Where have I been???? Updates and an apology.

Hello Lovelies,

I'm going to apologize for not posting anything for the last 6 months.  I have no idea why I haven't posted because I've done some great things in that time that I would of loved to share with you.  I'm going to try my best to blog once a week about what's been going on in my life (keyword try).  

Update on my life: Currently, I'm a supervisor at a lovely retail store and am looking to move up within the company.  I'm in the process of redesigning/redecorating my room, which is taking me way longer than I expected.  

So since my last post I talked about getting a haircut.  I've mentioned before I have a weird phobia of getting my haircut.  As a little kid I've had some horrific haircuts (thanks mom!) and that has translated to my adult life.  However, I've found an amazing salon and an amazing stylist who truly understands the texture of my hair and is willing to talk me off the ledge when I go in a say "I want short hair and I want to dye it darker, or maybe lighter?"

So after a brief panic attack and countless pictures later, we decided a lob was definitely the cut for me and in terms of color she told me I should embrace my natural highlights but maybe help speed them up a bit by adding some dimension.

 While at the salon I got a little bored because I didn't realize the process getting "a few" subtle highlights would still take an hour so I decided to whip out the Ipad and take some photo Booth pictures.

The finished product, subtle highlights in the front to add some dimension and shorter hair. I've gotten my haircut a few times after this and I don't think it's even looked as good as this cut has been.  Now, this isn't because my hair stylist isn't talented, I believe I'm to blame for this because I made the mistake of telling her having so few layers has made my hair heavy and less curly (which truthfully is a gift from god because my natural hair isn't pretty).  The color has turned out better than I could of expected, as the summer progressed the color got more natural and looked ahhh-mazing.

Currently my hair looks like this... but as I look at old pictures I'm thinking the winter is calling for longer hair which I can curl and just love and style.

I love my hair this length but the problem with it is I feel like I'm limited in how I can style it.  I straighten it nearly everyday, and that's damaging to my hair.  When it's longer I can curl it and get maybe 2-3 days out of that style or I can put it in a top knot and go about my day.

Here are some old pictures of my long hair that I kind of miss...

I definitely think the shorter style makes me look more my age, since people always seem to think I'm like 12 (I know I should appreciate this now, but it gets annoying after awhile).  I'm slowly growing out my lob but I know once spring rolls around I'll want shorter hair again.  Ugh, the struggles of being a girl.

Moving on from haircuts, I was fortunate enough to go to Florida for 12 days in May and have just gotten back from a weekend trip to Chicago.  I'll write some posts about those trips at a later date (probably right after I finish this one!) because there is just too much to share.

I've mentioned earlier that I've been SLOWLY redecorating my room.  The keyword in that sentence is slowly.  Truthfully I had an image of what I wanted in my head and it's difficult to find those pieces, in my price range, which is basically as close to free as possible.  The room is almost complete but I just need a few more accent pieces to add some color into my room.  I'm going to hold off on pictures until I can do a full post on everything that I've done.

So to wrap up, I'm hoping to update this blog once a week on the progress of my room, what I've been up to, and basically what I've bought because let's face it, once a shopaholic always a shopaholic!!!!
I've bought some great pieces recently and I can't wait to share 6 months worth of shopping!!!!!

Until next time!

A Week in Review... outfits, movies, and shopping

Hello Lovelies,

Sorry again for the lack of posting.  I've been super busy at work since it's Christmas shopping time.  However, the only plus to working a lot is I get to put together some cute outfits.  This past week in NJ was unseasonable warm so I got to wear a few items that I would never imagine wearing in December.

So without further ado, let's get on with the outfits!!!

 The first outfit was a black and white plaid chiffon blouse from Old Navy paired under a black V-neck sweater.  I also chose to pair this outfit with my boyfriend fit pants from Gap and my J.Crew CeCe flats, which I absolutely adore.

