Stay Youthful.

First off I lied I am pretty psyched about Real World but I am the same age of the oldest on the show..bummer and one's from Arlington, Virginia-he'll probably not represent the VA so hot but would you it's New Orleans! I really want to go there so if you're reading this engaged couple I'd vote on joint bachelor/bachelorette parties there for sure. (let me get a job first!)

Okay so I decided to write about staying youthful since the last blog was about my new found adulthood and acting like it's a crisis I sounded like Miley Cyrus when she makes excuses for being inappropriate "I'm an adult now" no you're 17. So I've decided to write about preserving your youth. I think that most fashions now are geared to this. Think about it: these crazy colors, big headbands with frills, bows and flowers, fun prints and florals, tutu dresses or skirts etc. These fashions are just screaming little princess. I think we're meant to preserve our youth. It reminds me of the cliche "you're only as young as you feel." I think that how we dress reflects on how we're feeling. Like my last blog I've decided to come up with a list of how to feel youthful here's what I've came up with:

1. Listen to any cd's (or tapes, records etc.) that remind you of your youth and blast them in your car or at home and just sing! If you were born in 1987 me I'd suggest the following:
- Robin S. "Show Me Love"
- Ace of Base "The Sign" "All That She Wants" "Don't Turn Around"
- Cranberries "Linger"
- Savage Garden "Truly Madly Deeply"
- Brandy & Monica "The Boy is Mine"
or anything from this list: http://www.cylist.com/List/400300060/

2. Paint every other nail a different color! I did it and sported if for two days- pink, yellow, pink, yellow, pink bonus: paint your toes polka dotted!

3. Enjoy a Popsicle or anything on a cone outside on a bench don't worry if it melts

4. Sidewalk chalk- go decorate your driveway!

5. Swim, come home and stay in your bathing suit all day- what you do that still? Me too!

6. Go see Toy Story 3 or anything else rated G or PG- Twilight doesn't count

7. Braid your hair, put a cute headband on or wear a side pony! No need to go as far as an 80's party get up

8. Play a board game!

9. If you live near your mom, dad or anyone else that'll wait on you have them make your favorite meal and serve it to you. Pancakes or chocolate milk anyone?

10. Go outside and kick a ball around, swing, or teeter totter!

Can you think of anything else that you do to feel "young" again?

I mean I could post old Leonardo Dicaprio pictures back on my wall and give him kisses- 1999 sleepovers who remembers!! But I think these ten things are better. There's something so sweet reliving a childhood memory. The most special things in life are the simple ones even though I love spending money all my favorite things are priceless. It really reminds me of the song by Miranda Lambert "The House that Built Me" All these priceless memories happened in the only house I remember when I was young- the ranch with green shutters. Thinking of the 18 years I spent there I can't help but think of all those special memories. A piece of my heart will always be in that house. I miss so many things now that I am getting older it's really nice to reflect <3 Thanks for reminiscing with me!



Love this

“The things which the child loves remain in the domain of the heart until old age. The most beautiful thing in life is that our souls remaining over the places where we once enjoyed ourselves” - Kahlil Gibran


(picture: getting some youthfulness in my life :) note the nails and the hair- I spent the day in my swimsuit with gross hair!)

When Did This Happen?!

I was paging through some old yearbooks from New Hope, Clymore and a PVCOB directory. I can't believe how long ago that was. I smiled when I saw some of you all - yes you all! With our straight across bangs, matching outfits and spaces in between our teeth. That sums up my childhood right there.


It reminded me of the quote from Grey's Anatomy - "I guess we're adults. The question is, when did that happen, and how do we make it stop?" - Meredith Grey. I mean really when did this happen? I think it's finally hit me. I went through some clothes the other day and I remember seeing outfits I wore my junior year of high school. I remember thinking that there not that old but when did the "some day" jeans become six years old? Then I have kids I babysat for when I was 16 Face booking me that are in high school now? I mean the first diaper I've ever changed is now in middle school. When did that happen?! I know what most of you are probably thinking, what are you talking about Amanda you're 23 years old that's not old. What I have to say to that is - maybe you are actually older than you'd like to acknowledge too. Just kidding!

I was driving once and saw an older couple in a truck pulling a camper and the bumper sticker read "Too old to work too young to die." I loved it. I know 23 isn't that old- it's actually really young but I guess I am in shell shock that four years of college flew by and now I'm in this transitional stage of life. Where I need to find a job or go to grad school.

