In My Closet: Valentino (Well, sort of...)

Good afternoon ladies and gents, I hope you all are having a fabulous Sunday!

I've just spent mine doing laundry. laundry. and MORE laundry.

And some dishes, but that's all boring stuff.

It's been about a week since I've posted anything, but I'll have you know, a friend and I are collaborating up a controversial (but much, much needed) blog post... release date is TBD. :)

Yeah, I know, I kind of wrote that like my blogs are important to the entire world or something, but trust me, I know that my writing only extends to a small audience.

And I'm cool with that. :)

But anyways, back to today's message.

I know I'm constantly back and forth with buying quality items, but also saving money.

I'm here today to discuss a matter of having designer looks, without paying the designer price.

Sure, there are thousands of consignment shops where you can get actual, legit pieces of designer items, but you'll still be paying close to the designer price.

And no, this is NOT about knock-offs (I cringe a little at that word).

This is about companies that create styles that are very similar to what designer brands are making, but they make it obvious that it is their own company's label on the styles... NOT the designer brand in which the style is inspired by.

They make it very, very clear that it is inspired by a designer, but it is not a knock-off. It's under the brand in which produced it (I'll get to that momentarily). So no worries ladies, the website I'm about to discuss with you will not shame you by causing you to strut in false labels.

As you all probably know by now. I'm obsessed with shoes. Flats, skater slip-ons, gladiators, kitten heels, platforms, stilettos... you name it, I probably love own it in every color.

So that brings me to my FAVORITE website... www.shoedazzle.com :)

I started using this site about four years ago, after my daddy paid very close attention and decided to get it for me for Christmas.

And while the website has changed in a lot of ways since I've started using it, it's overall mission is there same.

Personal stylist, different shoes and accessories to choose from every month (selected by your stylist).

You take a quiz, and from there your "personal stylist" will develop a collection that suits your tastes each month. It's like your own little boutique!

Previously, it was a flat rate of $39.95 a month/pair, but now that Rachel Zoe has taken over, some of the ideas have changed.

You can sign up to be a VIP, pay $9.95/month, and all the monthly payment goes to credit your shoe addiction.

Or, you can simply pay the non-VIP price for your shoes every month, but the prices now vary.

It has it's pros/cons, but essentially, it's still one of my favorite places to shop for shoes.

To get back to the whole "designer inspired" idea, I've displayed two of my ShoeDazzle favorites below in comparison to their inspiration, Valentino.

   

               
                  

Top left: Valentino Version [heels] (Click here for price and information on Nordstrom)

Top right: My ShoeDazzle version, purchased last year for $39.95!

Bottom left: Valentino Version [flats] (Click here for price and information on Nordstrom)

Bottom right: My ShoeDazzle version, purchased last year for $39.95!

So, as they are very similar in resemblance, and inspired by Valentino, it is under the brand of ShoeDazzle (there are parts of it that make it unique to their own ideas and style, such as the velvet texture on the ShoeDazzle version).

So, ladies, you can have designer styles without feeling guilty for wearing knock-offs. :)

That's all for today, have a sunny Sunday!

What I Almost Gave Up: How I Dodged A Bullet

Hey there, ladies and gents. :)

Everything is fabulous in the city.

I'm feeling in the highest of spirits today, I think "Cloud 9" is what some people call it. And that is because, I'm realizing that everything is coming full circle for me, and everything is really starting to make sense. My passion is becoming a reality, and I can't even begin to describe to you have thankful I am for God and the opportunity He has given me to discover my true love: fashion.

It's been there my entire life... but I always thought I needed to do something that was more "within my reach." I was being so cruel to myself, denying my dreams, but no more.

I CAN do this, and I WILL do this.

But, that's a different rant, for a different day. :)

Right now, I want to discuss with you all, particularly young girls, or girls reaching adulthood (like myself) as to what it really means to follow your own dreams.

There's a difference between following your own real dreams, and following the dreams that you think you are supposed to have.

While that might sound all deep and philosophical or whatever that crap is, the bottom-line is: take care of yourself first, this is your time to be selfish.

And by selfish, I don't mean take food from small children or manipulate an enemy.

By selfish, I mean worry about your own needs.

Your own dreams, ambitions, life goals... this is YOUR time, and this is when you get to make all of the decisions and run the show, because right now, it's all about YOU.

