top of my pajama pile/drawer.

If anyone else, wants to feel free to answer the questions, either in the comments or on your blog. I'd love to know other peoples answers!

Hey, I put some new shoes on, and suddenly everything is right.

Well, not exactly new shoes, but a new blog design is pretty close, right?

Can I just say how in love with my redesign I am? I love everything about it! I gave Jessica a few ideas and away she went and came up with some so amazingly me.

If anyone is looking for a blog redesign, go check out her site. She was so sweet and easy to work with, and does really great work!

http://www.diamonddolldesign.com/