Here are some other things that have made me realize my new found adulthood (sigh)

1. My brother and sister are engaged.
2. I have to make life choices on my own.
3. My dog is registered under my name at the vet. They call me his responsible parent. yikes!
4. I am not on summer break right now. - what!?
5. I need a job if I want to have a social life or drive.
6. People my age are getting married- some even have babies- what!
7. I got my own invitation in the mail not addressed to my parents just me
8. I must look at a guys hand to see if he's married
9. On the other hand, I must make sure the cutie at the pool isn't in high school or younger than 20. (Beiber fever anyone?!)
10. I feel guilty for having Beiber fever.
11. Cosmopolitan magazine is no longer exciting for me- I have realized it's the same magazine just different wording- though if Kim K, Katy Perry or anyone else I love is on the cover I'm buying it.
12. I like a Good Housekeeping every now and then
13. I didn't know when MTV Movie Awards came on and I didn't care
14. I am not counting the days until the new Real World though I should have applied, New Orleans anyone?
15. My parents are celebrating 30 years together this April!
16. I walked by a group of 12 year olds playing catch and cursing and they said "shut up an adults coming" I looked around to realize they were referring to me?!


Call me crazy but this might be a crisis! Hold onto your youth. I only have fond memories of my childhood, tween and teen years. I hope the twenties creep by because I am not ready to have black balloons and toilet paper streamed in my yard.


On the other hand, I am grateful to be alive and with every year that passes by I am grateful. That's life after all-living, growing, aging. I just didn't expect life to fly by so fast. I love life though I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family, support, lasting friendships, health etc. There's just something really lovely about reflecting back to the days when life was carefree and you had your parents to fall back on. Post college it's really up to us to make something out of our lives and that's scary. I guess that's why we love songs like "American Honey" where we sing a long and realize how great life was then and is now. I don't remember the quote exactly but it went something like our life is not about a knowing ourselves but spending everyday getting to know ourselves- not about a purpose but finding the purpose or a simple better one is that our life is about serving God and living each day for him. With that said I'll leave it at that- didn't really mean to get "deep" just realized that for a second I may have sounded like an ungrateful brat-it happens. So may you truly live all the days of your life because in the words of DMB's Two Step: "life is short but sweet for certain."


On a light note: call me when you're 18 beiber!


Thanks for reading :)

Summer Reads

It seems like the only time I really get to leisurely read is during the summertime. Something about a book in one hand and something cold in the other screams summertime! I don't read that much unless it involves a Glamour, People or US Weekly but when I do read I like a book that doesn't involve much comprehension, make sense? Didn't really think so. I guess what I mean is a book that doesn't go too deep that's the time a book I like when laying on the beach or poolside.

Months ago I was suggested to read Nora Robert's "Vision in White" part one of a four set called the Bride Quartet. I don't read during the school year because I try to stick with textbooks. I put it off until last month. My mom had read it before I had and went ahead and bought the second one and the third.

I loved the first book "Vision in White", the second "Bed of Roses", and the third, "Savor the Moment" the fourth is not out until November so if you're impatient you may not want to start the series until late October. I finished all three in about two weeks. The fourth is titled "Happily Ever After".

The books are a little redundant- it's no mystery what happens but they still are great books. I already know what I think is going to happen in the fourth. I won't ruin the books for you because I encourage you to read them. Without spoiling anything the book is about four women who are grown up now and are in the wedding planning business. This could explain why I was interested. However, the books touch on their business a lot it's also about their quest to find romance and love. I don't know which critic said it exactly but I agree you really do genuinely want each character to "live happily ever after." The books have heartbreak, romance, some steamy-ness but nothing x-rated, humor and some drama. It's a feel good book. This isn't Oprah's book club but if I was to suggest some "summer reads" as Oprah's new magazine says these would be on it.


http://www.noraroberts.com/books/trilogies.html

http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/features/bride-quartet/index.html


Check them out! Happy Reading :)

What I'm Loving Now...Zumba!

Other than blogging I have another time filler I have found and it's Zumba! I might have caught on to the trend a little late in the game because I have seen it on television that advertises the dvd sets. Almost a month ago I joined a gym in South Carolina- Ladies Choice Fitness, I have been a member of some great gyms but never a single gender gym and I love it. There are only four in the state of SC and that's as far as this "chain" goes but if you are near one and your female- join this gym!

My cousin got me a free pass and we went to Zumba. I joined and I have been every week twice a week or more since. It is so much fun and even if you can't dance or don't like the gym I can assure you that you'll love this class. It's literally dancing your @$$ off! I knew I needed to hit the gym hard for my sisters wedding and it really takes the "ugh" out of going to the gym. However, I should also mention that the gym is literally a mile away so I don't mind going.

