A Katy Perry Weekend

It was a much-needed Katy Perry kind of weekend.

I've just loved Katy since the first time I heard her very first single and couldn't get it out of my head or off my playlist.

Throughout the years, I've continued to listen to her music and consider her one of my favorite artists ever.

This weekend, I finally was able to go see her movie, Part of Me.

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And, yes, we saw it in 3D.

Before the movie even ended, I thought to myself several times, "Man, I can't wait to BUY this on DVD!"

It was just that good.

I had tears in my eyes throughout the entire movie.

Tears of joy, sadness, and inspiration.

It showed the story of her trials getting into the music industry, some insight behind her creativity and vision, the personal struggles she encountered while on tour, and her passion and drive for LIFE.

She is an amazing woman. One-of-a-kind. She makes everyone truly just want to be themselves.

She makes it "okay" to be a little weird, awkward, goofy.

And she certainly just makes you want to say, "Forget whatever is socially acceptable to wear in public. I just want to wear something spectacular!"

She just makes you think. About what really matters in life.

And to me, what really matters is achieving your wildest dreams. Touching others' lives. Leaving this world a different and better place.

Three things that she is doing so great of a job at.

I'm not done talking about Katy Perry, but today, I'll finish by saying this: Go see Part of Me!

Sunday Social | Travel

I sure love to travel and I sure love to talk about traveling.

Lucky for me, we're talking all things travel today for Sunday Social with Neely and Ashley.

1. Best trip you've ever been on

Hands down: Europe 2001

I traveled to Europe that Summer with a Student Ambassador program and had THE time of my life. Going abroad for the first time with a bunch of other teenagers? It just doesn't get any better than that.

We visited France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland.

While Venice was my favorite city...

Austria was my favorite country...

I had the opportunity to do SO many things I never thought I'd be able to do:

Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower

Visit the Lourve and Versailles

Take a tour of the Colosseum and 

Go white water rafting in the Swiss Alps

Go underground into the Salzburg salt mines

Be taken on a gondola ride

See the Mona Lisa, Statue of David, Sistine Chapel, etc.

and so much more!

It was truly the trip of a lifetime and opened up my eyes to this beautiful world!!

2. Best idea for a girls' weekend trip

Only a weekend? Sigh. If we only had a weekend...

New Orleans

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New Orleans has always been one of those cities on my "To Visit" list. It's located pretty central in the U.S. so if any blogger friends want to meet me there, it'd be pretty convenient to all of us [ahem, let's go!]

I feel like for the first trip to New Orleans, a weekend should be the perfect amount of time to really soak up the Cajun culture and make me fall in love with the unique town. It's also SUCH a great spot for the girls to get away and have a little fun :)

3. Best idea for a couples trip

Disney World!!!

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I've been there with family, I've been there with friends, now I want to go with couples.

The thought of riding The Tower of Terror, seeing which couple can get the dizziest in the Teacups, and taking pictures with all our favorite Disney characters - c'mon, it'd be the best trip!

So, once I find Prince Charming, who's coming with us? :)

4. Best vacation on the cheap

CRUISE!

I've been on two cruises and they were both while I was a "broke college student."

As if the all-inclusive all-you-can-eat perk isn't enough, you also get other awesome amenities such as fun shows to attend every night, lots of great sunbathing, dance clubs, gambling if you're into that sort of thing, spas, and sometimes cool things like surfing and rock climbing. All while visiting a bunch of fun countries/islands.
You can find great deals on cruises which, to me, makes it one of the most affordable options.

5. Place I most want to travel to

This is tough, but...

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Australia!!

Australia has been at the top of my list since I can remember because I have family there!

To me, it's the perfect destination.

You have the beaches, the city, and an awesome culture! [And in my case, family, too!]

Now, on to what I'd be packing in my bag:

1. DSLR camera to snap those new memories

2. A medium-size cross-body bag to hold all your stuff while also keeping your arms free

3. Your sunnies

4. Call me crazy but I love wearing comfy sandals when doing a lot of vacation walking

5. I LOVE this Vera Bradley travel wallet which even holds your boarding pass!

Been to any of these places? What are your answers?

