My 2 New Books....Don't Judge Me, Ok?

Saturday turned out to be a really great day for me. I went shopping, and I bought a couple of cute shrugs, some bracelets, and of course I had to stop by the book store. I have been down the past week, over G of course. So I have been wandering what I am doing wrong in relationships. I am almost 31 and I still have no prospects of a man, and I hate when people say "Oh it will happen, just give it time. Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah..." Ugh, they are the ones who have someone, so of course they have to say something like that to me. Right? When I walked into B.A.M. I headed straight to the Self Help isle, and let me tell you there was every kind of book you could imagine there, (well it is a book store, but bare with me.) Then I saw them, they were right beside each other. Think Like A Lady. Act Like A Man, and Why Men Love Bitches! These titles were exactly what I had be thinking and wandering about for a long time, and by golly there they were! HALLELUJAH!!! So I of course snatched them right up and headed to the register. My biological clock is ticking away here ya'll, I gotta do something. 

 

I started with Why Men Love Bitches, (it has a catchy name eh?) Right off the bat, it seemed as if this woman had followed me around with every guy I have ever went out with. Seriously I was so badly wanting to text G right before I walked into B.A.M., and of course she said not too! She said make him want you, don't always be at his beck and call. Well I for one am always at my mans beck and call, and I always end up hurt. Sherry (the author) said that men don't like to be chased as much as we think they do, to stay at an arms length distance to him. I hate when friends I have seem to forget about me when a man comes into their lives. I'm always saying "I'll never do that!" Then of course I do..I have even had a guy I was with one time tell me he liked dark headed women, and wouldn't you know it I colored mine dark brown. I am always trying to hard to MAKE someone love me. And that my dears it where the problem lays. I have to love me, first and foremost before anyone can ever love me. So all in all I think I made a pretty good selection of books, I am learning a few things. Things that I should have always known and done, but I didn't. I will keep you all updated in my Pursuit of Happiness lol. Take care lovelies!!

Act of Valor; A Tribute To All Our Service Men and Women

I watched a very inspiring movie last night, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND for EVERYONE to watch it! Act of Valor, a film inspired by true events of Navy SEALS. I have always felt proud of my sister Talena for taking the oath to serve and protect in the U.S. Navy, but I never really thought about the depth of the words that she swore. She has willingly said that she would lay down her life for you, me, and her brothers and sisters in uniform.

I am a United States Sailor.


I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.


I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.


I proudly serve my country’s Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.


I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.

 As I type this I am crying, not because I am sad, I am PROUD. To have someone like Talena, and her bunk mate Lulu on our side makes me sleep much better at night. Before 9/11 I think we were all a little naive about how real the threat of terrorism is, and that the freedom that we have is just something that is given to everyone. It is real, and no it's not free and given freely. In the movie there was a poem that was read during the last few moments that really stuck with me. The title is Attitude Toward Death, The Teaching of Tecumseh. Like I said, everyone needs to go and watch this movie! It also has a great soundtrack so with that I will leave you with the poem, and a song from the movie. 

Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about his religion. Respect others in their views and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life,beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and of service to your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, or even a stranger, if in a lonely place. Show respect to all people, but grovel to none. When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light,for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks,the fault lies in yourself. Touch not the poisonous firewater that makes wise ones turn to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death,so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home.

Talena and Lulu

Adele Photoshopped? Vogue Magazine...It's Time To GET REAL!!

Now I am sure as many of you know I am a HUGE fan of Adele and fashion. So when I saw the latest Vogue Magazine cover at first I was excited, because it's Adele. Then I took a closer look, and thought WHAT THE HECK DID THEY DO TO HER BODY??? I mean really? Everyone knows Adele is a plus size woman, and is damn proud of it, just as I am! Seriously it was Adele's face (sort of) but it was so Photoshopped it made me sick! 

 

I posted two magazine covers so you could see for yourself. Now I am sure that Cosmo did a few "touch ups" but nothing compared to Vogues. Young women look at these magazine covers and compare their bodies to them. If they don't think they add up to what they see, then that's when the dieting, anorexia, bulimia,plastic surgery, you name it starts! It breaks my heart when I hear about the impact that the media has on young girls, and even older women too. I don't understand why we can not love who we are and how we look. I recently heard on the news that a lot of young girls are taking to youtube to post videos asking "Do you think I'm pretty or ugly?"  Of course there are people out there who care nothing for peoples feelings and will say anything. Where are these girls parents? Where have all of the good role models for the young gone to? So I want to challenge all of you reading this to take a stand.  Stand up for it not only right, but for what is just! Adele herself said "The first thing to do is be happy with yourself and appreciate your body-- only then should you try to change things about yourself." I was made fun of, and I wanted to look like the women I saw on the cover of magazines, but I realized that's not who I am. I am me, a bigger woman in a small world. I love ME! 

