Gilmore Girls Taught Me...

Warning: If you haven't seen, or do not want spoilers about Gilmore Girls Stop now! If you are a Gilmore Girl, keep reading!

If I had to pick one show that has made the most impact in my life it would definitely be Gilmore Girls! I basically followed shortly behind Rory's life through the entire show. It is one of my  favorite memories of high school, watching this show with my mom. When I graduated high school I said "It's not so scary anymore." I say "You jump, I jump jack" in everyday life. I work in the hospitality industry because of Lorelai and The Independence Inn and eventually The Dragonfly Inn. I went to Yale on a family vacation so that I could "see" where Rory went to college, and on another vacation went to the set in Burbank California to see where it was filmed. I also keep playing with the thought of getting a coffee cup tattoo but can't quite bring myself to it, yet. Needless to say, this is a very important show to me, and it will always be. I also think there are very true parts about this show that I've learned from. I learned that love is messy. Not only romantic love but also family love. There are things that happen that it's hard to move forward from. When you feel like you're losing someone close to you it makes you want to buy a plane or sometimes the person that you "want to want" isn't the person you know is right for you. On the other side, family connection also goes beyond what you think it could. The people who are close to you will still sleep in your dorm on the first night of college because they love you. They will still build you a chuppah or an ice skating rink because they want to see you happy. Now it's still a T.V.show so your ice skating rink may be in the form of dinner being cooked after a hard day, but it's important to show that you care. Don't wait to show someone, especially family, that you love them until the last episode. There are so many different seasons in life, and you can't ever have life fully figured out. There are aspects of life that you can. The priorities that you have need to be a priority, but somewhere along the way "Kirk" is going to come crashing through your diner wall and you have to pick up the pieces. I love watching though the seasons how Rory and Lorelai and every character evolve. Relationships become stronger and some disappear. The experiences you have in high school, college, or in your career only help to shape you. If someone is pinning a sign to your dorm room door, you never know who they could end up being in your life.

Coffee is the lifeblood of the work week. Coffee, coffee, coffee! I never understood how Lorelai could drink so much coffee, until I started working in the hospitality industry. I have coffee just about every morning now, and most mornings I'm not myself until I've had at least one cup. On the flip side of that, it's definitely not healthy to only drink coffee. Make sure your also drinking plenty of water. Added bonus tip, if you work around a lot of people, take daily vitamins too. There is no way in real life Lorelai wouldn't be fighting off illnesses of all kinds for as many different people you come in contact with in hotels.  It's ok to talk fast, but you should also listen. I read that after working on the show for so long Alexis (Rory) and Lauren (Lorelai) had a hard time auditioning for other parts because they would talk too fast while reading though the script. On many occasions, I have been told that I speak too fast. Sorry, it's how I talk and it only becomes slurred, not slow, when I'm tired. I always love how fast the dialogue is in this show. When I watch back over episodes I catch different jokes that I didn't understand when I was watching it live. I love that, it keeps your mind quick. If you want to do it, do it! Now, we might not all have wealthy grandparents that can help us through an ivy league education, but if you want something you can't let fear stop you from accomplishing your dreams. For years Lorelai and Sookie kept talking about opening an Inn but were nervous about that Mia would think they were betraying her in a way. I love that she was so supportive of their dream, but sometimes that doesn't happen. Sometimes, Mitchum Huntzburger happens. You have to know what you want, make sure it's what you want, and then try. If you fail "it will be the most exciting six months" of your life. Don't let the hatters *cough* Mitchum *cough* make you question everything. Despite the Mitchums in the world, there are people out there who truly want to see you succeed in your career and life. Friends can be family too. No on can tell me that Sookie and Lorelai or Rory and Lane aren't family. Friendship is hard, especially if you're away at college and your best friend is still playing in her band far away, but if there are two people who are committed to working at a friendship, it will last. It's important to be there for your friends when they go on their honeymoon and come back pregnant, or need you to help with a Rune while they go on their first date. If you truly love your friends, even if you don't have siblings, your friends can become your family.  I've learned so many things from this show about love, life, coffee, dreams, friends, and so much more. This could really go on for a very long time, because there is so much to connect with from Gilmore Girls. I still have, and watch, my old DVD sets. Remember when the DVDs first came out and they weren't sure how to make the season cases small so it would be literally about four inches thick? Every time I watch, it reminds me that life is something that is constantly changing and that career doesn't mean everything. Having people around that are a fun cast of characters is something that is priceless. 

