Little Reminders: What's Wrong is Wrong

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In any argument, take ownership in the role you play. Even you can be wrong, sometimes.

Tea Facts

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Because in 2012, I'm vowing to slow down on the coffee. I'm at the point where I can drink a cup of coffee before bed, and still sleep through the night. There is no way that can be healthy. Not to mention, tea is way cheaper!

Tea facts found here

1. Tea contains antioxidants. Like the Rust-Oleum paint that keeps your outdoor furniture from rusting, tea’s antioxidants protect your body from the ravages of aging and the effects of pollution.

2. Tea has less caffeine than coffee. Coffee usually has two to three times the caffeine of tea (unless you’re a fan of Morning Thunder, which combines caffeine with mate, an herb that acts like caffeine in our body). An eight-ounce cup of coffee contains around 135 mg caffeine; tea contains only 30 to 40 mg per cup. If drinking coffee gives you the jitters, causes indigestion or headaches or interferes with sleep — switch to tea.

3. Tea may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.Unwanted blood clots formed from cholesterol and blood platelets cause heart attack and stroke. Drinking tea may help keep your arteries smooth and clog-free, the same way a drain keeps your bathroom pipes clear. A 5.6-year study from the Netherlands found a 70 percent lower risk of fatal heart attack in people who drank at least two to three cups of black tea daily compared to non-tea drinkers.

4. Tea protects your bones. It’s not just the milk added to tea that builds strong bones. One study that compared tea drinkers with non-drinkers, found that people who drank tea for 10 or more years had the strongest bones, even after adjusting for age, body weight, exercise, smoking and other risk factors. The authors suggest that this may be the work of tea’s many beneficial phytochemicals.

Little Reminders: Ever Thine, Ever Mine, Ever Ours

20 BY Twenty

A few days ago, I was thinking to to myself and posed myself this question: What will I be doing when I'm 20? For a second I got scared, because I actually couldn't picture myself being 20 years old. It seems like an eternity from now, but in reality, its a year and 3 months away. Whoa. So I decided to make a list of 20 things I want to do by my 20th birthday: March 18th, 2013, Here it goes.

1. START MY BOOK
2. GUEST BLOG FOR A KNOWN BLOG
3. RESEARCH AND PLAN OUT MY NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION
4. LAUNCH A PROFESSIONAL WEBSITE
5. BECOME COMPLETELY FLUENT IN SPANISH
6. LEARN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
7. INTERN AT A WELL KNOWN PR/COMMUNICATIONS FIRM
8. BECOME AN ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT PROWL
9. SAVE 10% OF ANY ACRUED STUDENT LOANS - DON’T TOUCH IT!
10. HAVE MY OWN PLACE (ON OR OFF CAMPUS)

Little Reminders: Be Somebody

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As Long As Theres Christmas...

One of my favorite Christmas songs to date. Such a great message, not to mention, it's Disney! Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone! Spending the holiday with my family and friends, loving every second of it.

VIDEO: Tim & Audrey Meme Proposal

I know I'm too much of a hopeless romantic for my own good, but this is too cute. Not going to lie, almost cried when I watched it.

For close ups of all the pictures plus more on Audrey's reaction, check out her blog.

My Night at the Nutcracker

After more than 18 years of waiting, Thursday night I finally got to see the Nutcracker. We went to the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, and I loved every second of it. Not sure if my younger sister enjoyed it as much as I did (but then again, I've been obsessing over this ballet for 18 years!), but I know she enjoyed the trip to the city. My favorite dance was in Act II, the Sugarplum fairy and her cavalier. Love love loved it! After the show, we went to an Ihop a few blocks over to have breakfast for dinner. Nothing like hot pancakes and hash browns after a night at the ballet.

Being back in Philly, even just for a few hours, made me realize how much I love living there. I'm definitely going to try and do a little more exploring next semester! It's my goal to get to know this city inside and out; because I plan on being there fore a while.

Read more for more photos from the playbill.

Little Reminders: Dress Up Today

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Even though getting up a 5am to be to work by 6:15am is the last thing I want to do, I'll still be rocking a smile today. It's going to be a good day because I want it to be a good day. 

Take Ten: Let It Out & Let It Go

Stress is inevitable, but it is manageable. For some reason, being "home" on break is just as stressful, if not more stressful, than being at school. Quite frankly, I'd rather be at school. Things seem to be adding up quicker than I can subtract them. No matter how many positive reinforcements I arm myself with, sometimes I just have to break down. Breaking down is okay, it's a part of life. The important thing is that you get back up. Breaking down isn't dangerous, staying down is. So, I take ten. Ten minutes: 9 to break down, and 1 to pull it together. Thats all you need; ten.

