Live a Little

HAPPY Friday friends!!

I just wanted to wish you all a very wonderful weekend. The back half of this week was busy because I decided to live life and play a little. So I don't have an outfit post or a coffee date post written like I intended. The weather has been BEE-YOU-TI-FULL and I am making the most of my spare time while I have it.

Here are a couple of pics from my trip to Disneyland yesterday (these were on Instagram so I am sure some of you have seen them already). I had such a great day! I also got to meet up with a few LA Bloggers for dinner in Santa Monica last night. Always nice to meet some new people! I am attending a bachelorette party this weekend and then celebrating a friend's birthday. Another packed weekend. But I LOVE it.

There is NEVER a dull moment when Jacqui and I are together. 

Clearly we hate hanging out together! ;)

I hope you all get to spend time with loved ones!

Have a FUN and Safe St. Patrick's Day!!

Happy Valentine's Day

Sending my L-O-V-E to every single one of you!

I have big plans, huge! Haha.

Whether you celebrate or not, spread the love.

Lord knows, we could use more LOVE in this crazy world.

I have a couple of Valentine's.

This one has been the best to me ;)

The Happiest of Valentine's Days to each and every one of you!

XXOO

Trashy TV, Work Outs and Target

I am not sure how many of you know that I am a complete night owl and that I tend to write my blog posts right before bed. So this post is being written after watching The Bachelor and The Biggest Loser. I also DVR The Following (AMAZE-BALLS new show with Kevin Bacon) AND Dallas. Too much good television on Monday nights. Eeek! So I feel like I have to tell you that watching both of these shows really puts perspective in my life. I know that may sound ridiculous BUT being "single" and searching for love along with continuing on my Fitness Journey pretty much ensures that watching Reality TV is a must. As for the perspective, I know that as much as I think that I am "crazy" and possibly hard to date I know that I am nowhere close to the craziness that a few of the girls on The Bachelor (Tierra is on her on level of cray cray. Her and her eyebrow) are. I was sad to see Lesley go. She was my favorite from the beginning. But watching Sean dismiss Tierra early was just fantastic. PLUS seeing Sean's sister reenforces that Sean is really not a douchebag. I still really like him and his genuineness. As for The Biggest Loser... I am not really attached to any of the contestants, maybe Danni, but overall it is a kind of boring season. I just watch to see Bob, Dolvett and Jillian in action. Their work outs inspire me!

 This is always a good reminder when it comes to matters of the heart!

Since I just babbled about television I have to share that I actually didn't get dressed in anything besides work out clothes yesterday. I started running again since I signed up for a 5K on March 30th. I also went on a 4 mile walk with a friend. So I got in double work outs. I am doing what I can to stay motivated to lose 20 pounds and setting milestones is important. So no outfit post today! Sorry, Friends! Tomorrow. Promise!

 I LOVE this. You cannot just think it, you must do it. Actions speak louder than words in all aspects of life!

I did run into Target yesterday to pick up a few things and to check out the Prabal Gurung for Target line. My store still had so many of the clothing options but the ever popular sweatshirt was long gone (not that I would have bought it because I know 6 people that did plus the blogging world. Haha). I think that it was a gorgeous collection. I wasn't a huge fan of the fabrication used but that's to be expected. The shoes were picked over but the neon strappy heels were there. Two pairs left and one happened to be my size. I LOVE them. But I still left home without buying them. I may hate myself later. Or try and buy them. Let me know if you think I should!!

I did happen to fall in love with the 'Ona' flat in cognac. I am going to have to carry my love for cognac into spring and summer when I won't be able to wear my beloved boots anymore and I think that these are perfect. I have been a fan of this flat since they introduced this style. For fifteen bucks they are kind of a no brainer. I am also enamored with these wedges. I love the shades of blue and teal mixed with the natural of the cork. These pretties will probably be making their way into my closet at some point. If you fall in love you may want to size down, they run a bit big. I also think these are rad. Edgy, HIGH wedge and neutral. Pretty perfect characteristics if you ask me. 

That is a quick wrap up of my Monday. Shop, Work Out, a little girl time and lots of trashy TV. I cannot complain!

Coffee Date/Hang Out Sesh

TGIF lovelies!

I hope that you will join me for coffee today! I am loving this series and the opportunity to share with you all. I am linking up with my friend Alissa, so if you are joining me on this hang out sesh I suggest you go link up and see what other women are sharing!