January Obsessions

Food: Mango! I've honestly never been the biggest fan of mangos, but this one vlogger I keep watching keeps eating them. Now I really want a banana/mango smoothie. Doesn't that look so good!! Show: Fixer Upper - I want to look inside of "The Book of Jo" If you're the one person who hasn't seen that show yet, you should!! Look at that beautiful back splash!!     Saving $$$ For: Mac - I'm pretty sold on buying a Mac. Any Mac users out there that use to have PC, prefer one over the other? And, which mac is a good one? I've only ever had PC. Doesn't this skin look amazing though!  Nerding Out About: Han Solo Pop Figure - I love this little guy! For Christmas I got a Loot Crate and he was in it! 

Clothing: Sweaters - It finally became sweater weather a few days ago and I was all about that life! Sweaters + Coffee = Amazing! Wanting the Most: Hair like this. I want a little longer but I love the wavy curls!! What's your obsession this month? And do you know Mac? What to follow my new obsessions daily, follow on Pinterest. All pictures, minus han solo, are from there! 

10 Fun Things to do when Money is Tight

When finances are tight and I'm either saving for a trip, or simply trying to pay bills and not spend money, I explore. Exploring and googling, even the most random of ideas, is worth it! I've found natural springs in my area that I didn't know existed, local film festivals, coffee shops with really cheap coffee, etc. If I'm not exploring something, and I'm just sitting at my house day after day, I start to feel like money is tight, and that feeling is up there in the horrible feelings category. If I feel like money is tight I either want to spend money and rebel or I start to feel anxious and count every penny. Neither is a healthy option. With exploring, even just sitting somewhere outside of the house and reading a book, gives that sense of doing something without spending a ton of money. It's not about spending absolutely no money, it's about the amount of return you receive off of a smaller amount of money spent. Here are a couple things I have done when money is tight, but I still want to go out and have fun! 
-Hang out at a friends house, or meet up and explore together  - See what DVDs the library has on their shelves -Find a place downtown with either good coffee, or dessert and people watch  - See what events your housing community or apartment complex has planed this month - Go swimming at the beach or a pool (or if you're up north skiing or hiking) -Make a delicious meal (It's probably going to be cheaper, and it's creative) - Freshen things up at home, rearrange your living room - Check and see what museums you have nearby (most are under $10) - Have a s'mores and game night with friends  - What TV show have you been putting off watching. There's nothing like binge watching a show to get you to that next paycheck without going anywhere. Am I right! You know who you are. Also, shout out to whoever got Gilmore Girls to reboot for their Netflix miniseries. 

Fernweh and Wanderlust

I just got back from this amazing trip in England and I want to talk all about it but something in me keeps stopping me. I had no idea what this thing was until today. Today I looked up the difference between wanderlust and fernweh. Wanderlust is more of a longing to travel. Fernweh is more of a homesickness that happens when you don't travel or a homesickness for places that you have been to. It's a little more nomadic than wanderlust, and it feels more real to me. Longing and missing a place that you've never been to is very real to me.

There are just some words that we don't have in English to describe feelings that I really wish we had and fernweh is one of those. To the best of my knowledge, it has a German origin. As soon as I got back I just felt so down. Coming from such a high back to reality was more brutal of a hit than I was expecting. I absolutely love travel, and it's something that a cherish so deeply that when it's over I start to feel homesick for the places I have been to.

I will absolutely share my time and tips but I think it's important to realize that if this is something that happens to you as well, I got your back and know what you're feeling. There's just so much of the world to see! And I really want to explore it! Here's to many more adventures and places!

Not in College Anymore

I really want to sing Britney Spears' song "I'm not a girl, not yet a woman!!" Two points to anyone who also knows that song. Anyways, I had one of those moments two days ago where I was reminded that I'm in a different stage of life now. Since graduating from college it's been such a whirlwind of emotions and expectations that I haven't really stopped and thought about changing phases. The fact is that I'm in a completely new stage of life that I have never experienced before. 

Enjoying some froyo ^ and macaroons. The raspberry was my favorite.

When I graduated from high school I knew the next step, for me, was college. However, once graduating from college that road map is empty. My core beliefs are still there, but the actual easy "ok, this is now what I'm suppose to do" is gone. I haven't been reminded of that in such as obvious way, until I went back to campus. Two days ago I needed to visit my college campus and was instantly reminded of how "old" I was.  It was in no way a bad thing, it was just that I no longer fit there. I overheard the college woes of having to write papers and social drama. I'm already missing the days of "I don't want to go to class today, so I wont." 