Minutes 1-4: Let it out - Cry, throw a temper tamtrim if you have to. Squeeze a pillow, get hysterical, or sit in silence. Do whatever, but you only have 4 minutes.

Minutes 5-9: Dig it Up - Chances are the thing you're breaking down about now is based on something you've been breaking down about for a while. Take this time to find the root; why do I feel this way? What's triggering this? What is STILL bothering me? Meditate on this, cry over it, just dig it up, and let it out. You have 4 minutes.

Minute 9-10: Let It Go - It's out now. You got emotional over it, acknowledged everything, and now it's time to move on. Make a mental list of everything you just broke down over. Know what makes you tick. And then make a conscious decision to move on from it. Don't let the same thing consume you for longer than these ten minutes.

The most important thing about managing stress is just that, managing it. Take control over your problems so that you can have control over your life. You shouldn't be constantly walking around in a state of despair; that's the definition of a miserable person. Keep your head up, stay positive, and when all else fails, just take ten.

Little Reminders: Ask Yourself One Question...

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Don't sweat the small stuff.

A Days Worth of Revelations

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Random revelations I had today while working two different jobs, with no down time in between.

One: There is a fine line between being understanding and making excuses for others. While everyone should be understanding, there is never room to make excuses for the negligent behavior of others.

Two: I love college. I love the freedom, independence, and responsibility of college. I complain a lot about the stress is brings, but it will all be worth it.

Three: If I play my cards right, I will never have to work at a job I don't love ever again.

Four: My best friend, is the best.

Five: I cannot expect people to read my mind. If I want something from someone, I have to ask for it. Simple as that.

Tonight, The Nutcracker!

I've wanted to see The Nutcracker since I was little, and Thursday night I will finally the chance! I don't even remember talking about wanting to see it to anyone. But last month, a very good friend surprised me with tickets. She even got a ticket for my younger sister, who really needs a fun night out. I can't wait! Hopefully this will get me more into the Christmas spirit. The big day is on sunday but it still feels like December 1st to me.

VIDEO: Lace Front PSA

Saw this and could not stop laughing! Everyone knows, I'm pretty much as anti-lace front and as pro natural hair as they come. But no matter what your hair preferences are, this video is pretty funny!

Hey Now, Hey Now!

My boyfriends back! MJ came back yesterday. We were going to pick him up from the airport, but he surprised us before we had the chance! I'm so glad to have him back for the next few weeks. His return was the perfect holiday gift for me!

Winter break is going to be fabulous.

Little Reminders: Small Problems, Bigger Blessings.

VIDEO: Would Anyone Notice?

Saw this video when I was browsing Karla's blog, and I could not believe this. Found dead after three years, with the TV still on? Unbelievable. Really makes you think, what mark will you leave behind? If this were you, would anyone notice you were missing? I have to see the film!

One Down, Seven to Go

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Today, around 9 am, I officially finished my first semester of college. While ending it all with an 8 am Spanish final was less than ideal, I couldn't be happier it's over. And, if my calculations are correct (which they most likely AREN'T because I'm a PR major, and we don't do math), I should have somewhere between a 3.54-3.6 GPA. Which for a first semester freshman, isn't bad at all. While it may not be the 3.8 I was striving for, I know I worked for it, and I'm proud of it. I learned a lot this semester, in and out of the classroom (excuse the cliche). There were a lot of high ups, and some really low downs, but I wouldn't trade a moment of it for anything.

Everyone told me I would get to know myself better once I left for college, but truthfully, that's an understatement. For starters, I learned just how OCD I am. I have never made more organized to-do list, color coded calendars, or written more post-it notes in my entire life. If it's not written down, it's almost as if it isn't real to me. I type notes in class, but when i study I have to write them out. I thought I was a writer in the sense that I enjoyed writing. Turns out, I'm a writer, meaning one who has to write. I'm excited to see where that will take me.

Another thing I learned is that I have no problem being a loner. Don't get me wrong, I have met some truly fabulous people this semester who I love and love to be around; but I'm just as happy standing alone as I am in a crowd. I watched so many friendships, relationships, and acquaintanceships fall apart this semester. Spending time alone give you a chance to reflect on who you surround yourself with, and how often. It makes a difference. A big one.

