Six Months Later

Hey y'all!

Well, its been a few minutes since I've visited blogtopia. I missed it. Loads. I have months of catch up to play reading up on all my favorite blogs; but I also wanted to update anyone who is curious about my life as of the past 6 months. We will do a little month by month break down:

August
1. I moved to Texas!
2. I started my first real-life job. And I love it. A LOT.
3. I turned 22!
4. I got my first car!

September
1. I taught my first class at school!
2. Made lots of friends at work.
3. Played Maid of Honor at my best friend's wedding.
4. Went tailgating for the first time.

October
1. Went to my first college homecoming (No, it wasn't my school. awks)
2. Batman for Halloween.
3. State Fair of Texas.
4. 1989 by Taylor Swift was released

November
1. Texas Thanksgiving
2. Mockingjay part 2

December
1. Matching tattoos with my best friend.
2. Colorado road/ski trip
3. Visited Wisconsin for the first time since graduating
4. I first saw gas for under $2
5. New Years with my girls and Trampled by Turtles!

January
1. Second semester teaching
2. Road trip back to Texas
3. Got serious about working out (and have lost 6 lbs to date!)
4. Paid to get my hair done for the first time ever!
5. Colorado Bend State Park camping trip

February
1. Its been 6 days so I've got nothing for you yet!
2. Accepted the position to go back to Camp for a third summer!

It's been a crazy half year since I last blogged, and I have been so incredibly grateful for everything I've done! But of course, I have some goals for 2015

1. Keep up with this weight loss. I've felt better in the past month than I have in the past year.
2. Save up and really start paying off my student loans.
3. Allow myself to be happy without a significant other.

Before I leave, I have one last thing to do. An obvious photo dump. Obviously.

Road trips with the boys!

Colorado Bend State Park

New Years Eve with the bestestes

Best friend tattoos

The Wisconsin Crew

Continental Divide ski time selfie

A perk of the job.

My very first ever tailgate!

The day I fulfilled a promise made 9 years prior.

Astros-Rangers game. (possibly the worst baseball game in history)

Day in the life.

State Fair of Texas!

Put a Smile On Your Face

And make the world a better place!

Earlier this year I decided to join the world in completing the #100happydays challenge! I began this journey back in March and completed it in June. So here I am, more than 100 days later, and honestly, I don't know if I could say I'm a happier person or if I fell in love during the challenge, but I can tell you this: it wasn't easy.

I try to be an optimistic and upbeat person; and generally, I am. But when you're having a crappy day, it can be hard sometimes to find the good or the happy in it. But I did it. So here it is, I searched and investigated through my instagram and pulled up all my pictures. If you already follow me, sorry you will see reapeats, if not 1. you should follow me, 2. here they are!

After these 100 days, I learned a few things.
1. There's at least one thing that makes you smile every day.
2. I take a lot of selfies
3. often, happiness is the little things.

The Accent Challenge

Now that I am back in civilization, I am slowly beginning to fully catch up on everything in blog world, and number one on my agenda was to do the accent challenge. I watched so many videos including Allie's and Amanda's and decided I had to jump on the bandwagon.

So here it is, my addition to the Accent Vlog Challenge. Please excuse my seemingly uninterested demeanor and awkwardness.

Also, thank you YouTube for the incredibly flattering thumbnail!

22 to 22

In celebration and countdown to my 22nd birthday, I am giving a list of 22 things I've learned in my 22 years on this beautiful planet. (side note - 22 feels really really old)

22 Things I've Learned In 22 Years:

1. Always trust your heart. Your head tends to get in the way a lot.
2. You will have days where you just can't deal with people, and it's okay.
3. Your best friends will stay no matter what.
4. You are never too old to act like a kid. Jump in that puddle, make a friendship bracelet, color a picture. Stay young.
5. NEVER cut off a friendship bracelet.
6. It's never too late to repair damaged relationships.
7. Forgive.
8. Apologize.
9. Laugh at least 5 minutes every day.
10. Crying is okay.
11. You may think you know someone, but until you stay up all night together, you don't truly know them.
12. Country music is good.
13. Smile.
14. If you're going to be judgmental, keep it to yourself.
15. Be honest. With yourself and others.
16. Exercise.
17. If you borrow someone's care, leave more gas in the tank than you used.
18. If you're sober cab, don't drink.
19. Just because there is an open bar, doesn't mean its all you can drink. Same goes for buffets.
20. Go all out for birthdays.
21. Use your savings account for savings.
22. Treat yourself every once in a while.