I am wearing this camo hoody. Again. And these sunnies. I am DYING to get them with the Green Flash lens too.

If we were having coffee today (or tea since that is what I am drinking) I would start off by sharing that I am missing my family this week! Getting to spend a couple days with them is like a tease. Seeing my nephew and niece makes my heart SO happy. I tell you that I was so excited to have my nephew sleep in my room both nights that they were here. And that on the second night he woke up and wanted to sleep in bed with me. WHile I didn't get much sleep that night (how do you moms do it???) I loved the extra cuddles, running my fingers through his curls and watching him sleep. There is nothing more special than those little moments. I would ask you about your fam (if you had one) or to have you share a special moment you had in the past couple of weeks.

 Don't pay any attention to me. Sneak attack! How I slept most of Sunday night.

If I was having coffee with you I would share that I had an interview this week and that I have been applying for new jobs. I would share what a nerve wrecking process it is but even through the nerves I am SUPER excited to start a new chapter in my life. I would ask you to keep me in your thoughts and prayers that the perfect position comes available. I would ask you about your job and where your passion lies. 

Dating and my Work Outs are always a hot topic. I would share that I saw my "future husband" in a Yoga class last week. I would tell you that I have not been that physically attracted to someone like that in YEARS. Now I just have to see him again so that I can get the balls to talk to him. I would tell you how my family saw what I looked like after a hot yoga class and jokingly (well, not really. They were serious) told me that I should only try to talk to him BEFORE class. LOL. I am a hot, disgusting, sweaty, smelly and red faced mess after a work out. There is nothing cute about me. At all. I know that and I am ok with that. I would ask you if you read my most recent Flirty Thirty posts about my dating diary the last few months and get your thoughts on what I shared. I would ask how your love life is and if you have been focused on a diet and fitness regimen.

If we were hanging out I would talk a little bit about the blog and social media. I would share that my blog readership continues to grow and that I am a little overwhelmed by my Inbox. I have so many emails to respond to that I don't know where to begin. Haha. I would share that I am beginning to accomplish some of the goals that I set for 2013. AND I would tell you how excited I am that I hit 500 followers on Instagram! Pretty cool milestone. 

I always have to share what I am dying to buy. So I would tell you that I am in DIRE need of a new pair of running shoes and that I am thinking about buying these in the BRIGHT blue combo. I am also dying to buy these booties after stalking Laura of Ascot Friday's blog and IG feed. Plus my friend Jess has them and I am in love. I still need to buy some pants that fit. I am loving these because of the zippers and my obsession with distressed denim is out of control so these skinnies obviously need to come home with me. And lastly I am dying to buy the Naked Basic palette. I need some matte, neutral shadows in my life. I need to reel my shopping in until I secure a new job. I am hoping you will hold me accountable ;)

I am pretty positive that we would talk about upcoming plans for the weekend and that we cannot believe that it is February already! I have a 30th birthday party to attend and I have NO plans for Super Bowl (yet). I still haven't seen some of the Best Picture nominees and I am DYING to go to a concert. Luckily I will be seeing Pink in a couple weeks. I have started making plans to go to AZ fro Spring Training, I have some Country concerts that I will be attending and a couple weddings coming up. The next few months will be very busy! I would hope that you are planning some fun things too!

Now that I have talked your ear off, what else would you tell me? I love hearing about your life too! Let's chat!

Thanks for hanging out with me today! I hope that you have an incredible weekend! 

Since none of my favorite teams are playing in the Super Bowl I am going to root for the California team....GOOOOO NINERS!!!

Flirty Thirty: "The Diary" Part Two

 I am on a Flirty Thirty roll! Three posts in less than two weeks.

I shared about a couple guys of the many that I have dated recently in "The Diary" Part One. In this post I talk specifically about one guy. My most recent relationship. It may be a little too soon to be talking about so openly but it is where my head has been. I think it has shown in my writing, Instagram pics, work outs and even my outfit posts. It is real, it is raw and we have all been there! 

Obviously this is Johnny and not Taylor BUT I posted this pic on Instagram after my first date with Mr. Geographically Undesirable. It still touches me months later. I thought it was appropriate for this post.