Overall, this semester was good for me and to me. It was a crash course in Growing Up 101 for sure. But if I can get through my first semester, I know I can make it through 7 more!  

Little Reminders: Practice What You Preach

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Because actions speak louder than words.

Love and Relationship Ethos: Double Standards

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When we think double standards, a few things instantly come to mind. Like if a girl dates numerous guys she's "fast", but if a guy dates numerous girls he's "the man." But these aren't the double standards I'm talking about. I'm talking about those hidden double standards that exist in relationships. The ones that everyone knows are there, but no one ever talks about; especially us ladies! Thats right, girls are as much to blame for these double standards as guys are for the more universal ones.

For example: the text me first rule. Ask any girl why she's offended that a guy she's dating/seeing/'talking to' hasn't texted or called her and you generally get the same lame answer. If he's thinking about me, he should text me first. Sorry, wrong. Wrong on so many different levels. Despite their savage reputations, guys are still humans. Meaning, the same way a girl wants to know her guy is thinking about her, he wants to know his girl is thinking about him. Would it kill you to send a good morning text every once in a while? Or, call me crazy, a text to say 'I was just thinking about you.' Girls cry and pout about how relationships are give and take, yet they are quick to draw lines about who gives what. If chivalry is dead, women are just as much to blame as men! (Yes, I actually just went there).

My Study Playlist

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The only thing keeping me sane during finals week is strong coffee and good music. I've been bumping the same songs since last week. Hopefully they help me end this semester with A's and a glorious GPA. 

Songs are in no particular order; except for Moves Like Jagar. That song HAD to be first!

1. Moves Like Jagar- Maroon 5
2. Rolling In The Deep- Adele
3. Firework- Katy Perry
4. For The First Time- The Script
5. Sandcastle Disco- Solange
6. Yeah I Know- Ciara
7. Solider- Destiny's Child
8. Party- Beyonce feat Andre 3000
9. Love On Top- Beyonce
10. Superwoman- Alicia Keys

And when all else fails, there's always Pandora.

Miguel Endara and 3.2 Million Dots

Sometimes I get so caught up in the now, I forget about the end I'm trying to reach. If we run a race visioning the race and not the finish line, it becomes that much harder to come in first. This video shows artist Miguel Endara creating his piece "Hero." It took 3.2 million dots and over 200 ours to complete. He may have started off with a few little dots, but because he was able to focus on his end result, he was able to create something magnificent. 

VIDEO: Your Boyfriend Doesn't Like Natural Hair?

I think a lot of girls worry about how their significant others will feel if they decide to make the transition from relaxed to natural hair. It feels good to know there are guys out there who are not only accepting; but also understanding and willing to do the research. No to mention, dude is hilarious!! 

Life Mantras

These past few weeks have been giving me hell. It seems like every step forward leads me to a fist, punching me backwards. So I thought the best way to combat that is to give these next few weeks Heaven. Here are some mantra's I'll be using to help me stay sane and positive and keep pushing. I refuse to fail; and I will finish what I started. Amen.

Yesterday I did, today I do, tomorrow I will.

This too, shall pass.

Do not dwell on things that do not deserve to be dwelled upon.

With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine.

Effort comes from muscles, not from nerves.

I must not fear, fear is a mind killer.

Can I Have My Lattee & Drink It Too?

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Is it really possible for me to travel the world, live in at least two foreign countries, become a published author, and have a world wind romance? I guess the better question is: can I do them al simultaneously? I know I'm good, but am I really that good?

I'm at a point in my life where I'm really starting to grasp how endless my possibilities are. If I want to spend a semester in London (which I will), it's doable. If I want to spend a summer in Paris (which I DO), that's also doable. I can apply for international internships, or spend whatever free time I can scrounge up (which admittedly isn't much) to write. I can do all of this, but at what cost? Can I maintain my relationship, which is so important to me, while I'm out conquering the world. If not, which am I willing to sacrifice? My boyfriend, my dreams, my mile long list of ambitions. None of the above.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. Young adults spend so much time listening to older adults tell them to be patient and enjoy our youth. They are always so quick to tell us not to rush things, but now here I am, on my own, with a bunch of unanswerable questions. I may just be too OCD for life, but I need to know the whens, wheres, and hows of everything. It's just the way I am. So when is it the right time to sit down and figure of the logistics of your life? When are we required to have all our ducks in a row?

