Hug It Out

With friends and family all gathering together over the holiday season...there is a lot of hugging. There's many different types of hugs: the split-second hugs, distant airy hugs, and my personal favorite...the great bear hugs.

With all of this hugging, I have decided that hugs are never a bad thing...even when you think it's awkward. My reasoning: a hug is a personal connection and the more connections we make with one another the better. Who have you hugged today?

Bloody Brilliant...and free!

I found this website that lets you download/create FREE ringtones. It's simple and easy, and from what I can tell, pretty legitimate. I've already made about 5 songs from the music on my computer : )

Have fun and go crazy!
http://www.phonezoo.com/

P.S. -- For better sound quality, lower the volume when you're creating your own ringtones.

Under the Influence

At breakfast my friends and I talked about color. The conversation went as follows:

Me: Yellow is my favorite color.
Pablo: I don’t like yellow, it’s ugly.
Me: Really! How can you not like yellow? I mean it’s so bright and happy! Just like the sun!
Pablo: Okay, I’m starting to like yellow now.

It’s funny how many times our opinions change simply by seeing the sheer excitement on someone else’s face. How many times have you changed your mind because someone else was a fan of something? Who have you influenced today?

If Britney Gets A Comeback...So Do We

Nine years, two marriages, two kids, and seven albums later…she’s back! Looking beautiful on the newest cover of Rolling Stone, Britney Spears has gotten what we all wish we could have—a comeback.

How many times have you wished you could go away and reappear a few months/years later brand new and refreshed? Everyone has their times of trouble. However, the moment when you prove everyone wrong makes the struggle worth it.

My CofC

Here is a video I produced for a school contest. We shot and edited everything in 5 days. It's funny how much work goes into a 3min video. Enjoy!

My College of Charleston

Lights…Camera….Um, No Thank You

Here is the sole reason I would not want to become famous.

I like my privacy too much. It’s no wonder celebrities get mad or overwhelmed. You would too if you had to face this every time you went anywhere. After watching the Britney Spears documentary last night all I could help to feel was sad for her. Who would want to live in a cage like that?

Endings Make You Feel Old

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” – Semisonic, Closing Time

Whether it’s a graduation, a job change, or a series finale—endings always make you feel old. In college there are a lot of endings. The end of the semester, the end of the school year, the end of your four years.

With endings comes a subsequent period of reflection. You think about how much you have changed or how life has changed since the start of that time period. I remember thinking my freshmen year went by fast and then I turned around and graduation is only months away.

However, like the Semisonic song says, endings do mean new beginnings. Yes, each ending makes you reflect--but it also kicks you in the butt and makes you jump forward. So it's bittersweet... you are sad to end but happy to begin.

Comedic Genius

While babysitting, Sesame Street came on and I saw this gem. There is something about watching muppets violently swing their hair around that I find particularly amusing.

It’s Ok… No One’s Looking

Some of the best advice I ever received was: “You wouldn’t care so much about what people thought about you if you realized how little they did.”

Think about it. How many times do you walk down the street or go to a party and think about the people around you? You don’t. Usually, you’re thinking about nine million other things you have to get done that week, while trying to help solve a friend’s crisis, and wondering if you have enough groceries to last you till the end of the week.

Human beings are inherently selfish…and that’s not a bad thing! It gives everyone a break and allows you to be human, or have a bad hair day, or do whatever. So, if you’re ever feeling self-conscious, don’t worry. Fortunately, or unfortunately, no one’s looking!

This Made Me Laugh

I was watching SNL last night and this made me laugh. Enjoy.

Backup Dancer

(Note: The link is now fixed)

We All Have A Secret

Last night I went to a lecture by the creator of PostSecret.com, Frank Warren.

“PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. No restrictions are made on the content of the secret; only that it must be completely truthful and must never have been spoken before.” – Frank


Here's a video about it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6rTkp1dek4

This site is simply addicting and makes you wonder… what’s you’re secret?

Taking My Own Advice

For whatever reason, I was having a sad day. Rather than moping around, I decided to find something to do that would make me feel better. It came in the form of "High School Musical 3."

So I went to the movie by myself. I know what you're thinking: a 21-year-old woman sitting alone in a movie geared toward middle schoolers! However, for all of its hokeyness, it was wonderful. And when I left the theater, I was in a great mood!

Looking back, I realized I took my own advice. I did something completely for myself--and it felt fantastic. So like I said before… be selfish, and don't be embarrassed, it's a waste of time.

