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

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! 

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! 

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.

What I Wore: Photo Shoot Outfit #3

I am so excited to share my third outfit and final photo shoot pictures with you. This outfit is probably the most "me" and it is what I felt the most comfortable in. I am a high heel wearing, cozy sweater, skirt and scarf kind of a girl. If it is really cold I will wear jeans :) I loved the neutral colors and that none of the shades were an exact match. I am NOT a matchy matchy girl at all. It has never felt like me. I knew the second that I saw the pin on Pinterest and then put the outfit on that it would be a choice. A LOT of you liked it too!

If you are a new reader you can see the outfit selection HERE, the first outfit HERE and the second outfit HERE. All pictures were taken by Leslie of Sweet Child of Mine Photography who specializes in maternity, newborn and children. She uses natural light and is FANTASTIC. If you are in the Southern California area you MUST check out her website ---> HERE

SOOOOO....WHICH look was YOUR favorite??? 

Photo Shoot Outfit #3

I played with the color and filters...I am teaching myself photoshop.

I didn't touch these. I love seeing the color vs. the black and white

I love how perfectly the sweater matched the background.

PS. I NEED a tan :(

I loved this shot!


What I Wore:

Sweater: Old Navy (no longer available)

Top: Hanes V Neck (Men's 3 pack from Target)

Skirt: Forever 21 (old. It is actually a pencil skirt I hiked up)

Scarf: Love Quotes

Shoes: YSL 'Tribute'

Earrings: Kendra Scott 'Rajan'

Nail Polish: Essie 'School of Hard Rocks'

I am linking up with The Pleated Poppy's "What I Wore Wednesday"

309: Scarf envy

It weirds me out how I always tend to get stuck on certain items for weeks, even months at a time. I have been drawn to fur, sweaters and scarves for a very long time.

I posted about the Love Quotes scarf that I loved yesterday (I bought it. Shhh... Don't tell) and then I saw this picture of Hilary. I am so into the way she tied the scarf to look interesting and different.



(image via starstyleinc.com)

I love the knotted detail, her large earrings and her darling cutout booties by Roberto Cavalli. The yellow cardi looks awesome with the gray scarf.

Hilary is in her 'uniform' and looking as stylish as ever.

P.S. My hair looks so much like hers right now. :)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

307: Love Quotes Scarves

I have really been obsessing over the Love Quotes scarves the past couple of weeks. I am IN love with this greyish/beige, metallic silver lurex style. Check out The Trend Boutique for all offerings on the scarves.

Nordstrom just opened a Trend Accessories department in a few of the stores that I work in. So I feel like I need to support these new venture's and buy this scarf.

What do you think??

{image via shopthetrendboutique.com}