Little Reminders: Jimi Hendrix

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No Place Like SBucks For The Holidays

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"When we're together, snowmen come alive"

That was the caption on my Holiday lattee at Starbucks this evening. With this week being finals week, the added caffeine is essential to my diet. I wanted to try a new holiday flavor, but didn't know which one to try. The barista recommended I mix the two flavors I was torn between: The Egg Nog latte and the Caramel Brulée latte. I didn't even know I had the option to blend them! It was fantastic, I'll definitely be mixing other holiday flavors this season.

#MotivationMondays: Walking Alone

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Often times we stress when people, especially ones we care about, leave our lives. One thing I've learned is that not everyone is meant to be in your life forever. Some come for a season, and some for less time than that. Enjoy the lessons they bring and the memories made, but always remember standing alone is a valued trait.

Happy Monday.

Winter Wishlist 2011

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Just like every other broke college student there is truly only one thing on my Christmas list this year: Cash! USD if you need the specifics. Since I'm spending this Christmas season window shopping, I thought I'd share some things I've had my eye on.

Cheetah/Leopard Print Accessories and Footwear: Blame it on the jersey girl in me, but I adore all things cheetah/leopard print. I'm not bold enough to try and pull off a cheetah print pant or leopard top, but these little embellishments go a long way! I'd love to add the Cheetah print Ugg mini's to my Winter collection, and rock the leopard print Sperry's in the Spring/Fall.

Take The "S" Off My Chest, Please!

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Sitting here trying to trick my body into thinking that the temporary boost from this espresso is a sufficient substitute for my only getting two hours of sleep last night; I've finally decided that something has to give. I have so many incredible people in my life, and I'm having a really hard time accepting the fact that making each and every one of them happy all of the time just isn't possible. Unless I figure out some way to clone myself this weekend, I'm going to have to let down some of my favorite people. As bad as I feel about this, and as hard as I've tried to stretch myself to be able to do it all, I'm facing the facts and accepting that it's not my fault; I can't be everyone's superwoman.

I don't know when and how it happened, but somewhere down the line I became afraid of the word "no". I saw "no" as a one sided unfair deal: denying someone something that they really wanted or needed; letting down a loved one; disappointing someone who doesn't deserve to be disappointed. No meant bad and yes meant good, so I "yes-ed" myself until I couldn't yes anymore. And when it all came tumbling down and I had no more yeses to give, I didn't know what to do. So naturally, I blamed myself: my time management, my commitment to relationships, my everything. Wrong. 

Clean Out Your Closet

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Not your literal closet, (even though that one might need some organizing too!) I'm talking about your emotional and mental closet. That area of the brain (and heart) where you hold every word that was said, wrong that was done, and painful memory you can remember. It's time to pack it up, donate to goodwill and fill our closets with bigger and better things.

So often we allow our past to consume us, and rarely do we harp on positive memories. Every negative thought that you hold on to only takes up space that could be filled with good ones. And I hate to say it, but we girls are the worst with this. You know its true: you still have every love letter, picture, and souvenir even though all they remind you of are heartbreak and disappointment. It's time to let all of this go and move on, once and for all!

Make a list of everything, and don't be afraid to get personal, this is very personal. Write down everything you know you need to let go of: people, places, memories, regrets. Make a pact with yourself that you are going to leave these things in the past once and for all. Throw out his old jacket and the love letter he wrote you in 10th grade. Stop replaying the night she stood you up or talked about you behind your back. Leave it all behind. Tear up the list, burn it if you have to. Do whatever it takes for you to grasp the concept of moving on. Then make a new list. A list of all the great, positive things you want to do with your life. Your goals, ambitions, aspirations, and deepest desires. Live out the new list, make new memories, and enjoy the benefits of a clean closet: you can find everything, even yourself.

Live Positive. 

VS Fashion Show 2011

Last night was full of glitter, million dollar bras, and billion dollar panties at the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. The stars were even out with Maroon 5, Jay-Z, Kanye, and Nicki Minaj all hitting the stage. God bless the model that got to be serenaded by Adam Levine, lucky girl! The show had some hits and some misses but I have to say I was very impressed as I am every year. Watching all those girls is definitely motivation to hit the gym!

I can't imagine all the planning and work that goes into putting on this show but I know one thing, I wouldn't mind being a part of it! Amber Burns, PR coordinator for Victoria's Secret Inc. Sounds good right?!