The music is great. I have never seen Slumdog Millionaire so I never have heard the song "Jai Ho" by the Pussycat Dolls but that song is amazing. Some other favorites Shakira's "Waka Waka" World Cup song woooo! Lou Bega's "Mambo #5", Sean Paul, Blacked Eyed Peas and then we cool down to Sade's "Pearl". I come half for the work out and half for the awesome music. It really made we want to reevaluate the regular hip hop tracks to work out to on my ipod- these songs are inspiring and make me want to work! I think that's a misconception that it's going to be all Latin music- (my class at least is a real mixture!)

Plus! It's a lot of booty shaking! Oh and I absolutely can't forget the apparel- It's like belly dancing wear without the belly exposure! The fun skirt, wear big hoops if you want, the zumba get up- check the website out http://www.zumba.com/us/shop/ Once I get a job I am going to get the bag, the shirts and obviously the skirt until then I am just going to dance with envy of the fellow classmates!

So..."Ditch the Workout and Join the Party!" - zumba!

Work it out! :)

Bachelorette Party- Girls Night Out.

I just received an email about my soon to be sister in laws bachelorette party. I can't believe that my brother and sister are getting married 6 months apart but I guess I can believe that since they were only born 11 months apart. As you can imagine its been wedding madness in my life which hasn't been as dreadful as you may imagine because I actually enjoy the chaos, the research, the comparisons, the crafting etc.

I have bachelorette party on the brain and I promised you that I would write about my Virginia weekend of festivities so I will try my best to remember. I have to admit my sisters bachelorette party was pretty fun but I was nervous because about a month prior her fiance said to me, "I'm putting a bug in your ear that Ashley is concerned no ones doing her a party". Crap, I thought to myself I haven't even got to relax from the bridal shower and now another party, not to mention I still am unemployed so the thought of spending money and knowing I have to ask my parents who already have shelled out money made me cringe a little. Just a little. Thanks m&d!

So here's the deal. My sister and I have become quite fond of each other since the age of 15 okay more like 19 but anyways I would like to think of her as one of my best friends. We are alike, similar nose shape, similar 'v' lip but as far as personalities we are but we aren't. I was thinking how am I going to throw a party that doesn't make her want to kill me? I already knew that strippers, penis decor (From here on out I will only refer to penis as pene, it's less awkward I think), and anything else raunchy would be out of the question. So how do you throw a bachelorette party for a girl who's not so fond of blushing?

Simple. I just asked her plain and simple what she wanted because I knew what she didn't want. Then I planned from there. That's my biggest advice ask the bride simple as that. She isn't going to be offended she will probably be thankful.

I knew Ashley didn't want it to be a hs reunion so we took it an hour and half down south, ohhhhh. (felt like it needed to be there from that one song) Roanoke of course. Perhaps I am a bit biased but I think that Roanoke is an excellent place to have a bachelorette party. It has enough city without making you feel like a total tourist.

So lets see Friday I was in full shopping mode. I hit up Michael's, Spencer's, Captain Party and Fantasy's. At Michael's I got some super cute bridal party buttons. I have found that everything comes in sixes when you're buying this type of stuff so the fact that I was planning on eight threw a bit of a wrench. I also got "Girls Night Out" koozies for a buck and some glow sticks to make us look ridiculous. Michael's or AC Moore is a great place to go especially for a tame bride. The second shop I hit up was Spencer's in the mall. There I scooped up a cute tiara, some beads, and more buttons. I didn't want the girls that weren't part of the bridal party to be left out so I found these cute buttons that said TEAM BRIDE. I stopped off at Captain Party and found a $2 sash. I didn't get a $18 cloth one because I knew it would come off, be torn or get ruined. Promo: Capt. Party is the best party supply store in Roanoke. Next I stopped off at Fantasy's it's a novelty shop which is the most polite way to say sex store. I went there and the good news is that the Bachelorette Party stuff is to the left as soon as you walk in so the store really saves any more embarrassment than necessary. There I shamelessly bought a pene mold cake- the only pene at the party haha.

The morning of the party I stopped in again at Fantasy's to buy a smaller pene mold because I got the heads up that it was another girls birthday. The lady asked if I'd been in before and I casually replied, "Oh yeah yesterday" she said "well then", I paused and thought I should reevaluate my life when I get outside. :) I grabbed the small penes and headed out. Checked into the hotel- it wasn't the Ritz or even a Holiday Inn but it was $68 a night and was inexpensive for everyone because let's face it all we were going to do there is sleep.