I love my job!

After graduating college, I questioned sometimes if I chose the right career path and if I would be successful or if I would still love my job 25 years from now. After recently accepting a job in Texas (mind you, that's ACROSS the country from all my friends and families) I really started to second guess my life path. Then I received the reminder I was so desperately searching for that I did indeed chose the correct path.

My first reminder was just last week. As part of my outdoor education program I co-head at camp, we took a camping trip to Mount Greylock State Reservation which is the highest point in not only the Berkshires, but also Massachusetts. 5 staff took 18 kids from 7-13 to do a one night overnight on the top of this beautiful mountain. It was not easy, it was actually quite stressful. Who would have thought 7 and 8 year olds are needy?! But it was flawless and the kids had an amazing time.

My second reminder came just a few days later. I was given an extra night off because my exceptional work with the kids. Just when I thought that I was running out of steam to finish out the last two weeks of camp the way I started them, I got a compliment like this. All the campers also had a meeting with the director and head of girls camp and I was given exceptionally high rankings and endless compliments about my enthusiasm and love for the camp and the campers. That is the greatest reward of all. When you're told you are good at what you love and are making a difference in someone's life; that's the best compliment of all.

With how well the past weeks have been going at camp, I can't wait to start my new adventure in Texas! I know that I've chosen the right path for me and I feel ready to start this new chapter in my life.

How To: Conquer a First Date

Hello blogtopia! It's been a while. Long story short, my brand new computer decided to stop working, so I now have a brand new brand new computer. Hopefully this piece of technology lasts longer!

So lets get down to the meat of it: I decided to go with a little DIY on how I get ready for a first date. both physically and mentally.

First, I like to give myself a little pep talk in the mirror. It consists a lot of DAMN you look good. And a little of alright Amanda, try to be cute and flirty and not totally socially awkward for like 80% of the date. Whatever gets you ready, do that.

Post pep talk, its time to get ready. I decided to go with my standard I-want-to-look-cute-but-not-like-I'm-trying-TOO-hard look. So for starters, I curled my hair. I put my hair in two pig tails. Starting with one side I grab chunks and wrap it around my curling iron - you can also use a wand. (I recommend a 1.25" barrel.)

Do this to both sides of your head and spray with hairspray. I also like to twist all my curls together to hold the curl better (sidenote: I highly recommend aussie sprunch. It really holds the curls without the crunchy feel of hairspray. LOVE IT) . Then let it set while we do our make up.

Before we move on to make up, turn on a straightener and get that heating up while we work the make up magic. So, moving on to my face - my not so strong suite. I'm a minimalist when it comes to make up. I don't understand a lot of make up terminology or purpose to a lot of products, so I stick to the basics: powder foundation, eye liner, mascara, eye shadow. Like I said, minimalist.
So I start with my foundation, just using a powder brush to even out my skin tone without looking like I frosted my face. (shameless plug: L'Oreal true match powder is AWESOME! It doesn't look cakey at all and blends really well and makes my skin look pretty. shameless plug over.)

Now its time for the eyes. Everyone has their own preference of how they like to line their lids. I am no expert so I'm going to keep it simple. I line my entire bottom lid and for my top lid, I line it completely right along the lash line very lightly, then make a thicker line on the top side of my lash line.

Eye shadow. I will leave a disclaimer here I literally just started wearing eye shadow approximately 6 months ago. With that said, I learned everything I know from pinterest. (and that holds true for about 95% of this blog post. The other 5% is because I get bored and play with my hair.) ANYWAYS I keep it basic with the shadow.

If you can follow, top of the lid is my light beigey tan subtlely shiny shadow. Then I do my inside lid with a reddish brown mahogany like shadow. than I do the outside with a dark brown. Blend the two lower lid colors together and BAM. Once the shadow is in place, I hit the lashes. Take your mascara of choice (I personally LOVE covergirl.) and lengthen those sexy lashes.

Remember about 20 minutes ago when we curled our hair? Let's go back to our luscious and now curly locks. First, take the hair out of the pig tails (its not going to look good, I promise it will later though) and shake it out. Pull apart the curls a little bit and move it around at the roots. If you have creases from the pig tails or if you have bangs like I do, use your straightener to get rid of the lines and style your bangs.

