Our Super Heroes

Ok, I am going to be a little honest:


When it comes to love, is it possible to ask for TOO much?


As women, we {clearly} set our expectations high. We long for the touch of his hand, his sweet kiss after a long day at work. We expect him to be thankful for the hot meal on the table, and the love we willingly provide. Yet, at times we get so frustrated that we fly through the roof. The same roof, that we expect our "Super heroes" to leap from. {Preferably in a single, breathtaking bound} But why?  Why, as women, do we set such unattainable expectations? Is Nicholas Sparks to blame? ;) 


Upon a few glasses of wine and a hot shower, the answer came to me. We expect SO much, because it is expected from us. As women, we are programed to believe that we are the nurturers, the providers, the sex kittens who should be able to keep calm, smile, and do as we are told. 


But if we are unhappy, we are branded with that oh-so-lovely name men love to throw around: a BITCH. The eyes start rolling and the heavy sighs ensue the moment our argument becomes crystal clear. Before I get too ahead of myself, I know that this is NOT all men, there are men out there who don't roll their eyes in aggravation the moment their woman is upset. DISCLAIMER, I again repeat, DISCLAIMER. I too, agree I can be a sarcastic bitch who likes to get their point across, but do we need the eye rolling? The "I can't believe she's whining about this" snide remarks? Do we deserve it? Possibly; maybe. 


Sometimes I think that much of what we do goes unnoticed. 


Lately, I feel as though I am a fly on the wall; an other wise invisible anomaly. I often wonder if this is my fault. Am I asking for too much? Am I being a {dun dun dun} BITCH? It's hard to tell and unfortunately I have no answers. 


I simply find myself staring; watching the water cascade down the walls of the shower, lost in thought. 


Ladies, do you believe we set the expectations TOO HIGH?

{Pinterst}

Society Sucks

Where do I start? I am enraged; disgusted. And it starts with this photo:

{"Thinspiration" found on Pinterest}

"Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels..."

"It's always better to fade away into nothingness than to have a cheeseburger clog your arteries..."

"I don't care if it hurts, I want to have control, I want a perfect body. I want a perfect soul..."

"If it tastes good, it will kill you..."
(Captions on the photo above)

I have to stop myself before I boil over in rage. This is the message that we are sending women. We are told that we must be skinny, have a "perfect" body, to be a "cookie-cutter" version of what society longs for. But why? Why is this the message? It is entirely unattainable; and entirely disgusting. "Fade away into nothingness..." What happened to muscle? What happened to strength? When are we going to start accentuating the positive and all that a woman has to offer? And more importantly, when are we going to start revealing TRUE beauty? I guess with that being said, I have a series of confessions I'd like to admit.

Confession #1: I have thunder thighs. They are packed with muscle that have carried me 60 miles to support breast cancer. Everyday they strut confidence in 5" red high heels. They have carried me through countless four-mile runs, Waltz routines, and 8-hour workdays in front of a blackboard teaching 8th graders. The truth? I am not ashamed of my thunder thighs as long as they keep me moving, motivated, and inspired. 

Confession #2: When I sit, I have a roll around my midsection. Despite my better efforts to obtain what society calls the "ideal", this same roll around the midsection carries me through 75 sit-ups a day. The same roll around my midsection is canvased with creativity and art. I am not ashamed to lift my shirt to reveal the tattoo that means so much to me. That same roll around my midsection is going to be the safe harbor for an infant one day. The truth? I am not ashamed of what society calls a "muffin-top". Speaking of muffins...

Confession #3: I have cellulite. Yes, cellulite. Society has told me that this is "disgusting" and that there are creams and procedures to get ride of it. There was a time I believed them. I concealed my legs with long skirts and pants. After all, cellulite is "dreadful." But you know what, I am not ashamed of my cellulite. It acts as a cushion; an insulation. I don't get as cold in the winter! ;) Sure it could be a result of too much wine, or too much pasta, but you know what? That date night where I overindulged? It will remain one of my fondest memories. The truth? I am not ashamed of my quote-on-quote dreadful cellulite.

Confession #4: My body is a machine. It does not quit because I refuse to eat. It is strong, muscular, and completely imperfect.

Marilyn Monroe once said that "Imperfection is beauty"....when are we going to start believing it?

When are we going to start thinking "Healthy" is the ideal?

Someone To Tell It To...

"I once read that the fundamental part of life is "having someone to tell it to". Now, I don't speak of love; a risk that far too many are afraid to indulge. I speak of my day, the people in it, my fears, and my successes. For as long as I've known you, you have been my person to "tell it to"; the person I can run to when I need kind words and reassurance. I often find myself merely thinking of you, and if you are having a good day, if stress has found its way out of your hectic life. With any relationship there bares a sense of understanding. I just want you to know how much I appreciate having you in my life."