I've been a relationship girl, my whole life. I went from one committed relationship directly to the next. Then after that, I never truly stopped dating. I went from guy to guy, date after date, talking-ship after talking-ship.

And why? Because I was basing my life off of what I thought I was suppose to want.

Committed relationship by 20, a bachelors-required job by 23, married before I hit 25, with maybe one kid, and working on the next.

And honestly, that is quite an amazing/blessed life, but that didn't mean that it is/was the right life for me.

Because the truth is, if my life would have started out on that path, I know for a fact that I would not be happy. I've had this burning passion in me to travel, to try new things, and to really find something that makes me have a die-hard, intense value for the life I lead.

And the American dream just doesn't fit that mold for me.

So back to the point, over the previous years, I've basically had the picture I painted for you above planned out for me. So I started trying a little too hard to make that happen.

Long story short, I was dating guys that didn't really fit the mold for what I wanted in my life.

And the worst part: I was going to let my "affection" for them trump over my true desires.

If you haven't figured it out already, I almost considered turning down the opportunity of a lifetime for someone that I was convincing myself I had strong feelings for.

Sure, he was a good guy, but not worth giving up my dreams.

So I procrastinated (and if you know me, you'll know that I'm truly allergic to procrastination and slacking off), and prayed I wouldn't get a response, thinking to myself "love wins all" and some other cliché bull-crap. (I wasn't in love, so why I even had that thought is beyond me).

So this previous semester, when I was waiting in the wings to hear whether or not I would get this internship, I secretly hoped that it wouldn't work out.

Because why? Because I was brainwashing myself. Telling myself that if I didn't "lock him down now" I would regret it forever.

And guess what? We decided that we weren't right for each other the next week, and broke things off.

That right there, is why at the age of 20, you don't tell your dreams no.

What if that little relationship would have lasted a few more weeks, and say I would have figured out that I had received the internship? What would I have done then.... turned it down?

It makes me sick to think about. I couldn't have imagined not having this experience. It's opened me up to who I want to be, what I want to do, and where I want to live.

I've found me this summer... so what would I have found if I had chosen a faulty relationship?

Ding ding ding: Nothing, or an "illusion" of what I "wanted."

So ladies, and even gents, don't be cruel to yourself. LOVE yourself, and don't tell yourself no.

Unless it's drugs, always say no to drugs.

So, in a weird way, thank the people who have broken your heart, screwed you over in someway, or have just been downright hateful.

Because they're the reason that you're able to properly take care of yourself, and understand what "yourself" actually even means.

And once you let your dreams unfold, get settled in for the ride of your life, and you really genuinely feel like you're living the way you've always desired... that's when you're ready.

And by ready, I mean ready to open your life up to another human being.

I know I know, I talk about this a lot. But that's because, unfortunately at the age of 20, I've had too much experience with commitment, and I know the results of those situations.

You start thinking with someone else's brain, planning a life that only half-excites you, just hoping that this person will be the ticket to your happiness.

And maybe they will be, but if you have even the smallest shred a doubt in your body, it probably isn't.

If you let this process prolong for too long, telling someone what they want to hear... you'll just end up hurting them in the end.

And you'll feel like the bad guy. A really, really, really bad guy... for breaking all the promises you made, for ruining the trust you built.

So that's why I'm warning you, loving now has consequences. Teen romances are great, life-changing, and intoxicating.

But ask yourself, "Have I conquered my own dreams yet?"

If the answer is no, think twice.

I know this probably sounds a little too cynical, but I'm just speaking from experience... and I hope you benefit from what I have to say in someway.

Dream big, dream for you, and love when you're ready.

Much love.

NYC: LIM College, Dreams Becoming Reality

Hey there, ladies and gents!

Much love from NYC, I hope all is well for you wherever you are.

My summer here is dwindling down, and I get a little sad just thinking about it. But my momma says that she's taking me back here for Christmas Break (now that the cat's out the bag, she can't go back on it now... right?).

But who cares, I'll be back here within the next few years regardless, because I'm more determined than ever to get into my dream master's program.

Tonight I went to a limited seating LIM (Laboratory Institute of Merchandising, for those of you unfamiliar) College Master's Conference/Open House.