The party officially started. My sister was clear that she wanted to play the panty personality game- google it. We all bought panties to fit our personalities in her size and she guessed who each one was from. My sister got 7/7. She plays to win. We had dinner reservations at 7:30pm at Corned Beef & Co. Delicious. The thing about planning dinner is that you're done and the party hasn't started downtown yet. An 8 or even 8:30 reservation for a b-party might be appropriate but oh well no big deal we slid into a side bar Cornerstone to shield ourselves away from the rain. Once the rain let up we went to my favorite place Metro! and then ended the night at another recommended spot 202 Market. Good times. The night wrapped up around 2am. Ashley's tiara was stolen, another bridesmaid got a number and we came back to chick-fil-a nuggets and pene cake. A good night indeed.

I should probably have a disclaimer: If this sounds like MD's 21st or Abs B-Party well its because I love Roanoke that much and planned (and co-planned) them all but neither were alike but all loads of funnnnnnn!! So if you're debating on a place for a bachelorette party I would say Roanoke is a good choice that's affordable and fun. I am excited that the festivities for the wedding are coming to an end and the wedding is so close!! I am probably going to blog about more wedding stuff for a bit. I love weddings.

Thanks for reading :)

(the picture is a scrapbook of the leftovers of the Bachelorette Party! I am scraping and stupid Ashley already knows, so there's a page.)

Reality Show Rant.

It's Monday night and I think it's a good time to recap the reality shows in my life. The big ones are New Jersey Housewives, the New York Reunions, The Bachelorette and Design Star. I know that these shows are pointless, stupid and down right obnoxious but that's entertainment to me. I know it's ridiculous I am reminded of that whenever it's 8pm Monday and dad goes upstairs to watch television and huffs "I don't know how this is entertaining."

Monday at 8pm is none other than the Bachelorette on ABC but I have to admit that I only watch it a little but don't enjoy it as much. I think that Ali and her men are boring. She kicked off the crazy ones and now it's not entertaining. Kasey was a bit entertaining with his tattoo. Really Kasey? Did you think that this was a sign of true love or that you are truly crazy she was forced to keep the wrestler because of your shenanigans. Who I think is the guy that was blurred next week because he had a girlfriend. Okay, I read that somewhere because I like spoilers. Kind of like Roberto is from where I live now, sort of and my mom heard through the grapevine that he came back really happy- do you suppose he is the winner? I mean this is just hearsay but he does seem like a front runner.

Enough about that, I love the Bravo Network! For three hours straight yesterday I watched the reunion show of New York Housewives for about the third time. They're great. I love Ramona and how she is "Ramotional." Her new hair is also great, she does look renewed! I also like Bethenny because her wit and her reunion dress. I think Lou Ann seems renewed too not so up tight and singing an 808 track "Money Can't Buy You Class" What a classic! I dislike I guess the villians of the show. Kelly is CRAZY TOWN and she is insane to think she can be a role model at 41 and not be able to take up for herself. I think Jill is pretty and pretty fake but I think she is half genuine about her relationship with Bethenny.

Tonight was another favorite, New Jersey Housewives. The episode was so-so. I miss Dina and Grandma Winkles too those two look alike- pet lookalike contest anyone? However, the watch what happens live! was bizzare- Danielle is a lunatic and what the heck was that duet about? Awwkkkkkkward. :)

One last thing, Design Star which is actually about talent is another favorite of mine. I don't have a favorite yet too early in the game. I dislike Nina whose mural sucked - a pathetic drawing of a dragonfly? But did anyone else notice that they went to Zarin Fabrics? Zarin as in Jill Zarin? I do believe so. Two reality shows in one, yes!!!

That's all the recaps for now- some of my other favorite shows include House Hunters, Soup, E! News, Cake Boss, Chelsea Lately (probably blog about her a couple of times <3), Kardashians etc. etc. etc.

As you can tell my life is that fabulous. Speaking of the fabulous life, went to VA this weekend- had a blast at my sisters Bachlorette Party. Next blog? I think so! :) Stay tuned :)

Remembering MaDee!

As mentioned in my about me section MNB is a dear dear friend of mine. Friends for nearly 18 years not just friends- best friends like sisters. Today makes it four months since she passed away and I must say the pain is easier to manage as in have a "normal life" talking about her without bawling my eyes out but still my eyes fill with tears and it takes all the strength I have to hold it back but I go on.

MaDee was the type that would light up a room because she was in it. She had this curly mop head, bright white teeth and a wardrobe that would be envied by any girl. Except I tried to get her not to pop her collar but she insisted, her Nanny would iron press those things up so it would be impossible to fold them down even when I tried.

Summer was MaDee's season. She had a killer dark tan that would make her enthnicity unidentifiable. Her toes would be some crazy poppin' pink, one toe ring on each foot, and her rainbows on. I miss the beach; Emerald Isle. The beach house, the rentals we would make to see what the crew boys looked like that year, teaching women twice our age to play kings, going to some expensive board shop and buying whatever boy we were dating that year a fancy smancy pair of swim trunks, the air conditioning on full blast snuggling up watching a movie. This is what I miss.