Song: Begin Again

Favorite line(s):
"I've been spending the last eight months
Thinking all love ever does is break and burn and end
But on a Wednesday in a cafe I watched it begin again"

"And for the first time what's past is past"

Who it reminds me of: Mr. Geographically Undesirable

How I related: The first few times I heard this song I thought it was sweet. Then I met Mr. Geographically Undesirable, after talking to him pretty much 3-4x a week for 3 months, and knew that this song described us perfectly. We met at a Starbucks in the middle of the California desert, on a Wednesday evening, and honestly I knew after meeting him that something was blossoming. Immediately. In fact, something had been growing between us and I never realized it because I had written him off as a love interest because of where he lived. He was everything that I didn't know I was looking for. Everything in my past seemed to just fade after meeting him. 

Song: All Too Well

Favorite line(s):
"And I know it's long gone
And that magic's not here no more
And I might be okay
But I'm not fine at all"

"And I know it's long gone
And there was nothing else I could do
And I forget about you long enough
To forget why I needed to"

"Maybe we got lost in translation, maybe I asked for too much
And maybe this thing was a masterpiece 'til you tore it all up
Running scared, I was there, I remember it all too well"

"And you call me up again just to break me like a promise
So casually cruel in the name of being honest"

"Cause there we are again, when I loved you so
Back before you lost the one real thing you've ever known
It was rare, I was there, I remember it all too well"

Who it reminds me of: Mr. Geographically Undesirable

How I related: In case you didn't know, Taylor wrote this song about Jake Gyllenhaal. They had about a 3 month romance and this song is about it ending. This song made me feel something so deeply from the first time hearing it. My romance with Mr. Geographically Undesirable was a little longer than theirs and ended very recently. The more I heard the song, the more I related. This song was on repeat in my car for about a week and a half. I still listen to it at least once a day. Every line I listed pierces my heart because it talks about everything that I went through. The memories of times together, the reasons why they ended the way they did, the brutal honesty in the words spoken and knowing that what we had was rare. And I am ok, but I am not fine at all. Truer words have never been spoken.

Song: Red

Favorite line(s):
"Faster than the wind, passionate as sin ending so suddenly
Loving him is like trying to change your mind once you're already flying through the free fall"

"Losing him was blue like I'd never known
Missing him was dark grey all alone
Forgetting him was like trying to know somebody you never met
But loving him was red"

"Touching him was like realizing all you ever wanted was right there in front of you
Memorizing him was as easy as knowing all the words to your old favorite song"

"Regretting him was like wishing you never found out that love could be that strong"

"Remembering him comes in flashbacks and echoes
Tell myself it's time now, gotta let go
But moving on from him is impossible
When I still see it all in my head
Burning red"

Who it reminds me of: Mr. Geographically Undesirable

How I related: I am a visual learner so relating to this song was easy when Taylor put colors to her feelings. This song is incredibly descriptive and each line makes it easy to think of somebody that affected you in that way. My relationship with Mr. Geographically Undesirable began as a friendship and then took off quickly and ended abruptly. I never saw any of it coming. Seriously never thought it would begin and was taken aback when it ended. 'Faster than the wind, passionate as sin ending so suddenly.' She took the words right out of my mouth.

Song: Sad Beautiful Tragic

Favorite line(s):
"Words, how little they mean when you're a little too late"

"We both wake in lonely beds different cities
And time is taking its sweet time erasing you"

"Distance, timing, breakdown, fighting
Silence, this train runs off its tracks
Kiss me, try to fix it, could you just try to listen?
Hang up, give up, for the life of us we can't get back"

Who it reminds me of: Mr. Geographically Undesirable

How I related: This song is truly haunting. The melody, the softness and the emotion is emanating with each note. I said that I was taken aback by the ending of my relationship with Mr. Geographically Undesirable and it didn't end in a way that was conventional. Each line listed (minus the fighting. We didn't fight) tells the story of our breakdown. It still makes me sad. Timing really is everything. It is telling. I know that timing was a reason in our relationship ending and it is really taking awhile to "get over" him.

Song: I Almost Do

Favorite line(s):
"And I just want to tell you
It takes everything in me not to call you
And I wish I could run to you
And I hope you know that every time I don't
I almost do"

"I bet it never ever occurred to you that I can't say hello to you
And risk another goodbye"

"Oh we made quite a mess, babe
It's probably better off this way"

Who it reminds me of: Mr. Geographically Undesirable

How I related: I hope I am not the only one who has to talk herself out of texting/calling/reaching out to someone after it has ended. I generally have to do this daily. I am always so proud of myself when I don't because I almost do. A lot. I still wake up at the time I would receive my good morning text and look at my phone expecting to see it. I still reach for my phone to share something important and then call my friend or my mom instead. My heart still hasn't caught up with my head.  