Amber's Workout Plan

Kanye's got nothing on an ambitious girl with some serious weight loss goals! I don't take this military girlfriend business lightly, having MJ go off for basic training really inspired me to hit the gym harder than ever. When he gets back for Christmas exit, his training doesn't stop and I want to be able to at least pretend like I'm keeping up!

With work, school, and maintaining something that resembles a social life, getting to the gym every single day is just unrealistic. Love it in theory, but it would probably kill me in practice. So I'm aiming to go at least 3-4 times a week, which isn't bad at all! In lieu of becoming a gym rat, I've been looking up other things that lead to weight loss and a healthier me, here's the plan:

1. All Water Everything- Yes, that even means that I, confessed coffee addict, am trading in that precious morning cup. All in the name of fitness.

2. 30 minutes of daily cardio- Just because I'm in not in the gym doesn't mean I can't get my cardio on from the comforts of my dorm. Walking to classes and meetings count for something too!

3. No Pasta or White Bread- I love bread; I come from a bread loving family. I doubt we are sitting down without some kind of fresh baked break on the table. And whenever we have pasta, it's accompanied by bread. This has to go!

4. No junk food- Trading in the chips that come with my greek wrap for carrot sticks shouldn't be that bad. But I'm bracing myself just in case!

Fitness isn't just a quick fad for quick results, it's a lifestyle! I have some short term goals that this plan is bound to help me complete; but my long term goals (overall health and positive well-being) require a lot less of the extremities. After I reach these short term goals, I still want to keep up the cardio, limit the junk food intake, and keep water as my beverage of choice. My number one goal is a happier, healthier me!

Blow Out The Candles With PRIDE!

This blog goes out to a friend of mine, Ty who will be turning 19 in a few short days! He's dreading hitting another year older for whatever reason even though he shouldn't be!

A month or two ago I posted an entry about the hundreds of millions of dreams we have every night. Our dreams show us the things we long for the most. The things we desire to do, but haven't been put into position to do yet. How many times did you dream of your dream job when you were only 5 years old? Or go over the mental picture of that perfect someone in your mind, before you were even of dating age? Exactly, we all long to do and have so many things, we need all the time in the world to manifest them.

Each birthday is your being awarded another year to inspire and be inspired by greatness. Each candle represents some trademark, big or small, that you have left of on the world, on someone, on something. Bravo to you! Celebrate your accomplishments, and relish in the fact that there are more candles to come. Throw yourself a party, and blow out your candles with pride. Happy Birthday.

#MotivationMondays: Mind Over Matter

I'll be sure to keep this in mind when I trade in my daily morning coffee in for a water bottle. All part of a new 3 week (intense) fitness regimen I'm embarking on. More deets to follow!

Also, I'm resisting the temptation to shop on cyber Monday. That's the thing about being a broke college kid: the second you get cash, your hand starts itching!

Spread the motivation and tweet me @AmberSB_ with the hashtag #motivationmondays!

Thanksgiving Wrap-Up

While any holiday with my family is never uneventful, I did enjoy being home, drama and all. I could type out all of the good (and some of the bad), but it's easier to just post the pictures and let you all fill in the blanks.

It's always been a tradition to get "done up" every holiday in my family. I don't know, I guess I tried. This was Thanksgiving day.

The little sister and I on Thanksgiving day

Little Reminders: Just Keep Pushing

Today, I refuse to give up, give in, or give out. I will finish what I started, I will succeed, I will just keep pushing.

Despite my 4 hours of sleep, stuffy nose, and sore throat, I will keep pushing.

I never stop.

There Are No Sick Days In College

Somewhere between my ton of homework assignments, unwritten papers, and that fourth cup of coffee, I managed to get sick. I literally felt great on Thursday and woke up half dead on Friday. This is unfortunate because being sick has no place in my planner or my non-stop lifestyle! As much as my body is telling me to slow down, my mind cannot seem to process this concept. Yesterday, I knew I needed to spend the day in bed to give my body a chance to rest. Somehow the crazy over achiever in me took this as "get into bed and bring your to-do list and homework with you." So that's exactly what I did: sat in bed with my laptop and my books, finishing up a paper and filling out paper work for my internship.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I never stop!

Needless to say, the upcoming Thanksgiving break is much needed and highly anticipated! I'll be leaving campus early Wednesday afternoon, and soaking up family time and great food Thursday evening. I cannot wait!