It was amazing. Inspiring. Eye-opening.

Basically everything that happens when you're whole life comes into focus? Yeah, it all happened. Right then and there.

All this hard work, all of this soul searching, all of this finding myself... well, I found it.

I've been on the path of long-term education for my entire life. Especially when you have a mom constantly saying, "Oh but when she gets her master's, oh when she gets her doctorate...."

Thanks Momma (no sarcasm, I mean it).

I'm addicted to the thrill of getting good grades and succeeding at things. I'm just going to guess that it isn't the world's worst addiction, so I think I'll shred that check I had written for rehab....

But basically, I figured it out tonight.

After College of the Ozarks, I intend on attending LIM College for Graduate Studies in the Fall of 2016 to pursue my MPS (Master's of Professional Studies) in Fashion Marketing.

I am also looking at the MPS in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management. It's a decision I'll have to finalize soon, but for now I'm enjoying having options.

Here is a few photos from tonight's open house:



Credit given to the @LIMGraduateStudies
Twitter page for this photo. :)

Information card, and an information packet.
#InfoOnInfo

Before the presentation started.
So helpful and beneficial!

The Director of Graduate Studies speaking to us!
Such a nice woman.
(Credit goes to the @LIMGraduateStudies Twitter page!)

AH! I came out of the conference over the moon, ready to conquer the world.

Grossly cliché and "cheesy," I know...

I learned so much tonight, but I was never overwhelmed. I was just super pumped and excited.

I'll try to breakdown what information I am able to share for ya, mainly on the program I'm interested in!

First off, LIM College is 75 years old this year, and has been educating fashion-forward students since the 1940s.

There are 4 master's programs:

MBA (Master's of Business Administration) with Concentrations in Fashion Management and Entrepreneurship [You can either go one route or the other, or take a mix of both.]
MPS in Fashion Marketing
MPS in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management
MPS in Visual Merchandising (new program, focuses on store design, mannequin set up, understanding what customers look for in a store, how to make clothing/stores/designs/atmosphere/etc. visually appealing to the consumer)

Like I said, an MPS in Fashion Marketing is looking to be the front runner right now.

All of the programs can be completed in the course of one year (there is a summer session, which I am totally happy with).

If I pursue the marketing route, I'll take classes along the lines of public relations, social media, customer strategy/insights, luxury brand management, media marketing, cause marketing, and even management.

This will open the door for me in numerous areas. From managing special projects to even becoming a buyer, LIM can offer me all of the skills I need to be top-notch in the fashion industry.

By choosing LIM for my graduate education, so many doors will be opened.

This college has so many connections! From Betsey Johnson to Kenneth Cole, CEO of Saks to CEO of Nicole Miller, CEO of Aeropostale to CEO of Bergdorf Goodman, CEO of Nautica to CEO of Giorgio Armani... it's basically endless.

I'll be able to connect with a lot of really important people, giving myself the opportunity to maybe even work for one of them in some way! No guarantees, but a girl can dream.

Plus, we complete internships, in which LIM helps us connect with top fashion houses to get great experience in our field of study.

Plus, there is housing, which I might partake in, unless I find a roomie (*cough* Molly Matney *cough*).

Plus, also from a different perspective, this makes me feel slightly grateful for the college that I go to currently.

While College of the Ozarks is not your overall typical college experience (work/class/convocation/cheer/REPEAT not class/fun part-time job/party/REPEAT), it's allowed me to build my resume even more, focus on keeping a high GPA, and will allow me to graduate debt free.

It's such a unique opportunity, but it has also allowed me to keep my options today open to any master's program I want.

Why? Because I haven't had to pull-out a student loan, dip too far into my college fund, or borrow any money of any sort.

So while I know that loans, college fund usage, etc. will likely occur during the course of my master's program, it would be the same with any program, anywhere in the United States.

Part of choosing to further your education is also choosing to cut corners here and there, and making sacrifices (loans, etc.).

But the money you will make by furthering your education, the shine that will appear on your resume, how you will stand-out, and just the fact that you took the time and money to learn more...

Will. Be. Totally. WORTH IT.

AH! So much more information, so little time. :)

If any of that sounds interesting to you, I'll be happy to share more with you. Just message me and I'll try to relay as much information as possible.