Honorable Mention: Come Back... Be Here
There are so many good lines in this song. I love how it talks about that false sense of "knowing" someone, not wanting to "need" them in that way, and wanting to be apart of their life. 

And that my friends, is the soundtrack to my most recent relationship. It was easy to write this because it is helping me heal. I am obviously still dealing with this, growing and learning from it.

I can only imagine what my next adventures will entail.

And what music will resonate then. Hopefully my next soundtrack isn't full of roller coaster ride emotions, the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I am hoping it is a CD full of sappy love songs. Haha.

If you want to catch up on past Flirty Thirty posts and/or read why I decided to write about this subject, you can.
 Just Click Here

With any series or post that I write I hope that you get at least one thing from it. I want this series to be a platform that helps us grow and learn from one another, so share any thoughts or feelings that you have! Comment, Tweet or Email me. I love hearing from you! 

What I Wore: Camo, Stripes and Snake...Oh my!

You guys...

We have to talk about The Bachelor! How many of you are watching this show? I blame my parents for sucking me back in after not watching for several seasons. But man, it is a trainwreck that I can't tear my eyes away from. Since I am single, I am using this as a "what not to do" guide. I mean, there are some really cute and normal girls but the crazies are just in your face. I am truly blown away by the manipulation and flat out bitchiness. I live by the saying "treat others how you want to be treated" and "be kind to everyone because you don't know what battle they are going through". I get that you won't mesh with or be friends with every girl... BUT that does not mean you can act a fool. For the record: I would NEVER be able to be on a show like that, I don't think I could deal with all those girls dating the one man I want and I would have a hard time not running my mouth. America does not need to see that side of me. Haha! If I ever ended up on the show I would never, ever, ever act in a way that would embarrass my parents and make them question how they raised me. 

PS. I LOVE that Selma won't kiss him on TV out of respect for her mom.

PPS. I actually think that Sean is very genuine and real. Heart him

So what do you wear when it is chilly AND you have a couple new items you are dying to wear? You just layer everything on and hope it goes. I knew that I wanted to wear this top with the heels when I bought them. The subtle, natural snake print seemed like the perfect print to pair with a somewhat neutral and navy striped top. I added the camo jacket because I liked the color combo of the tan, navy and green. You tell me... did I pull off mixed prints?

Camo, Stripes and Snake...Oh my!

What I Wore:

Top: Old Navy

Jacket: Old Navy, Old (similar)

Jeans: Mossimo 'Denim Leggings'

Heels: Mossimo 'Vivian' (these are 70% off in stores. They were EIGHT bucks)

Necklace: House of Harlow 1960 "Skull"

Flirty Thirty: "The Diary" Part One

I have had so many people ask me why I am obsessed with Taylor Swift's album 'Red'. To put it eloquently, it is basically the diary of my dating life the last 8 months. 'Red' is a collection of songs that describe all of the different types of love and connections that I am sure every girl experiences while trying to find "the one". 

Taylor says it best in the prologue on her CD Jacket:

"They are the moments you saw sparks that weren't really there, felt stars aligning without having any proof, saw your future before it happened, and then saw it slip away without any warning. These are moments of new-found hope, extreme joy, intense passion, wishful thinking, and in some cases, the unthinkable letdown. And in my mind, every one of these memories looks the same to me. I see all of these moments in bright, burning, red."

I mentioned in my last Flirty Thirty post that I was never much of a dater. So the experiences that I have had on this adventure, to date as much as possible, has been similar to Taylor's (yes, she is 22 years old and I am 30. I get it) experiences. In a lot of ways I felt like I started over. I felt like a young girl again. I had a lot to learn about myself, men, the game, communication and ultimately rejection. I am a major music lover and I use music to help me heal. So hearing this album when I did, going through these types of 'relationships' helped me grow and eventually move on. So I am going to share my most favorite and listened to songs. I am going to talk about the lines that spoke to me the most and even talk about some of the men. I will use pseudo names for obvious reasons. :)

Part One

Song: We are Never Ever Getting Back Together

Favorite line(s):
"I used to think that we were forever ever
And I used to say, "Never say never..."