All of my friends are either home from school already or on their way back. I can't wait to see everyone... well not everyone! My best friend and I go to schools that are states apart. Both of our schedules are so different we hardly get to talk. I can only imagine what our reunion is going to be like!

Well, I'm going to spend the rest of my Sunday (in bed) finishing up assignments and packing for my weekend at home.

Enjoy your Sunday!

It's The Little, Annoying Thing You Miss The Most

Before you roll your eyes and vow to never read my blog again, I promise this is not a lamenting, whiny, army girlfriend misses boyfriend kind of post. I'm not there yet! It's just that I've noticed that since he's been gone, the things I love about him I miss, but his little annoying quirks are what I LONG for!

I used to hate those same 8 songs he played every time we were in the car. Now, I have an entire playlist devoted to those songs.

I miss the corny jokes that he would constantly tell that irked me because I never found them funny. Now, when something reminds me of one of those jokes I find myself laughing to myself, looking crazy, of course.

I miss that text he used to send me between 6:50-7:00am when he knew I was sleeping, that would always wake me up from a much needed peaceful sleep. Now, I wake up around 6:50-7:00 naturally.

It really is the little annoying things that I miss the most about him. 29 days!

#Knowthyself: MY Color Purple

I am a huge believer that everyone on this planet was born for a purpose, with a purpose. Now the trick is, how do you figure out what that purpose is? Well, it has everything to do with getting to know your creator and getting to know yourself! Nothing that you possess inside is in you by accident. So in between my classes the other day, I researched a few things about me, and boy was a blown away!

Since the dawn of time, my favorite color has been purple. I thought and confessed that I love purple because I wanted to stray away from every other pink obsessed girl, but after a little research, I discovered purple may have actually chosen me!

Purple embodies the balance of red's stimulation and blue's calm. This dichotomy can cause unrest or uneasiness unless the undertone is clearly defined, at which point the purple takes on the characteristics of its undertone. With a sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple is a color often well liked by very creative or eccentric types and is the favorite color of adolescent girls.

HOW THE COLOR PURPLE AFFECTS US PHYSICALLY

» Uplifts, Calms the mind and nerves, Offers a sense of spirituality, Encourages creativity

So all this time I've been making up reasons why I love purple, but really, purple is built into my make up! It's all about knowing and understanding yourself. Tapping into sides of yourself that you never even knew existed! If you learn something new everyday, why not make that thing something about YOU?


Learn all about your favorite colors here.

In All Things, Give Thanks

As Thanksgiving (and Thanksgiving break) approaches, I can't help but think of all the things I'm thankful for. With all of my to-do lists and weekly happenings, it is so easy to focus on the mountain of things in front of me, without thinking of the mountain of blessings I have as well. How many times a day so we really stop and just meditate on how fortunate we are? Not nearly as much as we should, thats for sure.

I want this Thanksgiving to be different for me, and I have a feeling it will be. I want to break the mentality of focusing on what I have not, and place heavier emphasis on what I have. If we constantly mediate on the things we lost or wish we had, we lose precious time to pursue the things we are destined to obtain! Venting can be an awesome release, but there comes a time when you need to vent less and speak out more. The more you speak about and meditate on a thing, the more likely you are to make it happen.

One thing I am especially thankful for this holiday season is time. I am thankful for this time I have had to be to myself, discover who I am, and understand myself. I am thankful for the time I have had to talk with wonderful, uplifting, and encouraging people. People who have been willing to invest their time and words of wisdom in me, who took the time to see something in me worth becoming a part of. I am thankful for the time I wasted, because I often work better when I know I have less time to work with. But most importantly, I am thankful for the times to come. Everything that I have learned and done has only been the tip of the iceberg. The things that are to come are the things that keep me excited and motivated, they are worth all the time in the world.

Learn about your favorite colors here.

4 Stories: Coffee & Tea

I got the idea for the Four Stories Series from LA's blog Freckled Nest. Here's how it works: each month there is a theme. The theme for November is going to be Coffee and Tea. For each theme, I'm going to blog four stories or memories or thoughts that are triggered by that theme. Feel free to keep this going and use it on your blogs, tumblrs, or whatever!

1.The Kool Aid Coffee Mug

I remember living in our cozy (no not small, very cozy) apartment in North Jersey. I loved living there, back in my only child days! On weekend mornings, we would all usually be in the kitchen eating breakfast. My mom and grandma would have hot tea and my dad would make a strong cup of black coffee. I had this pink kool aid mug right out of the comercial, and every saturday my dad would fill the cup with milk, then add a splash of coffee to it. I wish I still had that mug, but I'm glad I still have the memories.