I want your dreams to come true too!

Much love.

NYC: Adventures Update (Coney Island, Neon Trees, and MORE!)

Hey there, ladies and gents!

 

It's been awhile since I've written anything, but I have been super busy with working, and I guess you could say enjoying life!

 

Work is amazing, and NYC is the best place on EARTH!

 

Yeah, yeah, you're probably tired of hearing that.

 

My time here is dwindling, and I'm trying to make the most of what I have left, so my entries may not be as long or as detailed as they were previously.

 

I plan to continue writing after this experience, but I'm just going to see where life takes me!

 

So basically, entries will come and go spontaneously.

 

I just thought I would share with you all some photos from this last week/weekend. My momma, Steve, and Michelle all came into town for a few days, but they had most of their adventures during my time at work. They saw a lot of great things, and tried a lot of really cool desserts. (If you check out my mom's Facebook page, there's probably 4-5 photos of desserts that will make your mouth water!)

 

Basically, just creep on my momma's Facebook and you'll have all five days completely covered.

 

They went to the "Friends" apartment, Seinfeld's diner, Canal Street, Serendipity, and so much more!

 

They had a lot of great adventures, and I'm happy that they were able to experience the city!

 

Except they missed Brooklyn. No one should miss out on Brooklyn.

 

Anyways, here is some photos! Enjoy. :)



I found these lost tourists... so we took a group selfie. 

My momma, best friend, and other half.
Aka, twins, at Central Park going to a castle!

Why would I want to live anywhere else?
(View from a castle at Central Park!)

My boss sent me to the Neon Trees concert!
(My job is better than your job, hands down.)
I was SO close! AMAZING BAND!

I've made some pretty amazing friends out here!
Fireworks, dinners, "Geegantic Shack Shack," subway catastrophes...
Yeah, we have a good time!

My friend Sarah and I had brunch at the cutest
restaurant on the UES. It called Alice's Teapot,
and it's whole theme is based off of
Alice and Wonderland!
(We had the Alice Chai I believe, not quite sure...)

The city life, and the beach life?
Nothing beats NYC!
And to think I've been dodging getting a tan
this entire time....
#GTL COMMENCE!

I am definitely going to have to go back to
Coney Island and ride all of those rides!

Thank you all so much for following me on my journey. It's been an amazing, eye opening experience... and I am SO blessed to have so many people support me!

Much love, the adventures shall continue.

NYC: Basic Essentials for $50 (or LESS)! [And Other Basic Essentials]

[Post written on July 5th, 2014]



 

Good day my loves! I hope you are having a fabulous week.

 

Today, I'm here to talk about one heck of a sale I ran into at H&M. And the best part? I managed to snag the majority of the essentials that every girl needs for her wardrobe.

 

Disclaimer: ALL of these items were on sale, so it's pretty much first come/first serve.

 

#BargainShopper

 

Basically: I had had an exceptionally rough day, and honestly just needed to do a little damage on my credit card to make the world spin on it's axis again.

 

That was a jab that the world "revolves around me." I know it doesn't, just chuckle a little to yourself, will ya? ;)

 

All these items (pictured below), I only managed to spend ____ (revealed at the end) dollars on.

 

 And if you're a girl, and understand the sport of shopping [Yes, sport, there is running, jogging, fighting, hair-pulling {okay, not really}, glaring, walking, and bargaining all involved], you'll know that this is a pretty dang good deal.

 

The "steals" themselves, courtesy of the H&M sales rack.

Awe, the classic white tank top. EVERY
girl needs one of these. You can dress it
up, or keep it casual. White tank tops
can go with pencil skirts, leggings,
jeggings, skinny jeans, or even (lately
trending) leather pants.

Update: R.I.P, Whitey: There was a reason
this tank top was $4.00... it was made of
paper (okay, just really thin material), and
didn't even last me a week. So note,
whenever you are looking for that essential
"white tank," spend $10+ dollars for a
little better quality.

White Tank Top: $4.00

"The Beauty and The Brain"

Nothing says smart and sexy quite like
a black pencil skirt. I always make sure
to have two of these as a part of my wardrobe
(You don't want to be caught in the same
pencil skirt all the time... Fashion NO-NO.)