{A letter I wrote for someone who was having a hard time expressing his feelings for the one he cared about}

{weheartit}

The ABC's of Life III

K- The simple act of kindness has the power to change lives.

 L- Love; use the word often, you cannot have too much love, the more the merrier.

M-Memories- our most precious gift from one generation to another, share them often. 

N-Nice, Be Nice! Always expect nothing in return, feel the inner and outer glow!

O-Organize! It really does make life easier! Make some lists and break down goals into pieces!

{Photos retrieved from pinterest}

Indifference

Her eyes were cobalt blue; the color of corrosion from the sea. Pristine, clear; a crystal ball of the untold. For a moment, her life passed before those very eyes. She questioned 'why' as she stood upon the ledge, her crimson hair touched by the simple kiss of the salty sea breeze. Years left unanswered; embodied by mystery. They would wonder she thought, as her toes challenged her very last breath. The air however, gave her faith. How, she asked as she peered at the moon; the same moon that had followed her as a child. Dreams, she envisioned, did indeed come true. Step by step her tireless soul grazed the stone. A chance, although secondary, gave her hope. Figuratively, the mask she braved to show the world, crumbled to the touch. A brush of the fingertip, a multitude of inadequacy seemingly that of the past. He had saved her when she had begged for indifference.

{pinterest}

Fit Friday

Since I have been lacking on the whole exercise thing, I decided that I was going to start adding a little more to my "75 sit-up-25 push-ups-a-night-routine." Since I am quite busy during the day and find it hard to get up in the morning to go running, I started searching for some cardio && strength training circuits. I found this one, and although I have yet to try it, I made a promise to start doing it every night after work. And here it is:

{For Maximum Results: Do 2-3 Sets} 

30 jumping jacks

5 Push-ups

25 Knee-highs

7 Burpees

10 Crunches

7 Squats

5 Push-ups

10 Crunches

5 Push-ups

7 Squats

30 Jumping Jacks

1 min Wall-sit (Come on ladies these hurt but do it!)

5 Push-ups

&&

25 Knee-highs

REPEAT YOU SWEATY MO-FO! ;)

&& Remember Ladies:

"If you still look pretty after...ya didn't do it right!"

{Unknown}

{pinterest}

W.A.N.D.E.R.L.U.ST.

{PINTEREST}

wanderlust

a great desire to travel && rove about.

Tattoo

{piccsy}

"The tattoo is the mark of the soul. it can act as a window through which we can see inside, or it can be a shield from those who cannot see past the surface."

{Unknown}

ABC's of Life Part II

F: Be funny, see the funny, laugh at yourself, don't take things too seriously.

G: Generosity. Be generous with your time, your love, and your abilities. 

H: Happy; keep it simple. Tune into what gives you butterflies and you will know happy.

I: Intuition. Listen closely, sit in silence, don't talk too much and you will truly hear. 

J: Joy. Feel the joy in each and every moment. Joy is in everyone, learn to release it. 

{Source for pics: reasonstobreathe/pinterest}

ABC's of Life: Part I

A: Authenticity. Be real. Be yourself. speak the truth.

B: Beauty is everywhere, we need to open our minds to find it.

C: Compassion. Take the time to care for others. Ask how someone is...and listen. 

Love thy friends! Love thy neighbors!

 D: Daring. Be brave. Take risks and have adventures.

E: Extraordinary. Think outside the ordinary, go above and beyond mediocre. 

{Photos: reasonstobreathe && pinterest}

{ The ABC's of Life is an idea Adapted from BellaMUMMA && Lisa and Mini Ginger}

Silence "You"...

{Love the simple elegance of this photo. Source: pinterest}

"Silence you.

girl.

What you have to say is important.

It is relevant.

You are undeniable,

You are capable,

Indescribable.

Revolutionary."

{Stop thinking you aren't}

Skinny Girl Sangria

I have had requests lately for "low-cal" recipes ideas for our "Happy Hour Readers" and I couldn't be more excited to find the newest from Ms. Bethenny Frankel! I must admit I am a quite the WINO, so when she decided to make a Skinny Girl Sangria, I got quite excited! So here it is! It is all natural, light on the calories and looks quite delicious! Serve over ice and enjoy a night out on the porch!

{Skinny Girl Sangria}

If you are interested in finding out more information about this cocktail click HERE

Sweet Tea & God's Graces

You can get high on a first kiss
You can get by with sweet tea and God's graces
You can love like a sinner and lose like a winner
Nothing's shatterproof
You can crash and burn and come back someone new
And that's what I learned from you

{Taylor Swift: Sweet Tea & God's Graces}

{Source for #1: pinterest Source for #2 reasonstobreathe}

Wonderful

{Photos: reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com}

Cupcake Vodka

Sinfully Delicious.

Now before you write off the whole idea of vodka and cupcakes, I am telling you that you will be pleasantly surprised. 

