Summer Happenings

I've actually been going places and doing things the past couple of days, so I decided to do a little post on it all. On Friday, My Mom and I did a bit of shopping then stopped at my sister and brother-in-law's house for a visit. We went to T.J. Maxx then stopped at the Mall of America to hit up a few stores. One of them being The Gold Guys. Recently I've been thinking about ways I could make some quick bucks to save up for my trip, and The Gold Guys was one of the ideas that came to mind. Basically you bring in your unwanted and broken gold, silver, and platinum jewelry and such, and they give you money for it. I had never been there before, but convinced my mom we should give it a go. We didn't have that much, but in my opinion, altogether we made a pretty penny! It was certainly more than we were expecting. It was the gold jewelry that really did it, but the silver we brought in was the icing on the cake! If you have old jewelry laying around collecting dust, I would definitely suggest selling it. (There are a number of places that will buy it, just make sure they won't rip you off) It was so easy too! We weren't in the store for very long, and the employees seemed to really know what they were doing. 

Today I spent the day out on the lake with my family, and it turned out to be a beautiful day! This morning it was really cloudy and overcast, but it cleared up just as we were leaving. One of the reasons it was so fun was because I finally had the chance to go tubing for the first time this summer. I absolutely love tubing. There are a lot of lakes where I'm from so water sports are pretty popular, but I'm not sure if people go tubing everywhere so I'll explain it. Basically, a tube is pulled behind a boat or a personal watercraft by a rope and it results in tons of fun! (I've included a picture of it below) It can be painful though. I bit my tongue pretty hard when we flew over a wave and I also got a slight headache but it was still worth it. Ahh I just love summer! 

On another note, tonight I am going with my sister to my Aunt and Uncle's house to stay there until tuesday and take care of their dog while they're gone. I've never done this sort of thing before so it should be interesting. We've packed a meager supply of food (nothing very nutritious), some movies, clothes, and we're set to go! My family doesn't have any pets, so hopefully the dog survives with us taking care of him. 

I hope everyone is having a great week! 

Haha sorry this is probably the worst picture to show what tubing is. I guess my mom didn't know where the zoom button was...

 Loon! 

It's That Time Again: Olympics 2012!

Whoop whoop! It's officially olympics time! If you couldn't already tell, I absolutely LOVE the olympics. I'm usually not much of a sports fan, especially if I'm watching on T.V., but there is just something about the olympics that gets me pumped up! I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that it's something that the whole world comes together for, to celebrate and cheer for their team and country. It really promotes patriotism, and I for one, love having something to root for, and it makes me really proud of my country. 

I can never really decide if I like the summer or winter olympics better, because there are events in both of them that I love. My favorites include gymnastics, figure skating, swimming, diving, and skiing. The amount of skill and dedication these athletes have amazes me every time, and I love to see all of their hard work pay off. 

It's so weird to think about all the planning that goes into things like this, and how many people must be involved. Back in 2005 when I was in Paris with my family, I remember that the whole city was decorated with the olympic colors, and "Paris 2012" was plastered onto every monument, including the Eiffel Tower. It was because Paris was one of the cities in the running for these olympics. It's crazy how far in advance they plan this! Although I have to say that I'm glad London ended up being chosen.  I wish I remembered more about the last time the olympics took place in the U.S. 

I'm watching the last bits of the opening ceremonies now, and my excitement for the upcoming days is only building. Is anyone else super pumped for the olympics? 

Photo courtesy of Google

Dipping My Toes Into the Waters of Photography

I really enjoy taking pictures, and I thought I would take this opportunity to post a few of my favorites. But first I just wanted to say that when I say that I'm an amateur photographer, I really mean it. I like to take pictures, but I don't know all that much about cameras etc. I've never studied photography and probably never will. It's just something I like to do for fun, and sometimes I end up with a rare good one out of the bunch. ;) 

All of the ones with people in them are candid shots except for the last one (obviously), which is probably why I like them so much. Oh and I guess I could say that the first one is only semi-candid. 

Bookworm at Heart

As I've mentioned before, I absolutely love to read. I love the feeling of being totally wrapped up in something. For me, reading is a way to become completely absorbed in a story and escape the mundaneness of my everyday life. Part of me thinks it's because I secretly long for excitement and adventure, and reading happens to satisfy my craving. Ever since I can remember, I've always loved books. My parents would oftentimes read stories to my sisters and me when we were younger, and we loved it! Looking back on it now, I truly believe that my love for reading has helped me in so many ways. 