Probably my favorite outfit of the week was the one I wore when it was 65 degrees this Tuesday.  I paired my skinny cropped navy polka dot pants, a lavender boyfriend fit shirt, and a navy crew neck sweater all of which came from the Gap.  I also work my favorite gold cece's from J.Crew and my bubble necklace, which has quickly become a staple for me.  

Although I mentioned above that the polka dot outfit was my favorite of the week, this Chevron outfits was a close second.  I love this blouse that I got at Nordstrom during their Anniversary Sale, and this is actually the first time I wore it.  I paired it with a pair of Black Rockstar skinny pants from Old Navy, which I took a chance on because they were only $15 and surprising I liked the fit.  I also decided to wear my pink CeCe's as my pop of color because I felt like this outfit needed something to spice it up.


So onto movies.... I just got back from seeing Playing for Keeps.  Overall, I say the movie was cute and heartfelt but by no means was it amazing.  My favorite part of the whole movie is that Gerald Butler has the sexiest Scottish accent ever.  Jessica Biel, on the other hand was a little annoying in the movie.  I love Jessica Biel and am considering dying my hair like hers but in the movie she has this dark hair that just washes her out.  Again, it was a cute movie but I definitely think it's one of those that you can wait to see on Redbox or OnDemand.

I also attempted to watch Rock of Love but I lost interest about 45 minutes in and don't think i'll ever be able to watch it again.

Until next time......

Owls, owls, owls

Hello Lovelies,

So anyone that knows me knows I am O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D with owls.  I believe I have fallen in love with owls before they were super popular and I want to share the reason why I am in love with these little birds.  First, to be completely honest I hate birds, they freak me out but ever since a little Eastern Screech Owl, who I lovingly nicknamed Earle, landed in my neighbors tree I've fallen in love with owls.  Earle, has been living in a dead tree off and on for the last 3 years.  He randomly appears in the Fall and disappears right before the end of the spring.  Now, I'm not a professional photographer in the slightest but I absolutely love taking pictures of this little guy.  Here is a collection of the photos I've taken through the years of Earle!

Earle in his little tree branch

The funny thing about Earle is you never think his eyes are open.  I know he's always watching me because I can tell he subtly moves his head to follow me but his eyes always look closed.  

My favorite picture of Earle ever.  This was probably one of the first pictures I've ever taken of him.

So as you can see, Earle has inspired my obsession with owls and now I literally have owls on everything, which I love.  I even have a few owl shirts, which is slightly embarrassing to admit.

Bracing for Hurricane Sandy

Hello Lovelies,

Here in NJ I am under lockdown because of this crazy Frankenstorm known as Hurricane Sandy is currently wrecking havoc on my beloved state.  I live only a few miles from the beach but I'm far enough that the ocean can't reach my house.  However, the town I live in is surrounded by the Shrewsbury River so a lot of the residents have been forced to evacuate.  My family has not had to do so, but my thoughts and prayers are with all those who are suffering through this storm.  Here in NJ, we're no strangers to storms but this storm is particularly bad because it's going to make landfall in NJ.  What also doesn't help is that the tides are at an all time high, and the full moon is probably to blame for that.  The pictures of Atlantic City are heartbreaking because most of the city is actually underwater and the brunt of the storm isn't even here yet. (If you want to see the pictures of the destruction just go on Instagram and search the hashtag #hurricanesandy)

 


On a more positive and uplifting note, I've been trying to experiment with different types of outfits that wouldn't normally be my style.  Here are some work outfits that I've been experimenting with...

Here's to hoping that I don't loose power and survive Hurricane Sandy with relatively little damage.  

Scooter Cruising

So today I spent a lovely day out with my father and brother.  For some strange reason, my dad decided  it would be interesting to go to a local scooter store just to look at them.  I had no idea that when we walked in there we would be leaving with a scooter.  Ok, well we didn't leave with the scooter because apparently it has to be prepped and tested before we can get it (which is fine by me).  But we did purchase it, so technically it is all ours!