"Uggg... so he calls me up and he's like, "I still love you,"
And I'm like... "I just... I mean this is exhausting, you know, like,
We are never getting back together. Like, ever"

Who it reminds me of: The Ex of 6 years. Obvi.

How I related: I won't say too much on this subject because you never know who is actually reading these posts. We have been broken up for almost a year and a half. I get asked all of the time if I have regrets or wish that things could be different. Honestly, I will always care about him as a person but I know that there is no place for him in my future. Like, EVER! ;)

Song: I Knew You Were Trouble

Favorite line(s):
"I knew you were trouble when you walked in, So shame on me now"

"Now I heard you moved on from whispers on the street, A new notch in your belt is all I'll ever be"

Who it reminds me of: Mr. Too Hot

How I related: The moment I met Mr. Too Hot I knew I was in trouble. In so many ways he was everything I needed and wanted at the time, yet he was the "classic" guy that I had always been attracted to that broke my heart. We talked for a few weeks before meeting. My initial reaction was that he was WAY hotter than his pics. I was flustered. That never happens to me. I left our first date thinking that it was a good date yet I had NO clue what he really thought about me. Until I got a text 20 minutes later asking me out again. We met the day after my niece was born so I was really busy and couldn't commit to a date right away. I think that intrigued him because he blew up my phone. We texted all day long, every day for a week. Second date happened. There were sparks. It was hot and heavy. Then I left for Mexico. Did I mention he had a kid? Well this is where things got complicated. Busy schedules on both ends. Trying to work around his time with his kid. We still talked all of the time. For two months. Then it dwindled. Never saw him again. Many lessons learned while dating him. 

Song: Everything Has Changed

Favorite line(s):
"And all I've seen since eighteen hours ago
Is green eyes and freckles and your smile
In the back of my mind making me feel like
I just wanna know you better know you better know you better now"

"Come back and tell me why
I'm feeling like I've missed you all this time, oh, oh, oh
And meet me there tonight
And let me know that it's not all in my mind"

"All I know is we said "Hello"
So dust off your highest hopes
All I know is pouring rain and everything has changed
All I know is the new found grace
All my days I know your face
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed "

Who it reminds me of: Mr. Not Over His Ex

How I related: Oh man... Mr. Not Over His Ex is the one guy that I am still bummed that I didn't really get to know. I wish that we had met at a different time because I think that things would be so different today. I am still looking to meet a guy with his personality, sarcasm, wit and gentleness. He was the first guy that I really connected with emotionally and that could call me out on my shit from the get go. Our first and only date was 6 hours. Unfortunately I was his first date after his break up and he wasn't ready for a relationship like I was. From the first hello I wanted to know everything about him. Plus his green eyes and freckles were darling. Meeting him really put into perspective the type of guy I was looking to find. He gave me hope that there is a guy out there for me.

Song: State of Grace

Favorite line(s):
"And all we know, is touch and go
We are alone with our changing minds
We fall in love 'til it hurts or bleeds or fades in time"

"So you were never a saint
And I’ve loved in shades of wrong
We learn to live with the pain
Mosaic broken hearts"

"Love is a ruthless game
Unless you play it good and right"

Who it reminds me of: Dating in General

How I related: It is inevitable that you are going to date a lot of guys along the way to finding "the one". Sometimes you date once, other times it lasts longer than it really should. Many times it is quick, hot and heavy and intense. Or it can be fun, light hearted and easy. Whatever the situation, unless you end up with a ring, it isn't right. After all, Dating really is a game.

Song: Treacherous

Favorite line(s):
"And I'll do anything you say
If you say it with your hands
And I'd be smart to walk away, but you're quicksand"

"I can't decide if it's a choice
Getting swept away
I hear the sound of my own voice
Asking you to stay"

Who it reminds me of: Dating in General

How I related: You know that moment, that minute in time where you realize that you can see yourself with that person? That is what this song is all about. The deep fall. Falling in Love. Trying to figure out if this is true chemistry not just something physical. I always question if I am falling because it is inevitable or because I am choosing to open my heart. It is a fine line. 

