Monthly Faves

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This whole monthly favorites things goes way over my head…why? Because doing a monthly favorites means that I have to follow a schedule…and homegirl doesn’t follow roads, she makes them. There.

However, my friends like when I do these…and I have to say, I like them too. Why? Because I get to publicly shame myself about the amount of money I spent these past months…along with showing you all the super adorable things that I purchased. Let’s just say, I’ve had better days.

  1. Fleece Lined Leggings: Got these betches from Francesca’s and I couldn’t be happier. We all know that leggings are sometimes not every girl’s best friend…but these act like a cozy boyfriend snuggling you. Not only do they live up to their name, but they are thick! THICK! Leggings that aren’t thin and revealing. Anyway, it’s a good buy if you’re looking for a new pair. If you’re not, consider it…because they’re awesome.
  2. iPhone 6 with Kate Spade Phone Case:  Mostly had to get this because of the whole growing up thing, but I will tell you…what a good purchase. Say what you will about apple products, but there’s something wonderful about a new iPhone. It’s like starting over. Anyway, this phone is more important to me because I bought it, and it’s a symbol of beginning my grown up life. The Kate Spade case? Just a personal touch. It’s pretty and I love it. It’s called the Trapping Dots in navy. Anyway, it’s pretty durable…except that most of these fashion cases are mostly just for show. They aren’t for protection.
  3. Lilly Pulitzer Skipper Printed Popover: Color: Brewster Blue Reel Me In: Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Yes. It’s a cross between a casual work-out top and a cozy snuggle shirt. My vote? I’m into it…and you should be too. I’ve been wearing it non-stop and probably needs to get washed, but I don’t care.  Plus, they come in a bunch of cute patterns and there is even one in a full zip!  This was def. my big frivolous purchase for the month, and I’m okay with it. Don’t judge me. I can feel you judging.
  4. Patagonia Women’s Lightweight Synchilla® Snap-T® Fleece Pullover: I caved, sorry to say. But I keep seeing all these people super warm in PA and I just couldn’t stand it anymore. Yea, this pull-over is everything and more. Is it just me, or do North Face jackets let you suffer while the cold air runs right through the jacket? Just me? I don’t think so. Anyway, they’re having a crazy sale right now, and I’m super jealous that it’s cheaper now than when I bought it…so I’m annoyed.
  5. vineyard vines Patchwork Wallet: Literally the cutest canvas wallet I’ve ever seen. Not only is the quality phenomenal, but the pattern is a classic. I know that my patchwork pattern isn’t being shown anymore, but there are some super cute wallets that are just as wonderful as mine that are available now. Get going and get one, because there is free shipping over $125.00! Add something on and get some free shipping!

Anyway, I can’t believe myself with my money situation…but it’s getting better. Nothing is perfect, and we all deserve a little treat!

Just Some Thoughts

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Everyday, I see and hear perceptions of perfect relationships everywhere. What makes a relationship perfect? I’m not sure my answer is the correct answer for everyone…that makes it my type of perfect. I like getting milkshakes and every week and having a beer at a local pub. Some may like playing video games and going hiking. Who am I to judge?

The world is made up of thousands upon thousands of various personalities. Each personality meshes with a different personality differently. Your upbringing, your likes, and your dislikes play major parts in what you as an individual find attractive.

The problem with today’s world? Someone, somewhere made their “attractive” the norm. This “cookie cutter” mold causes individuals to bend and break within its containment. The norm tells people that their relationship is wrong, and that if something isn’t done a specific way, it isn’t love. Truthfully, love is defined by an infinite number of paths travelled. For me, I don’t want to go out every weekend…and my fiancé gets that. For a friend, partying is her way of life. She needs someone to keep up.

“Normal” love is defined by commonalities and similar quirks. My love? That love is defined by what makes me happy. I want to brought flowers and put on a pedestal. There are plenty of girls who don’t want it. This doesn’t mean that her society shouldn’t be the overruling voice in her head telling her that her chemistry lab partner isn’t the person that makes her happy. Rules and status force unsure personalities into molds that later destroy them. I have seen many relationships fail because of petty influences.

The reasons for falling in love…or even “in like” shouldn’t be something that is defined as “normal love.” It doesn’t work for everyone.

Guest List Etiquette

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First Thing’s First

The first thing on the list is getting a handle on how big you actually want your wedding to be. It’s all a numbers game. If you want a big wedding, and you have the budget, go ahead! Make it a 300 plus wedding. If you want to be more selective, it’s your prerogative!

Narrow down who is important to you and who you don’t want to be there. Talk about the different “tiers” in your family. Direct family, 1st cousins, 2nd cousins, and their children are all on different tiers. If you are having complications, jot down your family layout and your fiancé’s family layout. Label each tier. Then, make a cut off after a certain tier, and invite everyone before the cut off. It may sound cut throat, but it’s necessary for your sanity.

Honestly, guest lists are different for everyone. No person can sit you down and say, “Okay, this is who should be invited…and this is who isn’t.” Families in this world couldn’t be more different. Each situation is specific to the family. One bride may be close with her first and second cousins, while your fiancé has not spoken to his second cousins in a long time. Therefore, your fiancé will make his tier list shorter.