First of all, I have learned so many things just from the different books I've read over the years. (I usually don't read informative/nonfiction books so that's saying something!) Not only has it helped me better understand different events and time periods. It has also expanded my vocabulary and knowledge of the english language. (I am in no way saying that I am an expert on these things. There is still so much that I can learn) In addition to those things, I believe reading has also sparked my interest in history and allows me to keep exploring to my heart's content. I know a lot of people my age absolutely loathe reading anything for fun. It makes me sad when I think about how much they're missing out on, but also, I totally understand. I'm sure there are many things that they enjoy that I would loathe just as much. 

I have always considered myself to be pretty creative and imaginative. Even now, thinking about all the stories and games my sisters and I came up with when we were younger amazes me. I think reading has  played a huge role in helping develop our imagination. I look back and think about how content we were with maybe a few toys and our imaginations. 

I'll admit, there are definitely times where I can say that the thought of reading has brought me a feeling of dread. After being in college, reading took on a whole new meaning. I had so much reading to do in my textbooks, that I hardly did any reading for fun the entire year. It made me a little bit sad, but now that it is summer, I am back into the swing of things. If you love reading just as much as I do, I would definitely suggest going to the library. 

I know it may sound corny, and they would definitely be a lot more interesting if they were like the one from Beauty & The Beast (one day I will have that library ;)), but trust me, there are so many good things about them. I used to go when I was little but started going again regularly a couple years ago. I still use the same library card (it is very old and battered) and I think it is free at most libraries to join. I know books can be kind of expensive, so if you hate paying for something you will only read a couple of times (or maybe not even that) you should definitely consider checking out the library. (Haha I guess I kind of snuck a little pun in there) I enjoy popping in and browsing around, but my absolute favorite thing is that I can request books. Now I'm pretty sure not every library will have this. Mine is a chain so it works because they have libraries all around where I live. I can go on the website, sign in using my library card number, and request books that I want to read. This is especially nice if they don't have the book that I'm looking for at the library I go to, because they will bring it from one of their other locations and hold it for me for a certain number of days. Then all I have to do is go pick it up. Easy eh? I can also keep track of what I have checked out, any fines, due dates, and am able to renew things online as well as check the progress of any requested materials. 

Not only is the library good for books, it is also a great place to rent movies and CD's. This may not always be so reliable since sometimes they can be scratched, but it's still better than having to pay, in my opinion. You can also go there and use the computers, or you can bring you own computer and use the wireless for free. The last great thing about libraries are the magazines. I love reading magazines, but don't have any subscriptions. The library has all the ones that I enjoy reading and I think you can even check them out as long as it's not the most current issue at the time. 

All in all, I hope this post helped open your eyes to something you may have never considered. It is a great opportunity and resource that many people are not aware of. Whether you love reading or not, the library has a little something for everyone. 

Does anyone else enjoy going to their local library or reading as much as I do? 

All images courtesy of google

Sweet Summertime

The summers where I live are usually pretty hot and can be quite humid. This summer however, has been extra hot. I'm talking the "walk outside and immediately break a sweat" kind of hot. Seeing as I don't relish being overly warm, and as I've mentioned before that I burn quite easily in the sun, I've pretty much limited my time outdoors to watering the flowers, or walking across the street to get the mail. I thought that since I'm in the house often, it would be the perfect time to get things done. So I cranked up the music and got to work. 

The first thing I did was tackle my room. My room has been arranged the same way for years, and for a while now I have been itching to change it up. The only problem is that my room is quite small and with all the furniture in it, there was no good way to rearrange it. Also, there was the fact that I don't even live here for the most part of the year anymore, so I didn't know if it would even be worth it. I decided eh what the heck I'll give it a go. So on Saturday I busted out the tools and started taking things apart. It took a lot of effort and multiple people to move/dismantle all the furniture, but I am very pleased with the outcome. The best part is that I finally have the window fully unblocked and my room is so bright! It still amazes me whenever I walk into it. 

I've also been keeping busy with other things around the house, reading, and seeing friends. I have also been discovering a lot of new music. I absolutely love music, and honestly think life would be completely dull without it. It has the wonderful ability to lift my spirits and make me smile. If anyone has any music suggestions, I would definitely love to hear them. I've decided to include a few songs that no matter what, always seem to make me want to turn up the volume, sing along, and get up and dance. 