Favorites on the 13th

It’s time to talk favorites again. While this has certainly not been my most favorite of weeks, there were several little wonderful things that helped remind me that no matter how bad of a week or time we are going through, there are so many beautiful things around us always. I’d like to think that my favorite angel, my Mom was one of those :) She'll always be my favorite.

[But, I'm still a bit superstitious that this not-so-fantastic week just happened to fall on the week of Friday the 13th...]

Let's get started with Friday Favorites!

Zoya in "Perrie"

I’ve been an Essie girl for a while now but as of late, we’ve just had a love/hate relationship. I’ve had the WORST time finding colors I love in my local Target and Ulta. It’s always the same ole colors that look like what I already have at home. So, I decided to venture out. My eyes immediately caught one of the prettiest nail colors I’ve ever seen. It’s the coolest Summer shade of purple. Zoya in "Perrie." It goes on so smoothly, I only needed one coat, AND it lasts long! I can't wait to add to my Zoya collection! What colors do you love?

                     

The Bargain Blonde: Confession Session Returns

I love posts that touch my heart but I also dig posts that make me crack up hysterically. Lindsey (The Bargain Blonde) did just that with her post yesterday. If you're ready for some super hilarious snarky attitude regarding Magic Mike madness and Emily Maynard's jackpot of not-so-special jewelry, check it out here!

Big Brother Season 14

Okay, so it might have been the only show I actually had the chance to watch this week other than The Bachelorette but I think this season of Big Brother is going to be a good one. I've never watched a full season of the show but I might [might] end up watching this one, especially since my brother knows someone on the show! The number of times this show comes on a week leaves me feeling a little nervous though. #TeamBoogie

P!nk ["Blow Me One Last Kiss"]

I needed some new songs on my iPhone so I logged onto iTunes and within a minute saw the above song listed as the top 2 single! Before I could even finish listening to the sample, I had to buy it. It's a total girl power song about being done with a toxic relationship [P!nk is one of the greatest when it comes to those songs, isn't she?]

If you're offended by some foul language, it might not be your cup of tea :)

Leopard Print Mailbox

I found this leopard print mailbox on Pinterest [you can follow me here!] and just fell in love. I'm obsessed with leopard and cheetah print so this is right up my alley. I'd be the coolest house on the block ;)

What are your favorites this week? Be sure to link up with Miss Lindsey!

Have a happy Friday the 13th! I'm off to FINALLY see the Katy Perry movie tonight! I'll be singing the whole time :)

The ESPYS Inspiration

I believe in miracles. I believe in perseverance.

I believe in people with good hearts overcoming life's hardest battles.

Last night I was brought to tears while watching and hearing the story of Eric LeGrand during the ESPYS. In 2010, while playing football for Rutgers in a game against Army, Eric suffered a spinal cord injury. He was told he would be a quadriplegic and would have to remain on a ventilator.

Well, he can now breathe on his own and can stand upright with the help of a frame.

And this is why he was awarded the Perseverance Award this year at the ESPYS.

I was especially touched when I heard him talk about his recovery.

He said he will walk again.

He looks forward to the day when he will go back out on that field to the very place he was injured.

And he will walk off the field and say,

"I finished that play."

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May we all follow his lead. Whatever it is that has wounded us, pushed us to the ground, or temporarily paralyzed us - may we conquer it.

May we work hard everyday, just like Eric, to overcome the biggest obstacles that life may throw our way.

And that way in the end, we all can say, "I finished that play."


Did you watch the ESPYS last night? What was your favorite moment?
[I also loved the piece they did on Pat Summitt [the amazing former Lady Vols basketball coach] upon receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Go Vols! ;)

After Sunset July Update

I hope everyone had a Happy White Collar Day yesterday :) If you don't watch White Collar, two words: Matt. Bomer.

Moving on. It's been a while since I've done an update on my Etsy shop, After Sunset. I know I've gotten quite a few new readers in the last little bit. Some of you may know about my shop, some of you may not. 

 Right now, my shop is full of brightly colored bracelets.

If you're not a golden girl, I have also starting adding silver bracelets as well!

AND, I have bracelets with larger links! Because, c'mon - the bigger the jewelry, the better! :)

Now, here's some exciting news - in the not-so-distant future, After Sunset will also adding a NECKLACE line! I'm thinking that before that happens though, we ought to have a little sale or special coupon code to make room for the new pieces! I'm sure you wouldn't be opposed to a little bargain now, would you? :)

So, stay tuned for more information!