My new baby!  She needs a name, I'm thinking something french?

Funny story about my scooter obsession.  Ever since I was maybe 15 I've been obsessed with Vespa's.  True story, my parents considered getting me a scooter instead of a car for my 17th birthday because they thought it was a safer and cheaper alternative to a car.  Unfortunately, my mother being the nurse that she is, thought getting a scooter for a teenager may not be a good idea (smart thinking mom).  Another issue with getting a Vespa is I would have needed to get a motorcycle license and that was something I didn't want to do.  So my dreams of getting a Vespa were crushed until today!  Recently, NJ passed a law that stated you don't need to get a motorcycle license if you purchase a scooter that does not exceed 50 mph, which this scooter clocks in at 40 mph (which is fine by me).  This is a BMS Federal 50cc.  It's not a vespa but through research I've discovered Vespa's are overrated and over priced.  This cute scooter was still a little pricey but a good investment for someone like myself who lives in a small town.     

 This little beauty is suppose to be delivered on either Saturday or Tuesday so hopefully I'll get someone to videotape me learning how to ride it (because let's be honest, it should be pretty funny.)  I think this bike is going to be perfect for my mom to ride to work and for me to ride it around town!  I said I needed a change, who knew it was going to be a new form a transportation!

Life Sucks Sometimes. I Need a Change Stat!!!!

Hello all...

As you can probably already tell this post is not going to be all sunshine and rainbows.  After my last post about unfortunately not receiving a job offer, I've been in a funk.  I've realized that I can no longer work in retail (at least not in the position I'm currently in).  I need something more, I need a management position or a real job, I just need a change.  I need something that will provide me the financial security I am looking for.

So, where does that leave me.  Hopeless, frustrated, tired, optimistic? How about all of the above.  I keep telling myself that I'm giving myself the summer to kind of figure out what I want to do but in reality there aren't really jobs out there (at least the jobs that are there are not entry level positions).  I'm just confused. I've been reading the book Life After College and the information in the book is actually helping me figure out what my goals are, what motivates me, and is helping me develop a life plan.  While the book is helping me, it is making me semi depressed as well.  I know a lot of college students are struggling to find a job but I don't hear them complaining.  I cannot stress it enough, I'm begging someone to give me a chance.

I guess the rejection email I received from my last interview is taunting me.  I should probably just delete it but I keep looking at it hoping some how it will say what I want it to say.  It's not going to happen but I can dream!  What got me was that the email said "You are extremely qualified for the position and come highly recommended, but we've decided to go with someone with more experience."  There's that word again, experience, it's almost taunting me now.  How do employers expect recent grads to gain this experience if they are not willing to give someone a chance.  I wish I used my college experience a little more efficiently and done more internships to gain that experience but I don't have a time machine so that isn't really possible.  I guess I'll just hope some employer will remember the feeling and take a chance on me.

Sorry for my rant about jobs, I think the fact that I was so close to getting this position it made me re-evaluate my life and has frustrated me.  My one friend asked me if I actually wanted this position or was I just excited to have a job? What's interesting is I couldn't really answer the question.  I think I was more interested in making a decent amount of money and being able to say I'm employed rather then doing the actual job.  Oh well, no sense in wondering what could have been.

My week improved slightly over the next couple of days.  I was able to FINALLY get a haircut, which was long overdue!

Unfortunately, my hair only looked this good for a few hours because the Jersey humidity and rain caused my naturally wavy hair to frizz and poof up.  I am grateful that my hair is healthy and shiny and just so soft.  I'm thinking come September I may try something extreme with my hair.  I've done the short bob or the long shapeless hair.  The only thing I haven't done is dye my hair yet.  My hair stylist as well as the manager of the salon I go to told me to not even think about dying my hair but I want something different.  I want to add definition and color to my hair.  What I'm thinking is something like this in terms of the cut and maybe even the color....

from Pinterest

I don't think I'd go as blonde, but maybe go a light brown at my ends.  I wish I could have my hair look this good everyday but my waves are not as disciplined.  I tend to wake up with one side looking a mess while the other looks nice and pulled together.  