~ You Make My Dreams - Daryl Hall & John Oates

~ Mack The Knife - The Brian Setzer Orchestra 

~ Love On Top - Beyonce

~ This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole

~ Mother, We Just Can't Get Enough - New Radicals

~ I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney Houston

~ You Make Me Feel Like A Star - Beu Sisters

~ Closer To The Edge - 30 Seconds To Mars

~ Dancin' In The Moonlight - Toploader

~ iF U C Kate - McFly

~ Brokenhearted - Karmin

~ Touches You - Mika

These are just a few of my favorites. I know it may seem like a lot but believe me, It was hard to even narrow it down to these 12. Ok so some of these videos may be a bit strange. I didn't watch them all the way through so I apologize if they are not perfect. I know at least one of them is pitched weirdly and one of them cut the beginning off, but it's the best I could find. I hope everyone is enjoying their week so far and find something, even if it is something small, that makes them smile and brings them some happiness!

Some random pictures from summer so far =D

Russian Nesting Dolls

Flowers From The Garden

New Obsession??

Photos courtesy of google

I was flipping through a magazine a while ago, and I came across a perfume sample. Now usually when this happens I don't even stop to look at it, because I feel like when they are in a magazine they all smell the same. Strong and papery. This time however, I noticed it was for a coach perfume, and decided to give it a little sniff. Coach happens to be one of my favorite higher end brands mainly because I don't own many designer brand products, and the two pairs of coach shoes that I do own are my favorite shoes. Anyway, back to the perfume. It smelled AMAZING! So amazing in fact, that I actually tore the little flap off and rubbed it all over my wrists. It was the limited edition summertime perfume (actually I think it was eau de toilet. I never really understood a major difference between the two.) and I was in love. I don't actually own that many perfumes as I have mainly just used body sprays for fear of being one of those people that walk past and leave you choking in a cloud of their perfume. I just have my most recent addition of couture couture by juicy couture and a J. Lo one from a looooong time ago. I have found myself to be getting more into perfumes lately. I guess I like smelling nice, and body sprays never seem to last the entire day. Although I do still fear the whole overpowering perfume cloud scenario. 

Whew, this is getting a little off topic. The entire night after I used the magazine "sample" I could not stop sniffing my wrists, and the scent just seemed to be getting better as the night wore on. I seriously have never been obsessed with a fragrance this much. It was borderline crazy. My sister kept giving me weird looks, and I think I even told her that it smelled so delicious that I just wanted to chew my hand off at one point. An obvious exaggeration, but I'm not sure by how much. (Maybe all the perfume sniffing was getting to me and making me delusional) The magazine ad conveniently had the price listed (in fine print), and I knew I wouldn't be getting my hands on it anytime soon, especially since it is limited edition. I scoured the web searching for a cheaper price with no such luck. Also, the little piece of paper with the scent on it that I saved and kept sniffing, was starting to smell just like a plain ol' magazine page. I went to Macy's hoping they would have those little sample things you can fill up and take home with you, but didn't have any luck with that either. 

Eventually, I gave up hope and forgot about it... kind of. A couple of days ago I was in Sephora when I saw it, that little bottle of yummyness. (I'm terrible at describing scents so yes, that's the word I'm going with) It was still the same price so I knew I wouldn't be going home with it, but I was curious to try it out again because in my desperate search online, I noticed that the reviews said it smelled way different out of the bottle than the sample did. I sprayed it on and was relieved that they were right. It did not smell half as good as I remembered. Yes, relieved, because then I could get over this obsession and move on. I went on with my shopping but lo and behold, just like before, the scent just kept getting better with time. I remembered why I loved it so much, and the whole compulsive sniffing wrist episode ensued. 

Now if you're reading this and thinking "this long-winded story has got to be leading up to a happy ending", I'm sorry to disappoint. While it is still something I dream about owning, and think it would look smashing on my dresser amongst all my other bottles etc., I don't need it. However, if you're in the market for a new fragrance, I would highly recommend this one. (Obviously) If you do purchase it, or already own it, please let me know. I can live vicariously through you. Now after I've been raving about it I hope you don't go take a whiff and start gagging. That would be slightly embarrassing, but to each her own I guess. Everyone has different tastes. 