Thanks, everyone for all your support!

I have absolutely adored every step of launching this jewelry business and can't wait for what's next!

Check out the full Etsy shop here! Happy Shopping ;)
Oh, and if you haven't already, go enter the giveaway Neely is hosting to snag your chance at winning any bracelet! Only two days left!!

Best Talk I've Had in Years

Yesterday, I desperately needed some "girl time." I needed a good woman-to-woman heart-to-heart talk. Immediately, I thought of my mom. I needed her advice, wisdom, and guidance.

But I knew that wouldn't come as quickly as I needed.

So, the first person I thought of was my mom's good friend's daughter who just so happens to be my hair stylist :) She's known me since I was a little girl and I've always, always looked up to her.

We planned a little dinner date for yesterday evening and I literally counted down the hours.

Well, Tammie and I sat at the restaurant for about 3 and a half hours chatting about life. We shared stories, lessons we've learned, etc.

In just that small amount of time, I learned so much from her - about how to carry myself as a confident woman, about how to get away from toxic people, about how to parent.

She read a paragraph from a book she is currently reading.

I can't even begin to tell you how perfect and relevant that passage was to my life.

She was meant to read that and share it with me, I just know it.

One day I will share that paragraph with you.

She also mentioned a quote:

“When the pain of what we are going through becomes greater than the fear of change, we change.”

Everything we talked about and everything Tammie told me, was just what I needed to hear.

She also brought two books for me to read which I can't wait to dig into and blog about!

When I got home that night, I realized that was the best talk I've had in years.

I walked away from that talk feeling stronger, braver, and better prepared for what's to come.

Tammie, this one is for you:

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After we hugged tight and made plans for a lunch date or haircut, whichever comes first :) I walked to my car knowing this:

*Everything happens for a reason

*The people who've known me the longest really do know what's best

*Focus ahead on the life I truly want

*Oh, and never go anywhere alone ;)

Tammie is truly one of the most genuine, compassionate, and gentle people I have ever met.

For a much-needed girls' night, I thank you! Can't wait for the next!

So, friends - what are some of your favorite tidbits of wisdom that you've walked away with after a girl's night?

Sunday Social | TV

I'm so excited to be linking up with Neely and Ashley for my first ever Sunday Social! This week, it's all about TV :)

Favorite TV show of the past

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My favorite "reality" TV show of the past was hands-down MMC [New Mickey Mouse Club.] I pretty much lived for that show.

My favorite series TV show was Full House. Did you know that I loved 90's family sitcoms so much that I did my senior thesis in college on them?
I also may or may not have taken pictures with all of the famous Tanner sites while in San Francisco. It is also quite possible that I own Full House on DVD...

Favorite TV show currently

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My most guilty of pleasures would be 90210 [I've been a fan since the original Beverly Hills] and The Real Housewives of Orange County [my favorite Housewives.]

Which Reality Show would you NEVER do?

Survivor, Fear Factor, American Idol

Which Reality Show would you LOVE to do?

Probably something safe like House Hunters? Haha, it really worries me how they edit other shows - they can completely turn nothing into something and make you come out looking like someone you are not.

But alright, alright to make things interesting for you, I'll have to say Dance Moms. I feel like I'd be one of the less outspoken moms but if you mix my passion for dance and wanting the best for my daughter [plus all the other crazy moms] it could really make for a good season :)
And, just for the record - I'd want my kids to go to Stars Dance Studio in Miami with Victor and Angel!

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TV personality/character that you feel is most 
like you?

Does Shawn Johnson count? No but seriously. We are the same person!

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This one is tough because every character I think of, I am nothing alike. What do you guys
think? Who is most like me??

TV character you'd want to date?

This one is also tough because I think of the actors I am most attracted to but wouldn't want to date the characters they play [Example: Matt Bomer as Neal Caffrey on White Collar. Ex con-man? No, thanks!]

Let's go with George Tucker from Hart of Dixie [played by Scott Porter.]He's charming, handsome, smart, successful, and such a nice guy :)

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Now, it's your turn! Go link up on this fine Sunday!!

Oh, and speaking of Neely, have you checked out the giveaway on her blog for any bracelet from my shop, After Sunset? Go enter here now :)