Children or No Children?

Specify if you want children, or just the ones (if any) in your wedding party. This is the exception to the tier rule. For some brides, children are not invited under 18, unless they have a relationship with the bride or groom. Some brides may think that is rude to request…but weddings are more of an adult activity. Most children are not going to remember the wedding, so leave them home. For children in the wedding party, leave the reception plan up to the parents.

Although children are cute and sweet, brides may not want someone to steal their thunder…and that’s okay. The wedding day is a day that is celebrating the bride and groom. Not a newborn baby and his or her newest development of being able to walk. It isn’t a selfish wish.

What Friends Make The List?

Make sure to invite friends that are spoken to on the regular and any friend who you want there. The rule is generally that an invitation can be sent if you have spoken to the person in the last year- six months. Make sure to take a long hard look of who has actually taken the time out to talk to you and be your friend. After the news breaks over social media, be prepared for a storm of “friends” congratulating you…hoping to get invited. Don’t fall for it, and make sure to keep your head on straight when sending out invites.

Coworkers can be chosen at the bride or groom’s discretion. A big rule: you must hang out with the coworker outside of work to invite them. People can be very different at work and out at a bar. Be sure you know how they are around alcohol, and around strangers. Make sure they will be able to mesh. If you don’t feel comfortable: don’t invite them.

Who Gets Dates?

The age old question: Is there a plus one invite? Our answer: not unless you are in a very serious relationship. Why? Do you think any bride or groom wants to see their friend throw themselves at a random date all night while celebrating a couple’s actual love? In many cases, single friends will be happy that you do not put them through the awkward process of having to ask a person to come with them.

**In other cases, guests will use their plus ones to invite a person that was initially left off of your guest list on purpose.

If you are asked why a plus one wasn’t given, explain that only people in relationships received a plus one. Tell your guest that there will be plenty of people in that age group without a date.

How To Sell On Ebay

Don’t try to sell anything that you don’t own…because that causes problems that homegirl can’t help you with.

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Need some cash? I know I do. Well, we all I know I need cash…but hush. Ebay is a great way to make some extra money by selling what you have and cleaning out your room in the process. Many people have great luck when selling online in auctions or using the “buy it now” option. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you get some extra cash before the weekend!

To get started, you must determine what you are going to sell, and make sure that it is clean and ready to ship at a moment’s notice. Yes, that means don’t think about selling that purse when you still have your wallet and crap in it! Also, don’t try to sell anything that you don’t own…because that causes problems that homegirl can’t help you with. Sorry.

To sell like a champ, follow these 5 simple steps!

  1.    Put Yourself in the Buyer’s Shoes
  2.    Take Great Pictures
  3.    Write a Killer Description
  4.    Price It Right
  5.    Be Agreeable

Put Yourself in the Buyer’s Shoes

It is easy to just think like a seller, with money on your mind. However, think about how you shop when you are looking for something. What kind of keywords do you use? What kinds of pictures catch your eyes? Lastly, what kind of posts do you stray away from? It can be a very slippery slope after coming off sketchy to a potential buyer. Make sure to be patient and clear when dealing with clients, and you’ll be sure to sell your items with no issues!

Take Great Pictures

People are visual. What is the first thing that you look for when trying to buy an item online? The pictures! Make sure that your pictures are clear and your items are displayed honestly: without hiding any flaws. (This will make for a bad review later) Make sure to take pictures of your item from each angle and use a lot of light.

Write a Killer Description

Be sure to define your item with plenty of descriptive words. Make suggestions about how to use your item to try to sell it. Be a salesperson. Use words like, “Fantastic” or “New” and “Updated” to spruce up your item listing. Be sure to tag and use keywords correctly. Ebay is an online “marketplace” in which sellers and buyers come freely to bid and barter on items they want!

Price It Right

By using a total like $13.99, a person is most likely going to associate the total of the item to be $13 instead of $14 plus tax and shipping. It is a trick that many stores use during sales and blowouts to move merchandise. Many consumers will associate the price with the lower number to justify the purchase. Try listing your item under the regular sale price by $5. This way, you are giving a great deal for your item. It may not be in the best condition, or be outdated by a couple of models. Give your buyer a break and be realistic with your prices!

Be Agreeable

If a buyer asks for a lower price, don’t disagree just yet! Compromise by lowering the price and asking if there is a way if he or she is able to pay for shipping. If the buyer is demanding lower prices and you don’t want to budge, don’t. But, don’t be rude in the process. If your item arrives broken, or isn’t what they wanted, take caution with voiding out returns. Without returns, many consumers will believe that there is a reason that you don’t want to take your item back. It is also important to have an open line of communication. Answer each question from the consumer with openness and honesty. If there is a problem with your item, describe it and be upfront. If you were in the buyer’s shoes, you may want some of these answers, too! It is important to keep the lines of communication open in order to have repeat customers.

How To Not Lose Focus While Planning A Wedding

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The Big Picture

It is fairly easy to get wrapped up in wedding plans. The bridal shower, the bachelorette party, the bridesmaid’s brunch, and much more seem to consume a woman’s life from the moment the ring is put on her finger until she walks down the aisle. In some cases, a groom can be swept under the rug while all the wedding preparations are put into order. Isn’t that ironic? The groom is half of the couple, half of why people are celebrating.