Oh and just another little tidbit from my oh so exciting life (eye roll ;D). I have really been in a baking mood lately. Now if you know me, which I'm assuming you don't, (unless you're that crazy person that I always see sitting on the roof outside my window. Haha joking) you'll know that I'm not much of a chef. My mom freaks out slightly if I use the oven/stove. I attempted to make a peanut butter pie today, it may sound weird, but if you've ever had the one from Perkin's Restaurant and Bakery, you'll know why I tried making my own, and if you haven't, you're missing out! I made quite the mess out of the kitchen and created a pile of dirty dishes, but it turned out better than I thought it would because I tasted some of it when I was mixing it and it tasted slightly of dish soap, which obviously worried me a little. I was going to take a picture of it to post, but forgot until after my mom had taken a slice out of it. I think I will try my hand at chocolate chip banana bread sometime soon and see how that turns out. 

Yikes! This post goes on forever. It wasn't my intent, but it is what it is I guess. Anyways, I hope everyone's week is going swimmingly! 

My Week In Photos

1. I Felt Like Wearing My Harry Potter Shirt // 2. My Lucky Bamboo Plant // 3. WATERMELON! // 4. For My Sunburn Haha // 5. Independence Day // 6. Preparing For My Trip // 7. I Suddenly Felt Like Baking // 8. New Shirt (Only $4.00!) // 9. Painted My Nails With Sinful Colors in the Shade Let's Talk

"Land of the free, and the home of the brave"

Yesterday was the fourth of July, otherwise known as Independence Day. I consider myself to be a pretty patriotic person, thus making this one of my favorite holidays. It is usually a day filled with family, food, parades, swimming, and fireworks. For the last couple of years, we have made a tradition of taking our boat out on the lake and relaxing. This year some of my cousins joined us and we had a great time. We're all really close since we grew up basically on the same street. We ate tons of great food, which is the usual when we all get together. Overall, it was a fantastic day even though I am now painfully burned to a crisp from the sun. I have very fair skin so no matter the amount of sun screen, if I go outside in the summer, I will get burned. It was extremely hot out, almost 100 degrees, and I think I got enough vitamin D to last the rest of the summer. When we got home, we were all so tired we didn't even go see the fireworks. I know, major fourth of July crime, but we were exhausted and also didn't really feel like braving the mosquitoes (which seem to be particularly horrendous this year). Despite the non-fireworks, I had an amazing day but now must go slather my red, throbbing, skin with aloe vera gel. How pleasant. I hope everyone had a great Independence Day and had better luck not getting burned. 

So Call Me... Crazy?...

So I've noticed that there may be a new trend on the rise... It's certainly not everybody's cup of tea, but I actually think it's a pretty good (and interesting) idea. I know many celebrities have hopped on the bandwagon, and perhaps many other people have too but prefer not to wear it in public haha. Yes, I'm talking...writing?... about the OnePiece. 

Photo Credit: OnePiece Jump In website

If they weren't so absurdly overpriced, I would definitely own one by now. In fact, I would own this very one if I could get my hands on it. Maybe there is a reason for the out of this world price. There probably is, but all I know is that sadly I won't be coming near one anytime soon. I'm definitely not the type of person who would wear this out and about, but without a doubt I would get some great use out of it lounging around the house during the frigid winter months. Remember when matching sweat/track suits used to be the fashion? Well it's like they've just gone a step further and connected them. Why not? There are many different patterns, and if you want to, you can check them out HERE

What do you think about the OnePiece? Does anyone actually own one? I'd love to hear what you think about them.

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Success!

I have been on the hunt for a black blazer for a while now, and after months of searching I have finally found one. (Whoo!) It's not that I couldn't ever find one whilst shopping. I mean they are pretty plentiful as it is a sort of "staple" item in someone's wardrobe I suppose, but every time I found one I just wasn't a huge fan of the price. I'll admit it, I'm probably somewhat more of a cheap shopper when it comes to clothing than most people are. I just have a hard time shelling out so much cash for one thing when I know I could get multiple items for the same price. 

However, it looks like waiting paid off because I finally found what I was looking for.

Where did this great bargain come from you may ask? I was out shopping with my mom in Marshall's, which carries many different types of clothing and brands, (amongst other things), and I came across this gem from American Eagle. It is exactly what I have been looking for (although it does seem to be quite the lint magnet, but that's what lint rollers are for right?), and after I got a good gander at the price, I actually allowed myself to try it on. Even more amazingly was that it fit great! (Yippee =D) I really like that you can roll the sleeves up to show the blue and white striped lining underneath. Sadly though I haven't gotten the chance to wear it yet, and probably won't get to for a while seeing as it is quite hot here at the moment. However, I have decided it will be the perfect thing to bring with me on my upcoming trip to England as it will go with many things since I will only be able to bring a limited amount of clothing. 

I'm so excited about this great find, and hope everyone has as much luck in their upcoming shopping as I did!