The beautiful bouquet ^ currently on my dining room table. They make me happy
Now, there are times when I also don't "fit" with those who have graduated that seem to have life fully figured out. I'm not on the "six months till we're married" track, but I'm also not on the "I have not idea what's going on in the universe" track. I know more answers now than I did in college, yet I'm still so far from knowing all the answers. It's terrifying and exciting. There are so many opportunities that are available to me right now, and yet those same opportunities are the ones that scare me.  If you're out there like me, or you're about to graduate from college, have no fear. You are in no way alone. We can figure things out, we just don't have to know all the facts right now. For now, I'm just trying to keep my priorities in line and trust that my future is in good hands. Other than that I'm just focusing on growing up but not growing boring. I love the small aspects of life! I just have to remember to pause and see them. 

Afternoon Tea

I read a quote on Pinterest that I loosely translate to "Go somewhere every day/week that you have never been before." In the spirit of this months 10 in 30 I'm trying to fulfill numbers 1 and 8 and drink wonderful tea!

Why not explore! I have finally enjoyed my first ever afternoon tea! There are so many places in this new area of discovery that I'm excited to explore, especially the food aspects! While it has been such a cold winter up north, down on Florida it's starting to get warmer. 

I'm also obsessed with this^ beautiful greenery wall. How gorgeous is nature right! I'm cutting my hair soon, a spring/summer look needs to happen. Length, you shall be missed, but it's your time I think.

March 10 in 30

February was filled with changes in the weather and allergies! Uh, this month has begun on a similar note. However, I am hopeful for the rest of the month.

1. Learn how to make a proper cup of tea. When I was little the only way I would have tea was if I was sick. Getting older, I really want to learn to enjoy tea without feeling ill. 2. Begin my first "big girl" job! I'm so crazy excited!! I'm so appreciative to get the opportunity I've been allowed; now I want to show them I was the correct choice for the position! 3. Hope and pray that I do well at my first "big girl" job. Also make sure I arrive on time. I have to recalculate how long it takes me to get there. 4. Decorate my bathroom wall. Right now it looks so sad just staring at me in the nothingness.

Maybe this ^ length?

5. Get my hair cut. It way too long, I'm mainly nervous about my bangs! I've had too many people cut them wrong to be trusting 6. Clean my closet. I really need to get something to put my winter clothes in. 7. Take my vitamins. I'm running low on my supply of daily vitamins. I need to buy more and make sure I take them, especially with all the sickness going around 8. Utilize my online coupon resources and do fun things. I'm not sure if you have groupon or a comparable website but I just started using mine and I love it! It shows me places and adventures I may not have ever known without having found them through the website.

Seriously considering this^ lovely print from TheMotivatedType

9. Find two prints for the frames in the hall. I really want to update two picture frames, but I can't figure out which prints go put in them! 10. Buy flip flops. While the north is still freezing, I walked out of my house today in jeans and a sweater and was way too warm. Spring is coming and therefore the warm weather is beginning. I really need some sort of sandal, right now I basically only have flats.
There's my 10 in 30 goals! Here we go!

A Disney Day!

Since graduation, my life has been so consumed with work and planning for the future that my mind needed a break. Also because it's important to lead a balanced life, it was time to have a moment where I was only focused on having fun.

This ^ never gets old

That moment came in the form of a spontaneous trip to Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Magic kingdom will always have a special spot in my heart as my favorite. However, for food, Epcot is the way to go. Our first stop was Epcot where Paris didn't disappoint in the food department.

Can you spot the hidden mickey ^ among the deliciousness of Napoleon and Crème brûlée desserts

The world showcase is so wonderful to see, especially when everything is just a little bit more magical during golden hour on a cool night. Also, Magic Kingdom was open late which ended up in no lines, allowing us to go on as many rides as we wanted!

After graduating college, I'm finding out that I'm in a particularly unique moment in my life. While I'm more grown up than I have ever been and having to make important decisions, it's just as important for me to remember to take moments and be a kid again!

One more ^ because they're amazing!