Going Home

The other day I heard someone say that certain music makes them feel "home”. It was an interesting way to describe music because home is a place and music is a thing. However, the more I thought about it the more it made sense.

Home is a place where you feel safe and comfortable. A place where you can breathe a little easier. Picture lying in your room, surrounded by covers and your favorite possessions.

Think about your favorite artist/musician….your go-to music. After a long day, when you listen to that singer/rhythm/sound, it relaxes you. You feel safe because of the familiar sound. It’s your adult lullaby.

For me, artists like Ray LaMontagne, John Mayer, and Kelly Clarkson (when she’s not yelling) put me to sleep in a good way.

All of this begs the question…what’s your “home” music?

Proud To Be An American

Congrats Obama. We needed this.

VOTE!

If you are reading this blog I hope that you have voted already. Otherwise, stop reading and go vote... it's that simple. It's that important.

Please don't vote...just kidding!

With the election less than a week away here is the newest voting PSA. I love it.

Don't Vote Again

It’s OK… take the compliment

Often times in life when we receive a compliment, we’re quick to negate it or brush it aside by immediately complimenting the other person. That’s why easier to focus on the negative than see the positive.

Recently I read a blog about the importance of accepting compliments and it really struck a chord.

“How many times have you been told to “just take the compliment”? Think about [that] language. Taking a compliment is merely putting up with what you’re being told. Compare this to accepting a compliment: you not only receive the words from the complimenter, you accept that the description may apply to you. Believing the compliment is exactly as it sounds — and it is really hard to do.

When someone pays you a compliment, they believe what they’re saying, otherwise they wouldn’t be saying it.” (http://www.thedailyheadache.com/2007/08/compliments.html)

So the next time someone pays you a compliment, accept it, think about it, and let your self-esteem soar.

Being Jackson Pollock

This is an utterly addicting website a friend of mine turned me on to. Every time you click the color changes. Have fun!

http://www.jacksonpollock.org/

Vote and Be Merry

I recently voted in my first presidential election. I could not have been more proud to be an American.

Out of the numerous PSA's urging us to vote, here is my favorite:
Don't Vote

There's No Laughing In Politics

Just when you think that the Presidential campaign is overwhelming or frustrating.... look at this:

McCain Roast Obama
Favorite Quote: "Maverick I can do, but messiah is above my pay grade." -- McCain

Obama Roast McCain
Favorite Quote: "My middle name came from someone who obviously didn't think I'd run for President" -- Obama

Let It Shine

If you’re like me--a ducks-in-a-row-kind-of person—you know that it’s easy to get caught up planning for the future. It’s also cause for getting overwhelmed because you constantly have something to do.

With college graduation looming, and life about to be in transition, I’ve recently talked with my friends about how to cope. Our conclusion…. be selfish!

There is such a negative connotation with the word "selfish" because people assume it means being greedy. To me, being selfish also means taking care of yourself. And by simply putting self-improvement on the top of the list, others will see the light that burns within.

You ask: How am I supposed to “be selfish?” So simple, my friends!

Make a list of things that make you happy. It could be something a simple as reading a magazine, painting your toes, or working out. It could be more involved: traveling, writing a screenplay, or joining an art class. Each day do at least one thing on that list. The better you feel, the more things you’ll do on that list

Once you’re happy with yourself (or getting there), others sense it. Who doesn't want to be around somebody who emulates an inner peace and positive thinking?

Go ahead, flick the light on. It's a bright place to be.

Watch This Gem

I recently came across the Glamour Reel Moments website and thought the three films on there were delightful and empowering. Courtney Cox and Demi Moore did a wonderful job directing and watch them if you have some free time.

Here's the link: http://www.glamalert.com/reelmoments

About the Project
"Glamour Reel Moments is an award winning short film series inspired by Glamour readers' real life moments. Glamour Reel Moments is responsible for launching 14 directorial debuts by some of the most powerful women in Hollywood over the past four years -- and counting..... The making of these films is by women and for women."

Listen On Repeat

My mother recently told me about an NPR interview with a London born singer named Adele. Kanye West also mentioned her as "dope" in his always entertaining blog. Therefore, I immediately thought of the song "American Boy" by Estelle featuring Kanye West because I assumed it was shameless self promotion. It was only until I actually bought the CD that I realized Adele and Estelle were not the same woman. Long story short I can't stop listening to Adele's new CD and I highly recommend buying it.


Here's a link to the NPR interview incase your intrigued: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95336919

Sail Away...