For my first one (not pictured), it's not just a simple
pencil skirt. It's black, tight fitting, and has a line of
ruffles all along the side, just to give it a sense of
uniqueness.

Now, my reason to purchase this one (pictured above),
is so that I could ditch one of my other ones. Every once
in awhile, it's good to sort through what you do have.
You'll realize what items REALLY need to
be updated.

Black Pencil Skirt: $12.95

You know those flats, those ones that I repaired
in my post about... three posts ago?

Yeah, these were purchases for when those
officially crap out on me, and I LOVE them.

A neutral colored flat is important to any girl's wardrobe.
If you're running late? Grab those flats. If you're having
a "I don't know what to wear" crisis, at least you won't 
have to worry about your shoes as much! These babies
will ALWAYS have your back.

Darker Neutral Flats: $14.95 

I know, these seem like a boring purchase...

but you NEED them. That pedicure you just got, if
 you skip the socks with your flats... your toes are toast.
Not that flats are exactly the best shoe for a pedicure,
but these will at least save you from major damage.

And that awful smell that comes after you wear flats
without socks?

Eliminated. Just by simply buying these babies.

PLUS, you wonder even be able to tell that you have
them on, they are designed to hit in shoes that don't cover
the top part of your foot.

Life-Saver, Stylin' Socks: $9.95



"Blouse Baby"

Okay okay, for you guys who are more
"out there" with your look, this item may
seem like a total bore to you, but trust me,
it's relevant. It's plain, simple, and just sheer
enough to add a little sex-appeal.

Butttttt....
You might want to eliminate that if you're
wearing it to work (put a tank underneath it).

Unless you have
a thing for your boss... which I would
recommend getting some help elsewhere
for that.

If you're not wanting to wear it to work, just for
a night on the town for drinks, to the movies,
or anywhere else... just wear this top by itself.

Trust me, it's not like you'll look like you're going
out on the town without any clothes on. Get a blouse
that shows just enough skin that you don't look like
a tramp (i.e., shoulder, midsection... not your twins,
not one wants to see them, no matter how much
you've convinced yourself that we do). 

 You need a little spice in your life! Not plain nudity.

Banker Blouse: $7.00

The "Plain, but Not So Plain" T-Shirt

This is the perfect item to have in your
wardrobe. Like the white tank top, a t-shirt
(like the one above), will give you a classy look,
without any sign of boredom.

The lace detailing at the top of the shirt gives the t-shirt
just the right amount for it to transition from a plain olive t-shirt
to a t-shirt that you can wear just about anywhere!

Green Tee, w/ Lace Detailing: $7.00
 

And last, but certainly not least:

THE earring set.

A set of earrings with gold, diamonds (fake,
obviously), and pearls.. is the ultimate
accessory staple to a girl's wardrobe. You won't
be able to find an outfit that cannot be complimented
with one of the three options in this set.

What can each type add to your look?

Gold? Bold.
Diamonds? Fancy.
Pearls? Classy.

And the best part? You get to choose the
size! Do you want the earrings to be noticed,
or just want to have something more basic?

The choice is yours, make it your own.

The Ultimate Earring Set: $5.95

 

THE GRAND TOTAL (before taxes, of course):

 

 

$46.85

 

And for basic essentials, that will remain in your

closest for quite sometime...

 

Well, that's a bargain.

 

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

While I was putting together this post, I realized that yes, I had covered a lot of the wardrobe essentials... but I didn't cover them all. Below are some other items in my closet (and trust me, these are my usual go-to's).

 

 

The "I'm Really Not in Pain" Wedges

These are an important staple to any girl's wardrobe.
While the look super high, and ridiculously painful....

They AREN'T!

The wedge part of the heel gives you so much support and
stability, that you won't be wobbling all over the place.

These are a good starter heel, if you're just now getting into
the "heel game."

Some people may disagree on this, but these allowed
me to get used to the height of heels... without walking
around looking like a newborn calf.

And the thing about these wedges? They're black.
They're the basic black heel (which is also important,
but I left those at home... not the fun shoes I need for work),
the heel that can go with anything.

Store: Charlotte Russe

Oh man, these are my FAVORITE.

Jeggings are the best thing ever invented, since,
well, skinny jeans?

These are NOT "Pajama Jeans."

And if you ordered those when they were sadly trending...