So I just listed five of the sixteen songs on the main album, there are also three additional songs on the bonus CD that I like but didn't seriously connect to. I have five more songs that I will be sharing in Part 2. I don't think I have ever related to an album so much. I hope this gives you a better insight to my slight obsession and to what dating has been like for me the past eight months. I dated quite a few more guys (six) before and during my time with Mr. Too Hot but they clearly were not any love connections. I dated two other guys after Mr. Too Hot and before Mr. Not Over His Ex. So if you are keeping track that is ten guys is six months. Can you say maneater? Haha. 

Then I met Mr. Geograpically Undesirable.

You can read about him in Part Two.
Be on the look out!



If you want to catch up on past Flirty Thirty posts and/or read why I decided to write about this subject, you can.
 Just Click Here

With any series or post that I write I hope that you get at least one thing from it. I want this series to be a platform that helps us grow and learn from one another, so share any thoughts or feelings that you have! Comment, Tweet or Email me. I love hearing from you!  

Flirty Thirty: 'The Catch'

Happy Friday, Friends!

This week kind of flew by, and yet it didn't. Lol. Confused? Me too!

 I cannot explain why I feel like this but somehow it is Friday and I am tired and clearly kind of loopy! Haha.

                                                  Source: witanddelight.tumblr.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Anyways... 

I am really excited to bring you another Flirty Thirty post. When I thought of this series I had zero clue on how hard it would be to actually write it. I pictured myself as Carrie Bradshaw sharing funny stories, talking about the good, bad and the ugly and getting down to the nitty gritty. In reality I am way too much of a sensitive soul and can be led by my emotions (I am slowly but surely changing this) which makes my personal story hard to write and share. I have 150% enjoyed dating this past year. I was never a "dater". I was, and in some ways still am, the girl that gets stuck on one person and rides the wave until I am thrown on the shore. I am also a "repeat delete" kind of girl. Repeat Delete comes from a term in college that meant you can retake a class and your previous (bad) grade is then deleted, it was like you never had that bad grade at all. I use this term in dating because I would go back to old boyfriends or hook ups because it was easy, comfortable and I didn't have to worry about upping my "number". Lol. So the fact that I truly dated these past 8 months has been freeing and a true learning experience. Some dates were first dates that never turned into more. A few were more, somewhat relationships. Every single situation has taught me something about myself, the dating process and men. 

                                                                  Source: imgfave.com via Mandy on Pinterest

The other day I eluded to the fact that I needed to unplug and be less available. One thing that I still need to learn how to do is let someone "chase" me. I make things easy (that is the people pleaser in me. Yet, I am more of a people pleaser with men than with the every day relationship or friendship. It has to do with self esteem and believing in your self worth) and I don't let guys chase me because I take matters into my own hands. It is NOT a good thing. All I talk about is how I want to be pursued yet I don't have the patience to do that. I end up rushing, pushing and at times ruining something before it can really get started. I talked about weening myself from my phone and I am really working on that. I am not going to respond to anyone in 5 seconds. I am not going to drop everything to answer the phone or reply to a text when I am actually busy doing something. I am a busy person, I have a lot going on and that I am involved in. You would NEVER know that because I am so available. I need to learn to create some mystery and elusiveness. I want to know who really cares. I think it is time! I am sharing all of this for a couple reasons. The first is that I need and want accountability. If I put it out there than I know that people are watching and will call me out when needed. The second reason is that I am sure there are people out there that feel the same way or have learned how to be chased. It would be nice to have someone to talk to about it and possibly learn from.

                                                               Source: google.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Another thing that I am really trying to work on is knowing when something is done, and walking away on my terms and not feeling bad about that. I have an issue with closure. I am always looking for a reason and honesty. I don't always get that. I process things and once I am done, I am done. But it takes me awhile to get there. Taking awhile means that I don't always see the signs, I don't believe a red flag is a red flag, I find excuses or reasons and genuinely try and see the best in everyone. This backfires on me. A lot. I am still learning and growing and changing. If I could figure things out sooner I will be saving myself so much heartache.

                                                  Source: collegecandy.tumblr.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Dating is Tough. It is a Roller Coaster ride. It has been fun, infuriating, exciting, frustrating. It is a ride that I am not ready to stop riding even when I feel like I have been chewed up and spit out. I still would rather be dating all the Mr. Wrongs than sitting in my house waiting for Mr. Right to knock on my door. There really are some incredible guys out there even if they aren't for me. I am still hopeful and a hopeless romantic. I get butterflies and really feel a gamut of emotions. 