In fact, a few weeks ago I tried the Pinacle Whipped Cream Vodka && fell in love. 

If you are craving an after dinner cocktail these yummy flavors can taste as sweet as dessert!

Simply Mix the"Frosting" Flavor with either ginger ale or root beer for a perfect end to the day! 

{Hint it tastes like a Root Beer Float!} 

 

Not convinced? 

Try mixing the "Frosting" Flavor with Orange Juice or Orange soda for a Dreamsicle Cocktail!

White Cosmo

{Martha Stewart Dot Com}

What you need to make this delicious cocktail:

1 cup white cranberry juice 

{if you are watching your calories, you can try a sugar free version of this juice}

4 ounces of vodka

2 ounces of Cointreau

What you need to do:

Fill a cocktail shaker with Ice, {ice ice baby}

Add cranberry juice, vodka, and Cointreau.

Shake to combine well. 

Strain into two large Martini Glasses && serve. 

Enjoy. 

Found Here

The Bottom Of The Ironing Basket

 

The Bottom Of The Ironing Basket

Your Authentic Self

"Your authentic self lives in your dreams.

Even if your current life has little resemblance to your 'ideal' or 'fantasized' life, your true self is living in what you desire- your desire to be dynamic, prosperous, courageous, light, in charge, at peace, hot stuff.

Your attractions are a mirror of what's possible.

You are what you desire.

So move toward what you want and your creative power to make it real will emerge.

But you have to move. You need to meet your power halfway."

{Miss Danielle LaPorte wrote these beautiful words and I believe them to be true. She is the creator of one of the BEST websites online for "kick-ass" spirituality. 

{reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com}

A Change

{Pinterest/fashion/Kate Beckinsale}

"We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are."

{oprah}

Limitless

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

Lately I have been thinking about potential. 

What doors would you open if you no longer feared what was standing behind them?

are you that much closer to achieving the desired?

Why is it so scary to step out onto that limb?

What paralyzes inspiration?

The answer is you...

The answer is me.

It is the "he said/she said"....

It is the " No-you can't",

It is the inner battle you surrender to. 

Why surrender?

You have more potential that you can ever dream...

The world owes us very little...

Dreams cannot be achieved without action. 

If you have been stagnant,

Start moving, 

life is happening while you are busy arguing with the "he said/she said"-no-you-can't naysayers.

{Pinterest/fashion}

23 Things

{Pic Found Here}

In case you didn't know...

You are FABULOUS.

&& Here is why:

Follow this link Below:

23 Things You Didn't Know About You! 

He Left Roses on Her Bed

He left roses on her bed;

  a kiss on the cheek. 

Silently, he painted; 

Memorized by captivation.

 A passing stroke, a twist of the wrist;

a landscape of secrets.

He pondered a beauty unknown,

An innocence so pure.

His heart;

simply enamored.

He left roses on her bed. 

{photo retrieved: pinterest.com/simplyseductive}

Time

It was around this time last year I was getting ready to move down to Tennessee. I still can't believe how much my life has changed. The plan although carefully calculated, fell by the wayside. Am I to blame? Or did destiny play its hand?

{Source: the embellishment}

Strong

{photo retrieved from: Simply Seductive}

"You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."

{Unknown}

Vino

{Source:pinterest/wine}

"Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance."

Benjamin Franklin

Simply Seductive

{Simply Seductive}

Love this Blog

Happy Hour Mixology: Chocolate Bourbon Milkshakes

Chocolate. Bourbon. Milkshakes. Umm, did my PMS dream just come true? I believe it did. 3 simple ingredients; 1 very happy hour.

{Source:pinterest: Food && Drinks}

What you will need:

2 oz Bourbon

2 oz Chocolate Syrup

1 cup of vanilla ice cream

Equipment:

A blendah (Blender)

1 Really friggen big glass

What you will need to do:

Mix all the ingredients together in the blender && Enjoy!

A Promise

I stumbled across this picture and caption and I just had to share. I was delighted by the simplicity...Love is a promise...a promise of all the little things! 

 "i will kill the spiders. i will share my fries with you when you’ve finished all yours and are still hungry. i won’t ever pop my collar. i will never be rude to your tummy- when i hear it growl and gurgle, i promise to bend down and reply respectfully. i will eat the mushrooms when we order the supreme pizza. i will kiss the papercuts. and the door-slammed finger. and the counter-bumped hip. i’ll try my hardest not to get annoyed when you whisper questions and comments during movies. i will be the big spoon. i will let you win at wrestling. sometimes. other times i will not. i will go faster. harder. i will pull when you want. and tease you when you don’t. i will send you random txts and leave you silly gifts. not always. not on schedule. just whenever i want to. whenever i think you need one. or seven. i will check your tire pressure. and remind you to take your car in. i will hold your hand. i will love you. i will love you. i will love you." 