Whether the celebration is large or small, there are small details that must be perfect. Each couple envisions their big day to be a magical and wonderful day. Although the celebration will be beautiful, the bigger picture is more beautiful…and much more important. After all, the aftermath of a wedding is what it’s all about.

There are simple ways to remember the big picture, still plan a dream wedding, and keep your groom feeling loved. It’s just a matter of compromise.
Make time for each other to just be together. Focus on the reason you are getting married, not what colors the table linens should be. It has been said that many women often lose focus of life after a wedding and focus solely on throwing a great party. Party on, but don’t forget what is important. Focus on your job, your family, and your other half.

Make sure to step away from the wedding plans for at least one day in your busy schedule: Use that time to be with each other, and reconnect. Listen to your fiancé and ask questions. Let him know you are still interested in him, and still want to know about his likes and dislikes! It is often easy to get stuck in a routine, and leave your communication lines out of the picture. Go out to do something that both of you like to do, and keep conversation away from planning. If you must plan, plan for the future.

Keep your fiancé involved. It can be a small or big project, but keep him involved. Make sure to include him in planning and choosing various options. Although he may not want to be involved, he will remember that you were kind enough to think of him. Try letting him plan part of the honeymoon, or organize the catering. Chose a project that he will enjoy doing.
5 Quick Tips To Calm Down

1. Listen, Think, Talk: Listen to yourself when you are interacting with others. Do you sound like the beginnings of a bridezilla? If so, think. Think about a better way to voice what is going through your head. Lastly, talk to your friends and family in a more respectful manner.
2. Don’t Fight: It is easy to get carried away when money isn’t given on time, or guest lists aren’t handed over in a timely fashion. Don’t sweat it. Just remember: It’s not like people won’t show up to your wedding, remember that it’s a party for you and your fiancé, and weddings are totally awesome no matter what they look like. Only you can see that your table linens don’t exactly match, and your centerpieces weren’t just right. It’s not worth a fight with your wedding planner, family, or fiancé.
3. Overwhelmed? Stop: Overwhelmed with your wedding plans? Walk away. Walk away for a week or so and resume your life. Go out with friends, your fiancé, or your family. If asked about wedding plans, simply explain that you stopped for about a week due to feeling overwhelmed. Everyone will be impressed by your maturity to walk away. It’s just a party, you have your whole life ahead of you.
4. Time Management: Want to book a wedding venue? Narrow it down to three and visit all three on one day. Sit down and talk it out with your fiancé. If he likes one and you don’t, do not get into a fight. Instead, figure out a time to go back and evaluate what the appeal is. This will be a helpful tip throughout your marriage: If it is the only thing he wants, do it.
5. Enjoy It: Don’t get caught up in the myths that wedding planning is “torture.” Sit, relax, and enjoy. The wedding world is a multi-million dollar industry will hundreds of options. Do not see this planning adventure as a stressful endevour. Keep an open mind and be smart about your money. At the end of the wedding, you get to be with your fiancé for the rest of your life! How wonderful is that?

Update

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Hi Kiddos-

As you all know, writing is my favorite thing to do. No joke. Anyway, I’m trying super duper hard to make this into a career…and I wouldn’t be anywhere without you all and your support!

I recently started writing for a website called Real Talk. It’s a phenomenal place for new and talented writers to get their feet wet…and to gain experience. We are trying so hard to make this website into a safe haven for people who can relate to our stories and our lives.

Our editor, Liz is so darn amazing, and she is working extra hard to get us all paid for what we love to do! I would appreciate a follow on our twitter or facebook…or for your to visit this gofundme page. I would love you all forever!

Thanks, and keep it cool, classy, and sassy.

10 News Stories Today

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Oh Valentine’s Day, a time to literally hate everyone on your Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. No, I’m not single…and no, I’m not bitter. In fact, I have a phenomenal relationship. Today, I don’t choose to share my love with the world. Yes, I choose to share it other days…but not today. Why? Because everyone else. Dare I be edgy and different? It is my middle name…

Today, I worked and then sent the valet guys at my guy’s work in with a rose and chocolates to the kitchen. I hope he gets embarrassed. Isn’t that what today is for?!

Here are ten things that happened today that had nothing to do with your relationship status:

  1. A rare planet with crazy temperatures was discovered by scientists in Berlin.
  2. About 25% of your Facebook friends are calling today “Single’s Awareness Day.”
  3. It started snowing on Long Island again.
  4. Crispy M&M’s are freaking back!
  5. No one liked your Instagram photo of chocolates and flowers. Not passive aggressive…I swear.
  6. 50 Shades of Grey literally blew people’s minds…such a crazy concept. Okay, that one is a dig.
  7. Bethany Hamilton is pregnant. Like, that girl is a champion. And…she sings too? Now I’m confused.
  8. We are all one day closer to Ralph’s being open for the summer.
  9. There was a shooting in Denmark.
  10. About 5% of your Facebook friends got engaged today. It’s just science.