 Uh, no comment, other than: go get a shovel, burry them
in your backyard, and spend ten minutes of your day dedicated
to self-loathing.

Kidding, well, kind of...

Jeggings are comfort and style, all in the same pair of pants.
It's the comfort of leggings, with the look of sleek skinny jeans.

What can beat that!?

I know, nothing.

Store: American Eagle

Michael, my one and true love.

Michael Kors, as you all know, is my
favorite designer.

While I think everyone should at least
have one Michael Kors item, this part is
mainly about the basic black purse.

You all need a little black bag. Classy,
leather (or pleather, whatever is in your
price range), and perfect for any occasion.

Store: TJMaxx (Brand: Michael Kors)

 

Rompers... Rompers... Rompers...

It's an outfit, in one set.

How awesome is that?

Not to mention that they are super comfortable,
and they're also trending!

Store: Rue 21

 

Fun, fun heels...

This is really important! While I own a lot
of heels, all of different styles and colors, it's
always good to have some animal print in your
life.

When you're looking to bring out your wild side,
have heels that go along with it.

Store: Goodwill (Brand: Guess) [One of my BEST thrifting finds to date]

 

Oh... the high-waisters.

 

These babies are perfect for summer, with tanks or tees!

 

You decide, but this style is trending, so get on it. :)

 

Store: Express

 

That's all loves, have a fabulous day (or make it fabulous)!

9 Things to Love First

Hey there, ladies and gents!

Tonight.. NYC is basically what I would call a horrendous hurricane.

It's storming, but I will say, I love it. I'm all snuggled up, listening to the rain outside of my window, with a crash of thunder every now and then... and it's quite peaceful.

But the rain, it causes me to think. And think, and think some more...

And with this long period of thinking, I've been able to do some "self-reflection." (Is that the correct cliché term?)

Over this little brain-blast session, I put together a list of things I think I need to share. I've been in relationships since I was 14, and it finally clicked with me today... I have so much else to fall in love with first, and some of it I already have.

Self-discovering is essential to be happy, and in order to pursue a relationship? You must be happy with who you are.... so people, before you meet Mr. Right/Mrs. Right, here's a few things that should occupy your heart first:

1) A City

• Yes, I'm being serious.  Ever since I moved to New York City, I'm learned so much about myself. Like, how things don't really effect me as much as they used to, that I'm going to be okay on my own. In fact, I really like it on my own.  Cities have so much to offer, from food to museums, from dives to high-end restaurants, from beautiful parks to piers by the river. Moving and experiencing what a city has to offer you is more than just a geographical move, it's a personal move. You'll change, realize who YOU are, and who you really want to be... without anyone holding you back.  It doesn't even have to be NYC... you could go to Chicago, LA, Paris, Milan, or even Tokyo! Spread your wings, and fall in love with a city, because that city will give you insight to just how capable you are of making it in this world, and in turn, you'll fall in love with yourself.

2) Your Career

• I know, I know, this one is often frowned up... but get with it people, your career should be something you LOVE. Something that you have a passion for, and when you go, you aren't waiting for your lunch hour or for the clock to strike 5:00.  Falling in love with you career is also a way of discovering yourself, what your interests are, as well as your strengths.  When you find out what you are really good at (plus getting paid for it), you'll be happier than you've ever been, and you'll be proud of your accomplishments whole-heartedly!

3) Friendship

• Have best friends, have acquaintances, have night life friends... it doesn't matter how many different friends you have, just as long as you value each and everyone in someway. Loving your friends is extremely important, as it gives you a chance to fall in love, but not with people who are your "soul-mates" so to speak.  Loving friends will give you that stepping stone to knowing what it is like to loving someone without any biological attachments.  It's about loving my choice, and it's important to know that you are capable of that before embarking on a serious relationship.