"Pinterest Sick"

I have had a super bad flu the last four days now. Finally feeling a little better though after taking some medication. However, I find it funny that while searching around my beloved pinterest for a picture, because let's be honest, I don't want to take any pictures of myself or my house right now, all I could find were cute "sick" pictures. All I kept thinking was "have these people with their 'sick essentials' bathrobes and chi tea and matching top and bottom sleepwear every actually been super sick?" Because you know when you're so sick that you can't really stand, the last thing you want to do is put cucumbers on your eyes, you just want to get better. 
Now, did I have tea while I was sick...yes, because tea is delicious. But I looked super gross the last four days tossing back and forth trying to sleep and in no way was pinterest cute sick. If you have a cold, then yes, by all means pull out your robe because during those times sick days can be an awesome release from your daily stresses. I have gotten what I'm calling "pinterest sick" and those days can actually be relaxing, to a certain extent. If you look cute when you're sick, I am envious of you. I however will be here wearing my mix and match random pajamas, watching Once Upon A Time in between sleeping, and randomly zoning out while taking to people, sorry about that. Any of the other sick people out there know what I'm saying? 

"My best year yet" a pin and 25 other New Year's Resolutions

I created this picture for you if you want to add it to your computer to remind yourself of your goals this year. I've also pinned it if you want to have it online. In addition if you're looking for some more ideas here are 25 more.

1. Start and finish at least one book every two months. 2. Travel out of the country. 3. Work on marking things off of, and adding to, your bucket list (or as I like to call it Life List). 4. Make plans to have dinner with your friends at least once a week. 5. Pay for others. Buy food for those you see sitting outside a gas station, or pay for the drinks of the people behind you at Starbucks.  6. Cook one fancy recipe a week. Even once a week and you will expand your cooking ability immensely by the end of 2014 7. Don't beat yourself up for not working out every day of the week. Honestly, we're all get busy. You're absolutely not the only one who will slip on this. 8. Find someone younger than you that you can help mentor. 9. Be brave! Try on the clothes that you love but just don't think will look good on you. You never know, some of my favorite pieces I found because I thought they would be funny to try on. 10. Take pictures when you want, but also remember sometimes it's also important to put the camera away and enjoy the moment. 11. Celebrate when you want to! As we get older it's important to still be excited about our birthdays and special occasions. 12. Write hand written letters to friends. It's a lovely surprise for them to find in the mail. 13. Try new work hairstyles. 14. Eat food that you've never dared to try. 15. Learn how to say "Hello, my name is ____" in five languages 16. Give more than you receive. 17. Fly a kite! Because some resolutions need to not be so big. 18. Create a budget. 19. Dye your hair, or get the haircut you've been too nervous to try (but first ask a trusted friend for advice!) 20. Sing loud and proud in the car, or even in line at the grocery store. 21. Turn your phone off when your at dinner. 22. Grab your group of girl friends and do something out of your comfort zone. Go dancing at a new place or take a cooking class. 23. Start Christmas shopping early. 24. Remember that beauty comes from inside not outside. 25. And when all else fails laugh at yourself and remember the below picture from pinterest!

Merry Christmas!!

I love the holidays, there's something so magical about this time of year. If you're at your home or off visiting family and friends, have a safe fun holiday and take time to remember the importance of this day. This year we decided to take an "ugly family photo" followed by a normal one to make up for the weirdness of the other.

Although it's important to be grateful and happy about presents remember to be grateful for those in your life who love you and the one who loves you most of all, Jesus! Have a fun day! Send me your links of your holiday posts, I would love to check them out! Merry Christmas!!

I'm a college graduate! (with a new snazy blog design)

I'm a COLLEGE GRADUATE!! Craziness! I feel so relieved, and now I'm moving onto a new stage of life, nervous but excited! 

Today I want to celebrate for two reasons: I'm done with classes and the awesome and very talented Erin from Two Thirds Hazel did an amazing update to my blog and made me an entirely new design based on my interests! You should definitely go check her blog out! She has been so awesome through the entire process; I truly love it! I also graduated; graduation was exciting but super long. The highlights were the bagpipe people at the beginning followed by a fancy woman holding a scepter, which I didn't get a picture with, sad day, and also the guy three rows behind me that yelled "For Gryffindor!" randomly in the middle of the ceremony. The rest was good, but basically I was waiting to get out so that I could take pictures with my family and friends. After, we were all hungry, and done taking pictures, so we went out to eat. This was my delicious tiramisu that I shared, because I'm nice! So excited to start this new chapter of my life, and Christmas is less than 10 days away. This week has been a pretty good week so far.

Graduation, Now What?