Watching the sunset over the ocean never gets old. I sailed around the world on a boat for three months and each night the sunset took my breath away. Let me share the beauty…

Get Cozy With A Book

I recently read a book that everyone raved about. And let's just say I ate, prayed, and did not love.

It's easy to become turned off of reading if you don't relate to your book in some way. It becomes a chore. Think back to reading for school. How many kids are cheating by watching the movie or reading the Cliff Notes.

But, as an adult, our reading time is our own, thankfully. So why not choose titles--and genres--you like? We're grown-ups, after all, and can eat candy for dinner if we want.

The feeling of falling into a book and being completely captivated by the story is unlike any other. With the craziness of life, it's easy to forget and dismiss this simple pleasure. After the Eat-Pray-Love foray, I read the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. I was captivated. Her descriptions of a vampire romance (it’s not what you think) was just the right mix to keep me in my comfy chair for hours on end. I remembered how much fun it can be to escape into a different world. I admit that at first, I felt guilty for not reading a high-brow book but then I realized it didn't matter…I was reading! I was loving it!

Now where's that candy?

Look Into My Eyes....

For anyone who is looking for an alternative way to stop unwanted behavior, I challenge you to think about Hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapy is very interesting. It’s not what you would think. There is no swinging pocket watches or going cross-eyed. I can only equate it to the feeling of lying in a bathtub, perfectly still, in which it almost feels like your not in water…like your floating and your body is slightly numb.

To put it simply, hypnotherapy relaxes your mind so you can only can think about relaxing your muscles and body. It then allows you to think about things you want to change, problems you want to solve, and the strength you have to do it.

It is something that you have to be really open to, otherwise forget it.

If you’re interested, visit: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hypnotherapy-000353.htm for more information.

Making You Smile : )

I came across this list of some of the best things in life. Reading it over just makes me smile and reminisce.


1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
3. A hot shower.
4. Getting packages.
5. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
6. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
7. Hot towels out of the dryer.
8. A bubble bath.
9. Giggling.
10. Taking a nap on the beach.
11. Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter.
12. Laughing at yourself.
13. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
14. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
15. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
16. Playing with a new puppy.
17. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
18. Late night talks with your roommate that keep you from sleeping.
19. Having someone play with your hair.
20. Swinging on swings.
21. Watching a good movie cuddled up on a couch with someone you love.
22. Going to a really good concert.
23. Winning a really competitive game.
24. Watching the expression someone's face as they open a much-desired present from you.
25. Watching the sunrise/sunset.

Rain…rain…don’t go away.

I love the rain. It is so wonderful and exciting. Not only does the rain symbolize cleansing, but it is also hilarious. Every time it starts raining outside I get such an overwhelming feeling of joy. Case in point: this summer in NY, my friends and I were on our way to a party in the Bronx. When we got out of the subway it started pouring. Huge, thick, wet raindrops falling from the ski like there was no tomorrow. I started laughing because here we were, all glammed up to go out and have a fun time, and low and behold the rain washes all that glamour right off. Not to mention showing up at someone’s doorstep looking like we just went for a swim. I couldn't strop laughing. Talk about making a subtle entrance, who am I kidding?

The rain is also amazing because it forces you to slow down. Whether it be driving slower, or staying in your cozy house for the night. The rain can give you a break.

The point is… next time the skies open up take a breath and enjoy it.

Sing It Sister!

Note: If you ever see me at the gym you will probably see me lip-syncing as if I actually am Beyonce or Carrie Underwood or who ever I happen to be listening to at that moment.

My philosophy about lip-syncing at the gym: do it! I am an avid cheerleader for lip-syncing at the gym for many reasons:
1. It’s a lot of fun
2. It’s hilarious to watch someone lip-syncing
3. If someone laughs because I’m lip-syncing, and then later they go home and tell someone about it because it’s so funny to watch, then I’ve momentarily brightened two people’s day.

Dancing Queen…young and free….is so not me.

This semester I signed up for a beginning modern dance class. The first day my teacher has us all sit in a circle, introduce ourselves, and say how much dance experience we have. I was the third to last person to go and I had to sit and listen the 22 people ahead of me talk about how they’ve been dancing for five year, ten years, 15 years, etc. As each person went they also seemed to get more specific as to what types of dance they specialized in. Jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical (I don’t even know what that is), and so on. Finally when it came to be my turn I said, “For all intents and purposes I’m a beginner. BUT I have been dancing in my room…in front of my mirror for the last, I don’t know, ten years, and…I’m really good. I know everyone in here has about 35 years of dance experience on me but, you know,…watch out!” The whole class started cracking up and I am now happily known as the “room-dancing girl.”