Like A Fine Wine...They Get Better With Time

I know I have told you all about the gentleman that I really, really like, whom I refer to as  "HIM." Here is the post Did God Just Tease Me. Well I was lucky enough to talk HIM recently. At first I was afraid that he wouldn't remember me, but that wasn't the case at all. He said he definitely remembered me, and that he wanted to call me later to catch up. He called my house and we talked for awhile. It was so amazing to hear his voice, good gosh he is so hot! He said we really liked me, but there is this issue... He has a girlfriend, and he cares a lot about her. Well that bummed me out, but I am grateful that he was truthful with me, even though it didn't go the way I wanted it to. We said that we would remain friends, but he is all I think about. I was teased, wasn't I?? We seriously can talk about anything and have a good time, why, oh why does this happen to me all the time? I told him I was used to rejection, and he told me not to take it that way, but how can I not? I am not really into men that are my age or younger, I have always been attracted to older men. And no, I do not have daddy issues, or want a sugar daddy. I love how older men are more organized, mature, stable, and sexy! I know I can't wait around for him, but it is so hard not to sometimes. So I came across this video and I thought I would post it. I agree with some of what the gentleman says, but some I do not. I'll let you decide. 

Are you attracted to older or younger men/women?

Do You Like Sparkles, and Ink?

Don't think that you can not be a classy woman just because you have ink.  I have "ink," but I am a total girly girl! My tattoos, (yes plural I have two) mean a great deal to me. Some people think that tattoos are trashy, but I personally believe they make me even more unique. I love everything about ME, and having some art on my body just adds to this beautiful canvas. I got my first tattoo when I was 18, I was in a really low place in my life at that time. It was 2 weeks before I graduated from HS that my father found out he had cancer. Needless to say I was mad at the whole world! I have always been a really goody, goody, so I thought to mark this time in my life I rebelled.  I looked for a long time before I decided on the design. 

So I decided on this one. To me it represented Eternal Life, the sun gives life and the ankh in the middle represents eternity. It meant that after this life there will be a new one that God has given to the forgiven. The photo at the top is my most recent one. I got it last year before I turned 30. It represents my sisters and I. The symbol in the center which is called "Om" symbolizes the manifestation of God in form.  So do you have any ink? What do they mean to you? Do you love or regret them?

2012 Miss Mountain Empire!!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, may I have the pleasure of introducing to you all our new 2012 Miss Mountain Empire......Elizabeth Robinette!!

My sweet and most deserving friend Elizabeth was crowned last night, February 18, 2012 in Abingdon, Va at SWCC.  To say the least we were all on the edge of our seats before they announced the winner. Elizabeth is a beautiful, smart, classy woman, and she has a great platform. Breast cancer is a disease that has touched many people, but for Elizabeth it hit home. Her mother was diagnosed with this disease, and thankfully has made a full recovery. Elizabeth is a hard worker, and she enjoys helping others she is a graduate of UVA in government, and has recently decided to pursue pharmacy. I know that she will go far, she has such a great personality and not just an outer beauty, but also and unbelievable inner one too! You can find her working along side of me at Cavalier Pharmacy, in Wise.  You should have seen the car load of people that went to cheer on our girl, I had such a good time with these great people!

Once again, congratulations to a most deserving woman, Elizabeth Robinette!

Jewels By Park Lane

I was introduced to this great company about a month ago from a colleague of mine, and I have fallen in love! I love anything that sparkles, so when I turned the first page I knew I had found my candy store! I have been looking for a long time for the perfect pair of crystal hoops in silver and gold tone. So of course I just about squealed with delight when I saw them, then I looked at the price..$89.00 each!!! I just about choked, but then my lovely colleague informed me that there is something they call a "bonus item" sale. I was all ears! She stated that with a a minimum purchase of $30, I could select one item to equal the $30, for just $12!!! The "bonus sale" increase $30 each time, so if you buy $60 you get two bonus items for $12 each, and when you purchase $90 you get 3 items for $12 each! I was sold right there! I ended up finding so much more that I wanted, so in total I spent $172 and I got an amazing bracelet that was $121, for free!! So when I saw the hostess gifts I decided I wanted to do a party. So as my gift, I received this beautiful ring!