2.Backwards Granny

Before we moved, a trip to South Jersey always meant a trip to my granny's (mother's mother) house. I always thought it was weird that she drank hot tea in the mornings to wake up and be energized, then drank coffee at night to put herself to sleep. I remember asking her once why she did it backwards, she just told me that she did what worked for her. That stuck with me.

3. "If You Really Like Coffee, You Drink It Black - No Milk, and No Sugar"

One of my favorite parts of drinking coffee is adding the flavored creamers to it! It just takes things to a new level. Whenever my dad sees me mixing up creamy concoctions of french vanilla and hazelnut delight, he always says this to me. It's a quote that his aunt used to say to him, when they had coffee but no milk or sugar in the house to use for it.

4.Depends On How I'm Feeling

I don't have a typical drink order, it depends on how I'm feeling.Slow moving mornings usually call for a hot cup of earl grey tea, or a chai tea latte. Hectic days usually bring me to a large Americano or something with a shot of expresso. Busy days with no breaks between classes, a medium coffee with french vanilla and cinnamon creamers. It really just depends.

I Need To Explore: Wanderlust

There are so many cities and countries in this planet and I have an insatiable desire to see and experience them all. For a long time, I thought I just wanted to see a few major cities, just to see what the hype was about. But now, my ears are always ready to pick up on a chance to go international. 

I had a study abroad plan, which basically outlined everything I needed to do to ensure I could spend my fall 2013 semester in London. While that plan is still in effect, I'm thinking why stop at London? When am I ever going to have to chance to visit foreign places and try new things? Why wait until after college to see the world if I can do both at the same time! If I can spend a semester in London, a summer in Paris, and another summer in South Africa, then why not?

Sometimes I think I plan too big. I have so many desires to do so many things, and I want to do them all NOW. But on the other hand, I'm probably not even thinking big compared to what I am destined to do!

Little Reminders: No One Trips Over Mountains

Nobody trips over mountains.  It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble.  Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain.  ~Author Unknown

Everything Will Be Okay In The End, If It's Not Okay, It's Not The End.

Today was a terrible day, but I refuse to be defeated. I'm determined to spend the rest of this night being productive. Nothing positive can come from sitting and sulking and wallowing in my own self pity. I will rise above everything that tries to hinder me. I cannot be defeated. Maybe I just needed to remind myself of this. Remind myself that everything always works out in my favor.

I woke up this morning thinking that things would work out simply because I deserved for them to work out. When things went wrong, I was outraged because I thought I deserved them to go right. But now, I realize it has nothing to do with what I deserve. It has everything to do with what I am destined to become. And for that reason, everything is going to work out for me. It has to.

#Lovethyself: Relax, Relate, Release.

This Saturday, I took a much needed mental health break. I forbade myself from picking up a textbook, unglued myself from my email, and cozied up in a warm pair of pajamas for the day. I have to admit, it was lovely! I spend so much time running from this meeting to that meeting, typing this paper and print that paper, that I rarely get to take a moment and just breathe. I can't even lie, at certain points during the day, it was hard for me to just chill. I felt guilty for taking some time to myself to just relax and let my mind wander. I felt like I was wasting hours in the day. I never thought taking a breather would become challenging for me.

My struggle to relax just helped me realize how much more I need to relax. I always take that extra few minutes to make sure my papers are perfect. Always reread an email eight times before I send it. I color code any and everything that can be color coded; and always tripple check assignments before even walking towards a classroom. So what stops me from taking 20 minutes of of my day to just woo-sah, and make sure I'm okay. No matter how much my obsessive compulsiveness drives me towards perfection, if I'm having a daily mental breakdown in the process.

As important as it is for me to have all of my affairs in order, it's just as important that I keep myself in order. If I slip, all my hard work falls down with me, and that's a fact.

From now on, I'm challenging me and everyone else to #lovethyself. Do a little something for you daily, nothing is to little or to big. Read a magazine, watch TV, turn off your email notifications, ANYTHING. Just take a little time to keep your star player at 100%.

Love And Relationship Ethos: J'ai amour, l'amour

J'ai amour, l'amour: (French) I love, love.


It's true, I am the definition of a hopeless romantic. I always have been, and God willing, I always will be. 