This is the color I'm thinking would soot my skin tone better...

Like the title states I need a change.  Whether it's a new job or a new hairstyle.  I need something that will boost my confidence and hopefully help me land a job.


I want to leave this blog with a quote that I find fitting for this blog.

"Keep on beginning and failing.  Each time you fail, start over again, and you will grow stronger until you have accomplished a purpose- not the one you began with perhaps, but you you'll be glad to remember. " Anne Sullivan

Hopefully my next post will be filled with sunshine and butterflies!!!!

FLORIDA 2012

Greetings from sunny NJ, I’m finally back home!!!!

These last couple of weeks have been very eventful for me.  I had finals, graduation, had to move out of my apartment/move back home, job hunted and went to FLORIDA for two weeks which leads me to the theme of this post. 

I’ve just come back from spending 2 weeks in the Orlando area.  I absolutely love all things Disney and love going back to the parks because it makes me appreciate all the hard work that went into making these AH-MAZING attractions.  I was a little disappointed that two of my favorite rides were closed for refurbishment (Test Track and Big Thunder Mountain) but my other favorite rides did not disappoint!!! My absolute favorite ride Expedition Everest never ceases to amaze me and if I could I would go on it over and over again!  Another favorite is Tower of Terror, which I actually didn’t even go on until last year which is embarrassing because I love roller coasters and thrill rides but anything having to do with elevators scares the crap out of me.  With my irrational fear set aside I rode Tower of Terror maybe 15 times and wish I rode it more. 

But the real highlight of my trip was getting the opportunity to do the Around the World at Epcot Segway Tour.  I’ve ridden a segway once before and loved it.  My parents knew how much I enjoyed the experience in DC that they asked me if I wanted to do it again in Florida.  Of course I couldn’t pass up the opportunity so me and my mother decided to take the tour.  The tour is about 2 hours long, with the first hour being devoted to learning about the segway and learning how to ride it.  The second hour is lead by a Disney Guest Relations cast member around all the different countries at Epcot.  Our first hour of training was lead by Mike, who was probably one of the funniest teachers I’ve ever met.  He taught us the ins and outs of the segway and taught us how to maneuver ramps, hills, and the pesky maintenance workers at Epcot, who will not move their hoses to avoid you. 

After the training was over, Conor, the Guest Relations tour guide lead us to International Drive and explained how Mr. Walt Disney came up with the idea of Epcot.  After admiring the World Showcase from International Drive we traveled to China where we learned all about the Foo Dog and the significance of them in Chinese culture.

After stopping at China we made our way over to Germany where we learned that this area was one of Walt’s favorite vacation destinations.  After Germany we headed over to my favorite place, Italy and learned all about the various restaurants which represent Rome, Tuscany,and Naples.  We also learned about Piazza San Marco and the tower that has 5 bells.  Word to the wise, never walk between the two pillars because when the 5th bell is ringing (it sounds like jingle bells) it means a public hanging is going to be taking place and the Italians use to walk the victim in between the pillars.  Our tour guide told us to always enter from the left or right of the pillars.

 

Finally our tour commenced at Morocco, which is a new favorite place of mine.  Morocco is the only part of the world showcase that is actually funded by the country it represents.  The president of Morocco flew artist and designers to Epcot to help make it as authentic as possible, and boy did it pay off.  The design work is impeccable (but not perfect and with out flaws because the only one who can create perfection is Allah)!

Although the Segway tour is a bit pricey it really is a great experience and I learned to appreciate the World Showcase at Epcot that much more.  I will be posting some videos and pictures after this and expelling them a bit more!

The was by far one of my favorite Florida trips!