I love big statement jewelery, can you tell? Park Lane is the company that supplies Dancing With The Stars jewels, even Jennifer Lopez was spotted wearing a pair of earrings from the 2011 collection on American Idol last year. I wanted to sell this jewelery, but my area has taken and hard hit economically recently so it isn't the best time for me to try. Take a look at the Park Lane 2012 catalog for yourself, who knows you may find a bunch of nice pieces you want! Here is a look at the items I purchased!

 

 

 

 

I can not wait until I receive my new catalog, I have already picked out 5 things that I am wanting to get. I am getting them to wear with my dress for my sisters wedding that is coming up. Hope you all find something that puts a twinkle in your eye! Oh and by the way guess what I got today...

It surprised me too! Happy Valentines day!

Valentines Day, Or Singles Awareness Day?

So which is it ladies and gentlemen? From the photo above, I am sure you can tell it is Singles Awareness Day for me. No I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but I have to admit I really don't care for this day. One day I am sure I will LOVE this day, but until then...I Hope all of you get some gift of love tomorrow, even if it comes from you mom. (cough, cough) Thanks mom! I came across this photo last year when I was reading Jennifer Love Hewitt's book, "The Day I Shot Cupid: Hello, My Name Is Jennifer Love Hewitt and I'm a Love-aholic" I absolutely love Miss. Hewitt and anything that she does, so of course I had to read it. Even though I have not dated as much as she has, I sort of know where is coming from. It is a really easy read, cheeky and really cute! It should be on every single girls "to read" list!

So what are you plans for Valentines day, aka D-Day (lol)? If you are one of the lucky ones to get flowers, candy, or a card tomorrow, you go girl! And for those of us that are still waiting. Keep you chin up girls, one day soon it will be our turn! Here is a song for us single ladies! Enjoy!!

 

Cuptakes App for IPhone

Since I got my IPhone in Nov. of '11, I was always looking for cute backgrounds for my phone. I'm not a fan of the wallpapers that automatically come with your phone, uck! So I came across this little app that has since saved my home screen from something like this..

I suppose this is okay, if your into those sort of things...Not me though! I want something that has pops of color and is girly, just like me! Cuptakes is not a free app though, it cost .99 cents I believe, but it is WELL WORTH IT! Each month you get updates of new wallpapers they have designed. The app is not just for the IPhone, but also the IPod Touch and the IPad.  Cuptakes aslo has IPhone cases that mach the wallpapers that you can buy. So now the only problem you should have is choosing which lovely background and case you want! Here is a snippet of some of the choices you have! Enjoy!!  

 

 

Sweet Tea Paperie, One Of My New Favorites, They Should Be Yours Too!

Sweet Tea Paperie has quickly became one of my favorite stationery and accessories online store. I came across Amanda's store on Twitter @sweetteapaperie, which lead me to her on-line stone sweetteapaperie.com.  There were so many things that I wanted, I didn't even know where to being. So I took a deep breath and went for the IPhone cases, and key chains. I had been looking for the perfect IPhone case FOREVER it seemed like, and I had bought countless ones that I never really liked to be honest. I would buy one, love it for the first few days, then tire of it and want something new. So when I saw the Monogrammed covers, I was SOLD,  you all know how much I love anything monogrammed! You can have just about everything monogrammed that you order from Amanda. She has great customer service, any questions you send her she is prompt to respond. Even the delivery was fast, which I love because I am an impatient person. (bad, I know..) I bought the Black & Red Moroccan iPhone Case, and the Bubblegum Pink & Kelly Green Square Key Chain. Both of which I LOVE! I will take a photo soon to post, but here is what the samples look like on-line.

Are they not just the most darling things ever! Now don't think they just have cell phone cover and key chains, no way like I said previously there was a lot of different items that you can buy. For instance calenders, stationery, labels, cutting boards, jewelry, totes and bags, etc. These items are very well made also, not flimsy at all. I am known to drop my cell phone from time to time, and I did so the other day with my case on, not even a scratch was to be found! Yeah baby! These would be great for all kinds of occasions, I am seriously considering buying my Birthday/Christmas presents from here, so should you! Stop by Amanda's store, and tell her I sent you! xoxo  

Unique Engagement Rings. Do You Have, Or Want One? I Do..Want One That Is!