From Pinterest

I graduate college in about two weeks, two weeks how crazy is that. And then what? I have no idea. Now, I have plans and wishes but as far as fully knowing what's coming next I don't, none of us do really. When it comes to the self talk in my mind it's hard for me to describe, but over the past few months I've started to learn some things about myself and I figured if it's something I need to learn, someone else out there has to have realized this too about themselves.

I define myself. That's sometimes a good thing and sometimes a bad thing. I enjoy a multitude of different things about life and some of them I'm more knowledgeable in than others and that's ok. I don't have to be just a nerd, or t.v. watcher, dancer, Christian, or crafter I can, and am a mixture of those and that's fine. Just because I haven't read all of the iron man comics doesn't mean I can't be a nerd. I enjoy a bunch of nerdy things and I can call myself a nerd if I want to, who really has the authority to tell me otherwise?

I still want to do so many things before graduation. I want to read books, and watch movies, and relax with my friends, and try drawing I don't know I want to do a multitude of things.

I want it to get cold! It was just Thanksgiving and thank God it was cool, but now I really don't want it to get warm again. I'm in Florida so it very rarely ever gets actually cold but I would love it to stay 60 degrees or below in my dream Christmas, come on Florida.

Probably the largest realization that I have had is that somewhere in middle school or high school I gathered this idea in my mind that when people graduated from college they knew exactly where, when, who, why, how, and all other possible questions that had to do with their careers and life in general. I don't know if someone told me this "fact" or if I somehow came up with it myself but let me tell you not everyone knows the answers to these questions. Now, if you know the answers to these that is truly amazing and I'm truly happy you have parts of life figured out. However, in my experience, I haven't had the most clear of experiences. I know a multitude more about myself and my goals from going through college and all the experiences that come along with it, but there are so many aspects I don't have figured out.

Not that I need to have everything figured out, but I'm such an internal thinker that my mind just goes and all of a sudden I'm thinking about taxes and living locations and dentists. Ya, sometimes I just need to chill and watch some tv or lay on my floor, yup I do that. Over the past few weeks I've been letting myself get so stressed that all I've been doing is studying and be nervous for graduation, because you know that's super healthy.

Perspective during these times is so important because no matter what stage of life you may be in, when you graduate college you don't have to have everything figured out. I know who I am and what I believe and if I truly believe what I say I believe why should I be so worried. Haha I hope that made sense. This post has been one that I've been debating to post or not. The reason I am is because If I'm stressing over this I would assume that people before me have stressed over this and people who will graduate after me will be stressing too. Find some comfort in knowing that you're not alone, and you don't have to have life fully figured out, and also it's important to take breaks and naps!

Dr Who it's our 50th anniversary!

With so so much schoolwork and stress and work work...today I'm going to watch the 50th anniversary special!! Why, because my doctor told me to. I had to. There are so many aspects of life that are stressful, but today I'm so excited for Dr Who. I'm going to eat lots of food and watch tv and probably freak out a few times over the episode. Until then, here are a few Dr Who items to tide you over! Happy Anniversary Whovians!

See which Doctor you are most like via BBC

See which doctor would win in this hunger games spoof

Watch this fantastic The Night of the Doctor that Erin showed me!

Or just relax and drink some tea in preparation for today's anniversary. I can't wait!

All images from my pinterest

Dr Who T.A.R.D.I.S. Dress DIY

I'm so excited about the big 50th anniversary episode of Dr Who! It's just such a great show. I love when details of a show are carefully places and taken care of and this show definitely does it! Even having jokes date back to the first doctor.

To honor such a fun night, we're all going to watch it together and I want to dress up. There were many different outfits I looked up but I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the Tardis and wanted to dress up like her. I'm a simple version but I'm sure she would appreciate the sentiment.

The hardest and most fun part is finding the dress. You have to either make one that is Tardis blue or be on the lookout! I found this beauty in a thrift shop and immediately thought Dr Who, good sign that it's the right dress. Two patches of white fabric and one long patch of black fabric are next on the list, followed closely by fabric paint. I thought maybe acrylic would work just as well, nope, stick with fabric. Also when you're writing, having fabric paint is much easier to handle. The hardest part is the hand stitching. I may or may not have accidentally stitched myself into the dress at one point but it's worth hand stitching rather than taping. It's more secure and holds longer.

My favorite part was putting the outfit together. I layered a trench coat over the dress, glasses, and white converse for the 10th doctor. I also added a bow tie for the 11th. I like the combination because of all the different faces he's had and yet the Tardis has always been there. I also added a little Tardis book and a police sign. So much fun to make!