There's just one last thing to do before we are 100% date ready: get dressed. I chose a simple outfit. A nice summery shirt, cropped skinny jeans, and my blinged out gladiators.

Also, don't forget to brush your teeth, put on deodorant, and spray a little perfume/body spray. You want to smell good, but you don't want to gas out your date with your scent.

Needless to say, I don't know if it was the outfit or my sparkling personality, but I rocked this date. No more first date jitters for this girl, that's for sure!

I've Got a Pocket Full of Sunshine [Award!]

My first REAL LIFE NOMINATION! YAY! Thank you so much to the lovely Amanda over at one of my favorite blogs Peaches in Missouri for the nomination! While on my blogging hiatus, Amanda was one of a few bloggers still on my instagram and its been so much fun watching both of us grow as bloggers!

ANYWAYS lets get to the good stuff! So, here are the rules:
1. Post 11 random facts about yourself
2. Answer 11 questions from the blogger that nominated you
3. Nominate 11 bloggers to receive the award
4. Write your own 11 questions for those bloggers
5. Notify them of their award

Easy enough, right?! And lots of fun!

11 Random Facts About Me:
1. I am obsessed with Harry Potter.
2. I Netflix binge like its my job. (Currently watch Grey's Anatomy. HOW DID I NOT WATCH THIS BEFORE?!?!)
3. I still have my baby blanket.
4. I want to be a camp counselor forever.
5. I hate painting my toes.
6. I'm terrified of birds.
7. I compulsively buy hair products.
8. Tan lines are my favorite part of summer.
9. I am the biggest procrastinator in the world.
10. I LOVE people watching.
11. I got my own business cards. I feel old.

Amanda's Questions:
1. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because my dear friend Kailagh started blogging and she absolutely loved it and I decided I wanted in on this super secret society of awesome people.

2. What's your most favorite post you've ever written?

Oh goodness this is a hard one. (I had to look at my archive for this one.) I have two, is that cheating? The first one would be my post about Tinder. Because, well, we all have our opinions about tinder, and I shared mine. My other favorite one is one of the very first blog posts I ever wrote, so it is very dear to my heart and not seen by very many. It's also on a topic very near and dear to my heart, sex. And society and being a woman.  

 

3. Name three places you think everyone should visit if they get the chance.

Lake Superior. Why? Its the largest freshwater lake in the world (by surface area), its the most beautiful place in the whole wide world and I love it.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Why? It's awesome and beautiful and naturey and one the most beautiful places in the whole wide world and I love it.

Cody, WY. Why? Because its one of my favorite towns in the whole wide world. Do you like mountains, cowboys (real cowboys with large belt buckles), good beer and good food? go to Cody.

 

4. If you are married (If you aren't married would you) did you write your own vows or stick with traditional ones? 

I'm not married, but I would like to write my own vows. I think that traditional ones are good, but its your wedding and your commitment. I think vows mean a lot more when they are your words and what you personally truly vow and commit to instead of what the Bible commits for you.

 

5. What is your go-to recipe/meal for dinner?

Baked chicken with asparagus and mashed potatoes. Its easy, delicious, kicks ass, and is great with beer or wine.

 

6. What is the most random piece or art, decorative item, or piece of furniture you have in your home?

I am crashing at my parents as of currently between school, camp, and finding a job, but right now, something that I had up at school was a piece of wood that I broke. During staff training at camp, we learn how to break a block of wood in half with our hands. Before we broke the wood, we wrote on it what we wanted to break through. On mine I wrote trust, opening up, self assurance, self confidence and love. So now, I have two halves of a piece of wood and I keep it on my desk wherever I am as a reminder.

 

7. How many children do you have/want? Why?

I want a huge family. Well not like the Duggers huge, but I'm thinking 3-6. I'm an only child (more or less) and as nice as it is, I wish I had siblings more than anything in the world. I also just really love children.

 

8. What movie could you watch every day without getting tired of it?

There's a few: Frozen, Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaids, Miracle and How to Train Your Dragon.

 

9. Look around the room you are in now, how many picture frames and/or art pieces are in it? (I have 21 in my living room alone!)