4) Family

• Never neglect your family. You are biologically and genetically connected to these people, but science aside, these are the people who will have your back no matter what.  No matter what road you are on in life, you can always go back home.  So hug your momma, call your grandma, and laugh with your daddy... and in the end, love them a ridiculous amount, because you know they love you. 
• Now retracting my first statement, biological/genetics connection do not always make a family.  This is where you have to dig deeper, and love passionately for those you consider your family... because if they love you without those biological strings, you'll know that they care about you unconditionally, and don't take advantage of that love!
• Family also allows you to see how the "men of the house" treat the women. The men of your family will likely be a good example of what you want to look for in a man.  For example, my daddy... he's the MOST caring, generous, and big-hearted man I know.  I want to be with someone who shares those qualities, because my dad is selfless, and that is something every girl deserve. Now, Steve (aka, "Pa"), has taught me all of those lessons as well. The way he treats my mom blows the lid off of anything else any man has ever done for any other woman... he's a true gem. So that proves, there are influences other than just from a biological stand-point! Basically, find the men in your life that influence your romantic decisions.  Don't settle for less than you deserve, EVER.

4) Food

• Yeah... this one looks to be a recipe for obesity. I'm not saying eat a gallon of ice cream every day after work, I'm saying to not close yourself off to foods just because they don't meet your "calorie limit." Be healthy, but at the same time, life is too short to the joy of all things edible. Cashew chicken, tacos, ice-cream... eat what you can, while you can. And FALL IN LOVE with food.  Get excited about trying a new restaurant, get pumped about the new coffee shop down the street, because with food, there is also culture.  You go to different restaurants, trying different styles of food, and in the end, you just end up with great tasting food with a side of education! And hey, food is also a way to connect with your friends and family, so get some people together and go see what new on the scene!

5) Education

• Never, ever, EVER stop learning.  Go to college, get your master's, heck, even your doctorate! But maybe college isn't your thing? Then learn in other ways! Travel, read, research... just keep filling your brain with knowledge that interests you (and maybe sprinkle some things in there that don't).  Learn all you can before you decide to learn about someone else... because while you'll spending all of this time learning, you'll also learn more about yourself.

6) Wanderlust

• Travel, travel, TRAVEL! Don't just say, "I want to go there someday." DO IT. Do it alone, or bring some friends, but go somewhere that you have always dreamed of! Backpacking across Europe, roaming through the streets of Dubai, just do it. And do it for YOU, while your life is still about you. No strings attached! Just you and the open world.

7) Your Wardrobe

• This one is my personal favorite.  I say, in order to lovely yourself completely, you have to love how you look.  And this isn't about being tall, short, skinny, fat, or anything of those awful descriptors that don't apply to how beautiful we are... it's about having that dress that makes you feel alive, or that blazer that makes you feel like you can rule the boardroom.  Fill your wardrobe with pieces that make you feel confident and strong, and the most important part, is that you love wearing them... and you love YOURSELF in them. :)

8) Yourself

• I think I've made this point rather obvious through-out this entire entry, but listen to me. If you're 15, 16, 17... and you claim to be "ridiculously in love," you may be right. But put the brakes on it a little bit... you're still SO YOUNG! I mean really, I'll bet you 10 bucks the most travelling you have done through-out your life involved your parents, mini-vans, and stops a places that you weren't even sure you liked.  With that being said, you haven't had a chance to discover whether you're meant to stay where you are at.  What if you discover your love for art, and there's a school in a city five states away... are you going to say no, and risk never really finding yourself? With that being said, if you're in your prime, don't waste it. If your gut is telling you that you're meant for something more, don't ignore it, or you'll be left with years of regret. Following your dreams is the best way to fall in love with yourself, because your dreams are YOURS. And your dreams, are your own. You created them, and that is what makes you unique... so follow your passion, your heart, and yourself, no matter where life takes you, always have a healthy relationship with who you are. LOVE who you are.

9) God

• This one isn't at the bottom for any particular reason, I just thought that it would be a good one to close with.  God, the big man upstairs, who always has your back.  No matter how big you've messed up, or how bad you hurt, or even whatever mistakes you've made... you're love for God should always be unconditional, as His is the same for you.  Try your best (and believe me, I know how hard it is), to go by His word.  He is the reason for your blessings, for the life you have, and for the future life, which you know absolutely nothing about yet. I didn't really used to be all that great with this whole "God" thing, and I wouldn't say that I'm an all-star at it... but even when I fall astray, He still loves me, and that's something that makes me cling to him closely. Love him, with all of your heart.
• And if God isn't really your thing, no judgment to you, we all have our own way of viewing the world. But I will say to you... believe in something. Believe in hope, believe in faith, and believe in love, the kind that comes before any long-term relationship.