                                                                         Source: thechive.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Substitute "him" for "her". Oh the internal struggle. ;)


If you want to catch up on past Flirty Thirty posts and/or read why I decided to write about this subject you can. Just Click Here.

With any series or post that I write I hope that you get at least one thing from it. I want this series to be a platform that helps us grow and learn from one another, so share any thoughts or feelings that you have! Comment, Tweet or Email me. I love hearing from you! 

Happy New Year, 2013!

Happy New Year!

I am SO excited for a fresh, new start. 

2013 is going to be an incredible year!

This past week was not my best week ever and I was NOT looking forward to New Year's Eve. At all. It tends to be a holiday that is over rated and never lives up to the expectations I have. My friends forced me to follow through on our dinner plans. And by forced, I was threatened. Yes, I have fabulous friends. Haha. I didn't buy anything new to wear. I wore an old LBD, some strappy nude sandals, a statement necklace from 4 years ago and a leather jacket. In spite of not feeling up to going out AND not feeling that cute, I ended up having one of the best New Year's Eves ever! Go figure!

I paid for it yesterday. After driving everyone to their cars and then having brunch with the crew, I spent the rest of the day in bed! I would have to say that there is nothing better than having a lazy New Year's day!

Here are a few pics from the night!

I will be back to regular posting tomorrow.

 Dinner at Las Brisas in Laguna Beach

 

I saw this pic on Instagram (@countrysayings) and LOVED it! I am an avid reader, love country music and fulling believe that we write our own stories! Living life to the fullest, never saying no to anything that makes you happy and loving with all of your heart is how I am living in 2013.

 

2013 will be my best year yet!

Bring. It. ON! 

Merry Everything, Happy Always!

I want to wish EVERY single one of you the Merriest of Christmases and Happiness Always!

 I am so thankful that you read my blog, find me somewhat interesting and for your interaction! I have been SO BLESSED through blogging and I am beyond grateful for the opportunities that I have been given.

On this day I sure am missing my incredible family, especially the two little ones that bring so much JOY! This is the first year in my 30 years of life that I am not with them on Christmas Day. This has been a year of firsts, following my heart and creating new traditions; so this is one of those times that I am remembering that. I LOVE you Dad, Mom, Carly, Samantha, Adam, Eli and Drew! No matter where we celebrate we hold each other in our hearts!

Thank GOD we have iPhones and FaceTime. ;)

 

 Sending SO MUCH Love!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Xxo, Mandy

 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

YAY!!!

It is my favorite Holiday and I am spending it with my family AND friends!

I am so incredibly happy to be on a getaway in sunny Scottsdale, AZ with my loves! Great company, amazing food and LOTS of shopping! Sounds like the PERFECT weekend to me!

This year I am SO SO SO Thankful that my life is 100% different, for the BETTER, than this exact time last year! Physically, Mentally and Emotionally I am stronger, I am so HAPPY, I have very little stress, I have an incredible home, the most supportive people surrounding me and lifting me up, working towards having the type of career that I have always wanted and I am more care-free and fun!

I am THANKFUL for:

• My Family who loves me unconditionally, supports my decisions and encourages my dreams.
• My nephew and niece for teaching me that love is so much more than a feeling, for bringing so much JOY to our lives and for solidifying our family unit.
• My core group of friends who helped me get through my break up, lifted my spirits when I was down, encouraged me to find love again and supported my fitness journey
• My job(s) that have shown me that I can work AND have a life, what being stress free really means, and helped me hone in on what my passion truly is.
• My trainer for always being there, pushing me daily, telling me how incredible I am and recognizing that he had to get into my head for our process and transformation to really work.
• My lord and savior who has given me the gift of GRACE, loving me even when I fight it and blessing me with such an incredible life! 

I wish you all the Happiest of Thanksgivings!

May you all be blessed!

 

XXO, Mandy

Flirty Thirty: Dating Profile Pet Peeves

Happy Friday, friends!

I am going to start off the weekend with a Flirty Thirty post. It has been a few months since I have written on the subject and a few of you asked if I was still writing it. I am. Although the last few months have been a roller coaster on my personal dating journey. It is hard to be open, honest and real in the moment without getting to personal or giving too much away. I respect the people that I am dating too much to share more than necessary. I continue to learn about myself through the process along with the pros and cons of dating and relationships. It is hard work and exhausting!