No ladies I have not found Mr. Right just yet, but a friend and I were talking the other day about engagement rings and what kind we like. Morgan and I have so much in common, we basically want the same types of rings! I would swear she is my sister from another mister!! Now don't get us wrong we, just like every other woman loves diamonds, but we both want something different for "The Ring." If I get a diamond, I want it in an antique setting. My Memaw has a ruby and diamond ring that I would love to inherent one day, because I would love to have the stones set into a setting like one of the following.

                                                                       

Every since I saw "Shy DI" with her blue bauble on, I have been in love with the idea of a similar one gracing my left ring finger one day. Sapphires have an air of mystery and intrigue to them, I think.  A ring like this makes you stand up and take notice, and you wander who this lady is that has inherited this magnificent work of art. Is she outgoing, or demure? Does she like the finnier things in life, or does she enjoy the simple things? You either love sapphires, or not. I for one do!

 

Now this type of ring will definitely make you scratch your head when I say it, but just hear me out on it. Pear Engagement rings! Yes Pearls, they are so classy and come in many different colors to choose from. Being from the South, we Southern Belle's love to wear our pearls anytime we can! So what better way than to have it as a sign of your commitment to your beau? Pearls are very precious just like the love, and life that you and your soul mate have with each other. I for one would be over the moon and back, if I was asked to marry someone with one of these stunners! 

So what do you think? Do you have a unique engagement ring, or want one? Share some photos of what you have, or want!

Downton Abbey, Not Just Another Soap Opera

Downton Abbey has quickly became one of my favorite shows in the past year. I came across it last year on PBS Masterpiece Classics. I thought I was just a movie, in which I really enjoyed. Yet to my amazement, thank goodness it is a series in which I can enjoy year after year! I love anything that is period movies and British, so this was the perfect combo!  

The series is set in the fictional Downton Abbey, the Yorkshire country house of the Earl and Countess of Grantham, and follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants during the reign of King George V. The first series spans the two years before the Great War, World War I, beginning with news of the sinking of the Titanic, which sets the story in motion. The second series covers the years 1916 to 1919, and the 2011 Christmas Special December covers the 1919 Christmas period, ending in early 1920.

Highclere Castle in Hampshire was used for exterior shots of Downton Abbey and most of the interior filming. The servants' living areas were constructed and filmed at Ealing Studios. The village of Bampton in Oxfordshire was used for filming outdoor scenes, most notably St Mary's Church and the library, which serves as the entrance to the cottage hospital. The North Yorkshire towns of Easingwold, Kirkby, Kirkbymoorside, Malton. Middlesbrough, Ripon, Richmond, Thirsk and York have been mentioned by characters in the series.

My two favorite characters are Anna, a maid; and Mr. Bates, a valet that work/live at Downton. They are madly in love with each other, but Mr. Bates is in the middle of a separation/divorce from his cheating wife. I love the way the little glances and every now and then a touch of a hand between them happens. It's so romantic and I can not wait to see where their relationship goes! Here is a photo of the couple!

 So if you are looking for a new show to watch this summer, Downton Abbey would be the one I would recommend for everyone! 
 

Make A Wish!!!!

Happy Birthday Matchbook Magazine!!!

"Launched in January 2011, Matchbook is an online lifestyle publication celebrating classics - shaken and stirred." (Via Matchbookmag.com)   I first heard of  Matchbook through BeB's blog, and it has became one of my favorite online magazines! This magazine has a little of everything, from articles on clothing, electronics, apps, even what to stock your bar cart with! I love the passion and creativity that each person on their team brings to the table. For instance they did an article in this months issue about Jane Austen, and 50 classic books that every "matchbook girl" should read. 

You all need to head over to Matchbookmag.com RIGHT NOW, and see what you have been missing out on! You will not be let down, I PROMISE! Oh I was about to leave out one of the best parts. At the end of every magazine they have an illustration that is entitled "What's in their purse." They have these darling illustrations of movie sirens, for example their first one was Breakfast at Tiffany's,  Audrey Hepburns character Holly. But each month they do someone new, too cute! Here are a few to give you an example.

   
I hope that Matchbook has many more birthdays!! Don't you, have a blessed day!