AND WITH THAT....Here is my promise to my love:

"I will be your girl. And only YOUR girl. I will never lie, cheat, or steal from you. I will be your shoulder when you need someone to lean on. I will be that hug at the end of a hard day; the person to open your beer. I will rub your feet and scratch your back. I will cook your favorite meals && breakfast in bed. I will text you to remind you that you are on my mind. I will laugh with you, possibly at you. But only in good fun. I will smile when you try to cheer me up. At times I will be hard to handle. I will be angry for no reason. But I will be smart enough to know when to apologize. I will support you. I will kiss you. I will be your voice of reason. I will try not to upset you. I will hold your hand through the ups and the downs. I will be your girl. And only your girl. I will love you. I will love you, always. "

xoxo

Letting Go

I guess part of letting go is realizing that there is only one of you; everyone else is taken. Embrace individuality. Embrace who you are.

{Love this photo! Found: bippityboppityboo}

Insomnia

My thoughts are scattered; a thousand tiny pieces of a puzzle I cannot figure out. I find myself laying awake at night staring at the ceiling counting the imaginary numbers I pull from the air. The street lights dance like ghosts on the wall, teasing me as I contemplate dreaming. I toss and turn eager to float away yet complexity hovers over simplistic desires. I divulge the unknown; an impending future I do not have control over. How do they linger when they otherwise pass so quickly?

{Sleepless Nights}

The Key

Who honors those we love for the very life we live? Who sends monsters to kill us. And at the same time, sings that we will never die. Who teaches us whats real, and how to laugh at lies. Who decides why we live, and what we’ll die to defend. Who chains us, and who holds the key to set us free. It’s you. You have all the weapons you need. Now fight! {Suckerpunch}

{pinterest}

Hell On Heels

{I'm hell on heels, say what you will
I've done made the devil a deal
He made me pretty
He made me smart
And I'm gonna break me a million hearts
I'm hell on heels baby I'm comin' for you}

{weheartit}

Prelude To A Dream: The Next Chapters

New reader? Not sure of the random posts? I started writing a short story awhile ago, and if you are confused, here is the list of posts:

1. Anna

2. Come Find Me

3. What He Didn't Know

4. Late October

5. Scarlett

6. It's Not Over

7. 1/4"

8. Did She Ever Mention Murder

9. 11:59

10. What She Left Behind

11. Ghost

12. A Bourbon

Or you can visit my Tumblr page where there is an archive of  all the posts that I have written. Simply click on the "Archive" Button on the top, underneath the title. Follow the Link Below:

Prelude To A Dream 

{A place for reading}

A Bourbon

"A bourbon," he replied as he found a seat in the corner of the room. "All I have is wine, and I hope you aren't expecting anything fancy", she replied, as she retrieved a bottle of red, and two clear plastic cups from her suitcase. Slowly, she walked towards him, studying his face. His eyes were dark, revealing a multitude of sleepless nights. His hair, long. His beard, unshaven. He appeared to her as a stranger; a brush of the shoulder on an otherwise busy street corner. "How long?" she asked. "How long, what?" he snapped, taking a sip of wine. "How long have you been searching for me?" she inquired, her beautiful eyes meeting his.

"The minute I discovered you left. I woke up and you were gone, Anna. Why? Why would you do this to me? Why would you fucking do this to me?", he cursed. Although she desperately wanted to tell him, she couldn't. Instead she replied apologetically, "You look awful". For a moment he contemplated leaving; giving up on the woman he loved with all of his heart. A year had passed; 365 days of pure, unbridled torture. In his dreams he had demanded an answer; a reason for her disappearance. "Anna-" he started. "Stop, Damien. Just stop", she protested as she sat on his lap. "Kiss me".

"Kiss you? he yelled, struggling to move her. "I know you want to, Damien. I can see it in your eyes. That's the thing about temptation", she paused, "You never know when you might get another chance", she argued, wrapping her arms around him.

Although every part of him was trying to resist her, his body gave in. He found himself intoxicated with desire, as his hands caressed her smooth, naked body. "Anna", he moaned as his lips found her neck, her breasts. But just as quickly as it started, she pulled away. "Don't move", she whispered as she pulled a gun from underneath the chair. "What the hell is going on Anna?" "Don't move, she demanded once more. He watched in disbelief as she put on her robe and walked towards the door. "Don't say a word".

A second later, a knock bellowed from the door. "We know you are in their cupcake! Open the door, before anyone gets hurt!" a voice echoed. "Oh, yeah? Are you sure about that?" she replied confidently, as she positioned herself and her gun. "You got two seconds to open that door!" Quietly she laughed, predicting the impending demise of her uninvited guest. "ONE, TWO" she whispered, as she released the trigger sending a bullet through the door. 

{Source:pinterest}