I'm in my childhood bedroom that hasn't been redecorated since I was probably 15 so if we are going to include magazine posters I have 45 art pieces, which also includes some of my own photography!

 

10. What is your favorite workout routine?

I enjoy running intervals. Or doing any sort of circuit with weights. I get bored just doing one thing, so intervals and circuits keep me engaged.

 

11. How do you stay motivated to workout and eat healthy?

I don't really know if I do... I get motivated for a few weeks and then get distracted and completely fall off the bandwagon. But when I'm starting I think just reminding yourself how great it feels. I love sweating and being sore and the energy rush you get from a fresh smoothie. 

My Nominations:
Kailagh @ Kailagh Anne
Rachel @ Sweet Onions and Pickled Beets
Samantha @ Samantha Skye
Amanda @ Voyage of the MeeMee
Allie @ Allieology
Ady @ When in Doubt, Just add Glitter
Rachael @ Love You. Miss You. Have A Nice Day.

I absolutely love reading all of these girls' blogs and if you haven't started following their blogs, you probably should, because they are awesome! Well here it is, my 11 questions for these ladies:

1. What is your dream job and location?
2. If you were a wizard what school would you go to? (If you choose Hogwarts, what house?) And why?
3. What's your go-to hair style?
4. What is the worst job you ever had?
5. If there was a movie made about your life what genre would it be and who would play you?
6. What is your comfort food?
7. What is your favorite type of shoe?
8. What song could you listen to on repeat for extended periods of time?
9. Have you ever had a successful Pinterest attempt?
10. Do you have a bucket list? what's on it?
11. What is your favorite topic to blog about and why?

Thanks for hanging out with me and happy blogging :)

The Picture Post

So I got this idea after referring to Kay's list of things to blog about when you don't know what to blog about. So here it is.


Today I present to you drum roll please the last 10 pictures on my phone.

I have a habit of saving my snapchats. But this was a glorious day.

I don't know if I can tell you why I have a picture of baby Amanda on my phone. But I do, so that's cool. btw, I was a total boss.

bar crawl. nuff said :)

oh hey college graduation.

You know how they take your picture after you walk across the stage? This is mine. I think I'm hilarious, my mother, not so much. It's an empty folder! What do you expect me to do?!

We talk about Frozen. A lot.



My Maid of Honor dress! IT HAS POCKETS!

All road trips call for Starbucks. And obligatory picture of said coffee beverage.

Again with the memes.

doggy selfie.

Well that was exciting. I definitely got a kick out of some of the pictures I had in my phone. Does anyone else have weird pictures on their phone? or an insane amount of selfies?

5 on Friday - Post Grad Edition

Alright, here's another link up for ya! You would think that with a two month blogging hiatus I would have lots and lots to talk about. Yet here I sit completely and utterly stumped on what to say or do. So here it is: 5 on Friday - Post Grad Edition.

I have compiled a list of 5 things I am going to do now that, you know, I'm done with school.

ONE
I'll start with the boring one: continuously apply and interview for jobs.  (which may or may not include researching reality tv shows looking for cast members.) Although, I have an interview for my dream job next week! whaaaaa??? keep your fingers crossed for me!

TWO
Move out. By September I want to be moved out and living on my own. Well maybe not alone on my own, but you know, not  living in my parents house.

THREE
Get in shape. For real this time. I have camp to start working out. Because we have a full weight room and lots of great trail for running. Along with a boss salad bar. But when I get back to camp, I have a wedding to be in and a new adventure to start, and I want to feel and look great when I'm out in the real world. My post grad life is going to consist of lots of running and clean eating.

FOUR
Do something crazy. In my first year of post grad life, I want to do something I normally wouldn't do. Maybe move somewhere totally different, get another tattoo, buy a pet sloth, I don't know. The possibilities are endless! (In reality I'm strongly leaning towards packing up my car and driving until I hit a town I like.)

FIVE
Quit drinking so much. Let me rephrase that. Not go to the bar 4 days a week. Because lets be honest, everyone deserves a large glass (or bottle) of wine after a hard days work. Who am I to deprive myself of that? But I can no longer afford (financially or physically) my college escapades. I'll keep the drinking to home. Hello? Netflix. Wine. No pants (or bra). Couch. Way better deal here.

So here's to the post grad life and all the adventures it will bring!