Girl, Put Your Records On

This week has been one thing after another, after another. I definitely need a mental health day. Sometimes, we focus so much on tasks and goals that we forget to take care of ourselves; especially in college. This weekend, I am going to have some much needed "me time".

In the meantime, relax to this tune.

Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae

Love And Relationship Ethos: Making Our Hearts Fonder

Thanks to my mild case of OCD that wouldn't let me blog until I redesigned the site, my crazy schedule, and my boyfriend leaving for Basic Training for the army, I've been pretty much a no show around here; my bad. Sometimes, even I let life get in the way of what I love. And this blog is definitely something I love. But I promise, I'm back.... I think!

I spent this entire weekend with my boyfriend any his family, seeing him off when he left for military training. I've been sad before, but this is the weirdest saddness I've ever felt. It's a sense of sadness combined with joy and happiness, and even a little excitement. I am just so optimistic that this is going to be good for him, and that when he comes back there are going to be so many positive changes in him. But at the same time, the longest I think I've ever gone without talking to him in the last 3 years has been maybe two weeks, two and a half weeks tops! So this is a really big adjustment for me, for both of us I'm sure. At least the saying goes: absence makes the heart grown fonder.


I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss him like crazy already. He's gotten to call me twice since he's been on base, and both times you would've thought I hit the lottery when I saw his name on the caller ID. I keep replaying the last things we said to each other over and over. I don't know what to expect during the time that we're apart, so I'm trying to prepare myself for any and everything. Luckily, I am very close to his family, so I'm not going through this transition to military girlfriend status alone, which is a major bonus.

The addition of military girlfriend to the chapters of the book of my life is sure to make for an interesting twist to the story.

Saturday Reminders: Find Your Inspiration

While I go off to study and produce a brilliant paper, I hope you find inspiration in whatever you do today.

Image Found on tumblr.com

It's Both My Blessing And My Curse - I Wonder If It Bothers People?

I wasn't always a super strong person, because I didn't always have to be. Wait, let me rephrase that: I never knew how strong I was. My parents and grandmother did an excellent job at making sure I never had to know the extent of my strength for a very long time. I love them, and I also hate them for this. Why hate? Because if I had known just how strong I was early on, things would have gone very differently for me! Maybe they knew this and thats why they worked so hard to protect me.

Once I discovered how strong I was, everything did change. I started thinking differently, believing differently. When you know you can carry it, the weight of the world might as well equate to the weight of a feather. I'm not going to lie, it was scary. I had a lot going on, a lot of really traumatic really stressful things going on; but they weren't bother me. Don't get me wrong, I'm a teenage girl, I had and still have moments, breakdowns, episodes even, but not over the heavy things, at least not often. I don't understand it, at all; but I refuse to question it, because I like it.


I sometimes do wonder if it makes people around me uncomfortable. That I can spend days, even weeks alone by preference. That I can so easily remove negative people from my life. That I can be so open, and say heavy things, without even the slightest flinch. It must be uncomfortable, but I honestly cannot help it. And I would never change it. At the end of the day if I knew all I had was me, myself, and God, I'd be okay, thats a pretty powerful team.

The inner strength within me is not exclusive to me. I cannot fathom God making hundreds of billions of people, and only giving this strength to one person, it's not like him! So this strength that enables me to be okay, calm, and have peace, everyone has. You can be just as strong, you can manage on your own. You were created with everything you will ever need, that alone should provide a feeling of strength.

This day inspired me to write this, to remind myself of something I already know. I truly pity those who underestimate me, or consider me to the "average girl". Boy, do they have it wrong. I guess this is why I consider it a blessing and a curse, because when people are intimidated or afraid of something, or someone, they are quick to underestimate and challenge it. I'm always up for a challenge!

My Ambitions: Photography

I really admire photographers, people who can capture moments in time; it find it fascinating. I would love to own a powerful camera and travel the world. Taking pictures of things and places, not people; there are enough pictures of people.

Travel to London to see Big Ben and the London Eye.

Go to New York, and take a picture of the same skyline at different points in the day, just to see what difference the sun makes.

Go to Paris, and snap flicks of fashion icons sipping Cappuccino and lovers strolling past the Eiffel Tower.

And go some place like India, where the culture is nothing like my own. Experience everything, try everything, taste everything, taking pictures to document the entire thing.

How incredible would my life be if I spent a year, or two, or three just traveling and photo journaling my experiences. I would love it.

(All photos curtesy of weheartit.com and tumblr.com)