This pic is the Story of my Life. HA!

Source: theberry.com via Mandy on Pinterest

If you want to catch up on past Flirty Thirty posts and/or read why I decided to write about this subject you can. Just Click Here.

Source: Uploaded by user via Mandy on Pinterest

Oh, online dating. It is the way of the world these days. Online dating is great in so many ways, and frustrating in others. As I have been dating through online websites for months I thought it would be fun to discuss some of my pet peeves. Specifically focusing on the profiles. I have no one else to bitch and moan to about the ridiculous things I see and read, so I hope that you find the humor in it! 

Profile/Screen Names: 

Everyone has to come up with a name. I totally understand that it is kind of awkward, you want to find a way to differentiate yourself from the millions of others and have it somewhat describe you. But men take this to a whole new level. I refuse to look at some profile's because of their ridiculous screen name. Let me share a few with you... tell me what you think! I have had the following men message me: BlackAnaconda, HugeHarry, TigerWoods225, Hung8782, Casanova6969. Should I go on? I will say this once, if you have come up with a name that could be misconstrued as describing genitalia, represents men who have CHEATED on their wives or have sexual connotations, I am not going to give you the time of day. I am going to assume that you are probably not the kind of guy that I will trust with my heart or want to introduce to my family.

Far Away or Non Face Profile Pictures:

Warning... Any profile you look at notifies the person that you were looking. Knowing that, I try not to look at profiles of guys that I know I am not attracted to, so that I do not give them the idea that I am interested. I SWEAR guys know this and intentionally choose profile pics that show their whole body (generally with a scene behind them or something) so that you cannot see their face (and sometimes I cannot even tell their nationality/race) forcing you to click on their profile to see other pics. OR they choose a pic of their side profile, wearing a hat and glasses or showing off their torso. It drives me bonkers! Post a pic of yourself smiling and close enough that I can see your features.

Pics of Abs, Muscles or looking NAKED:

I completely understand that many guys are looking to get laid, for a one night stand or a friend with benefits. But WHY do you the guys that say they are looking for a relationship or love feel the need to post those types of pics? A girl can tell if you have a decent physique with your clothes on. Leave something to surprise us with. I won't even go into the pics of guys in the bathroom when they clearly just stepped out of the shower...

Not Reading Profiles:

It is so disappointing to receive an email from a guy that is attractive, to then read his profile and find that you have NOTHING in common. Clearly he wrote you based on your pictures and didn't take the minute or two to read about who I am, what my interests are or what I am looking for. Sure, it is flattering but why waste time? Guys... read the profile, don't message someone if you aren't aligned with anything the girl is looking for. So many guys are not looking for anything serious, don't want kids and hate the type of music/sports/activities that I like. What do they think that we would have to talk about or do? Weird.

Canned Messages:

I love, love, love when I receive a canned message. It makes me laugh. Seriously. I find it hysterical that they are that lazy that they have to cut and paste a message. If you cannot tailor a first impression message, you are not going to be able to handle being with a person who pays attention to the details. Even better... when they forget they have messaged you already and send the same exact message, again. Geniuses!

Sending Multiple Messages:

I mentioned before that I do not respond to 98% of the messages I receive. It may sound mean but I don't have the time and I don't feel like I owe anyone anything. My personal rule is that I will respond to someone and let them know I am not interested if they message me three times. There are some tenacious guys out there! I have had many guys message and message. Most stop after they receive my response. Some are even nice enough to respond back and wish me the best (since I say that when I express my disinterest). A couple have been extremely rude and go out of their way to put me down (clearly I dodged a bullet with those guys. Haha. I mean, is putting me down going to change my mind? Uh, no!). And a few seem to ignore my disinterest and continue to message with questions and random facts. WHY????? 

I am working on convincing myself....

Source: zenscorpion.tumblr.com via Mandy on Pinterest

There you have it. All of my Dating Profile Pet Peeves listed in one happy post! Totally makes you wish you were in my shoes, right? LOL. Honestly, the process has been pretty good to me. I have way more good things to say then the bad. But these pet peeves are noticed on a daily basis. Boys are an interesting breed. 

So how many of you can relate? Does anyone have any fun/awful stories that you would like to share in the comments section? This series is WAY MORE fun when I know that I am not alone.
;)

I hope that you all have a FABULOUS weekend.