That's all my loves, stay dry this 4th of July Weekend (if it's rainy in your city)!

Lifelines: Every Girl Needs Them

Hey ladies and gents, it's a rather humid day in NYC!

It's been a rather, uhm, interesting day to say the least. Took care of all my problems at H&M today for some retail therapy, but that's a post for tomorrow. ;)

Today, I'm here to talk about lifelines.

And no, not the "lifelines" like on game shows where you can call someone and ask for the answer.

Well...  I guess it's kind of like that.

As a girl, I have days that just SUCK. Crisis after crisis (from a dramatic view) and sometimes, believe it or not, things do not go my way.

So when I have moments like these, I have something, or someone(s) who get me through whatever the issue is.

You can call them my friends (stating the obvious), but sometimes I like to refer to them as lifelines.

Lifelines are important, and it is important to have more than one. When you have a problem, you want to be able to get as many (but not too many) perspectives as possible. Choose who you spill your guts to wisely, and make sure that they legitimately care about what you are going through (and don't forget, do the same for them).

Trust. Respect. Love. Understanding. Honesty. And play the Devil's Advocate.

If they understand and have character that holds all of those concepts, then congratulations, you officially have someone to add to your list of lifelines.

I like to set it at a standard "5." When I'm going through a crisis, I know immediately who I'm going to talk about it with.

DISCLAIMER: My "lifelines" are all female. Because while men can bring a good perspective to the table, I've learned that when you're going through a crisis, the first person you want to talk to is someone who will understand (via female hormones) why you are an emotional wreck.

Guys tend to laugh at your exaggerative reaction, and you don't want that.

So here they are folks, the ladies who get me through pretty my EVERYTHING (DISCLAIMER: If you are not on this list, that does not mean we are not the best of friends! Lifelines take time to build):

1) Harlie Griggs

- I think you all saw this one coming. We both are one in the same in terms of being sensitive and caring too much (there isn't such a thing, but that's what we call it). She's always able to play the other side of the fence, being the Devil's Advocate, allowing me to see the other side of the coin and what the person on the opposite end of my issue might be thinking. From boys to family, over the years we've managed to conquer the craziest of dramas together, and I'm extremely grateful to have her in my life.

#BFFs, obviously. And she's having a baby. A BOY. Aunt Jay status, yo. ;)

2) Bailey Reid

- If my "doppleganger" exists in this world... it's this girl. I'm pretty sure we share the same brain, and with anything, the same daily struggles.  Queen B and Queen J, I'm pretty sure we were royalty in our former lives.  She became one of my best friends over the past year, and I like how we can just be sassy together.  We're always randomly texting each other as soon as something really annoying happens with our day, and we can pretty much laugh about it afterwards. She's pretty much my 24-hour board of wisdom, so I'm pretty much blessed to have this little spit-fire in my life!

3) Molly Matney

- Oh, Molly. My sassy, sarcastic, and witty roommate. Besides being the best freakin' roommate on the planet... this girl is always pushing me to be a better person.  She's watched me come in on the verge of breaking curfew, and has listened to my stories and dramas no matter how TMI they may seem. She keeps me at overachiever status (if you knew her, you would understand, the girl does EVERYTHING). She keeps me on the straight and narrow, using faith to encourage me when something is wrong.

4) Brooke Riddlesperger

- Awe, my sister by choice. This girl will always be my little sister, marriage or no marriage. And in recent years, she's became a close friend! For being my little sister, she is exceptionally wise.  She's my "sucker for love," and the one who is always telling me to not give up on it. The majority of my romantic decisions have had her influence and wisdom painted all over them, and I am fortunate to have her!

*cough* best hairstylist on the planet *cough*

5) Kendra Vernatti

- Literally one of my best friends since I came out of the womb! I've known this girl my entire life. From parent dramas to just life in general, we always somehow tend to come full circle with one another no matter how far away school takes us.  She's always super supportive of my decisions and we always start back right where we left off when we get together.  When she's at William Woods, I know that she's just a text away no matter what!

XOXOXOXOXOX

Here's to you, my early 20's confidants. <3

So, to all ladies, be thankful for your lifelines. You don't really know how much they mean to you until you spell it out for yourself.

That's all my loves, peace out.