I miss her. I miss the girl that knew everything about me but loved me anyway, the girl who didn't care what anyone thought of her, the girl that made my life beautiful because she was in it. Here's to you MaDee.

More Treasure!

Treasure!

Exactly a month ago today I hosted my sisters bridal shower. I am a tad OCD when it comes to planning but I would like to think it's just being responsible. When planning I already knew I wanted to use these glass drink dispensers that my friend had at a fundraiser. These glass dispensers really are a great investment and focal point to any party. I borrowed them (thanks LB!) but I am on the look out to purchase ones once I have extra cash flow. They have great ones at Target, TJ Maxx, Kohl's and Pier 1 that I've seen so far but I think the best ones are on random websites.

The set up for the dispensers were just how I imagined, beautiful. I had a great Sangria recipe that consisted of all the colorful fruits you can think of but the blueberries got stuck so I would skip the "blubs" unless you don't mind clearing them out with a wooden spoon every now and then. The dispensers also were my inspiration for the theme "Sundresses & Sangria". It was mid May and most of my sisters friends are teachers so I knew it would be a perfect escape for the end of another school year. It was a taste of summer and the second dispenser filled with lemonade for my sisters pregnant bridesmaid and our mom was a hit too. I used Country Time mix to save time but squeezed lemons for the fresh feel and look.

Sangria Recipe: For a large dispenser like I used: 3 bottles of white wine, 2.5 cups of OJ, bottle of Ginger Ale, Splashes of 7 Up or Sprite and lots and lots of sliced fruit. Fruit options: orange slices, strawberries, kiwis, berries of any kind-they tend to sink though!, lemons etc.

Another great piece was this chandelier I found on the side of the road in Roanoke. I had saw it a couple of days earlier it was white and kind of vintage looking. I finally got the courage to pull over and get it. I felt like I was stealing or dumpster diving but it was on the sidewalk just screaming my name. I should probably confess that I made my friend jump out passenger and get it at 10pm, sketchy-yes, good find- yes! Once I examined it I knew it was perfect. It didn't need any paint job. I would cut the wires, cut out the metal for the light bulb and would use it and fill with flowers or candles. I should say I didn't cut anything-my sisters soon-to-be hubby did! (thanks SS!) I was excited two focal points that did not cost a dime! The rest of the bridal shower decor was cute and mainly hand made. I have an advantage on planning because one-it's a passion and two- it's a given talent of being "crafty".

The shower was not cheap but also not expensive- of course the food, drinks and flowers were more costly then the decorations but my advice for any bridesmaid, friend, MOB, MOH or MOG would be to relax look at pictures of things you would like to have from some fancy wedding magazine and make it yours. Go to antique stores, flea markets and keep your eyes opened! Because anything can go from trash to treasure without looking cheap! The small touches are what makes things beautiful.

Also I would love to spill on everything that happened and we did at the shower but I do not have the time but I will say my sister and I found this game on the web probably the knot.com best wedding site ever- its called bridal bingo its a twist to watching the bride open gifts!

It's wedding season so good luck to everyone it can be a stressful time but relax, have fun and really savor the moments because when it's all said and done the stress of it won't matter and the only thing left will be the memories and photos <3

My First Blog

I have so many things I would love to share or blog about but I don't know what is appropriate for my first blog. I think I shouldn't start off suggesting books, rating the boys on The Bachelorette, (spoiler alert! I think Roberto will be on the finale episode), talking about those crazy housewives, updating on the progress of my sisters wedding (32 days!!), or spilling out my personal life. I even googled what to blog about on your first blog. I will probably rely on google to tell me what to write a lot. The search results from the top: about.com why blog?

Why Blog? This is what I've found.

Top 10 Reasons:

1. To express thoughts and opinions- check! Mine however will be on bogus nonsense I call pop culture.

2. To market or promote something- check!

3. To help people- check! Or entertain...

4. To establish yourself as an expert- check! Maybe...

5. To connect with people with like you- check! yes you!

6. To make a difference- check! I'll try to promote something good

7. To stay active and knowledgeable in a field or topic- check! wedding industry, shopping, pop culture etc.

8. To stay connected with friends and family- check!

9. To make money...-check-minus! That would be nice!

10. To have fun and be creative- checkmate! Pretty much my sole reason.

Thanks About.com! This looks like it's going to be intense :)


I have to warn you...
I am the type that will have ten blogs in one day and then zero for a month but we'll see!

Enjoy!