6 Things To Consider

1. Take the guilt out of pleasure. Sometimes the thing you want most is what you need.

2. Invest in experiences, not just objects.

3. Don't over think. Some happy moments are best left unanalyzed.

4. Real intimacy is expressed not with more words, but meaningful ones.

5. To find strength, push past your comfort zone. 

6. Sometimes getting lost is the only way to figure out where you really are. 

-Anonymous

Pinterest: Beauty-Ful

For the Ups & Downs

Life is unforgiving.

Now, I speak not of the pessimist, but of the girl who is slowly maturing into a woman. Life, is indeed, very unforgiving. It is in our brightest days we find ourselves unprepared for the storm that may be brewing in the distant future. It is in our light that we fall victim to the daunting events that lurk around the corner...

Lately, I have found my own strength in question. My patience, tested. My sanity on the brink of being lost. Yet my will to survive, to MAKE it, out weighs any bit of self doubt or question that may reside in my mind. I press on continually praying, knowing that I am one day away from everything being "ok".

It is the little things that remind me that life is not something to be dreaded; that there is hope for brighter days. I am so thankful for the moments of silence on my way to work; that extra cup of coffee on a weary morning and the hugs and kisses from my boyfriend after a long day. If it weren't for these little reminders, I think I would be lost. 

Happy Hour Readers: Never lose sight of the little pleasures! Everything will get better eventually...

Pinterest

To Read

prettystuff.tumblr.com

Bohemian Storm

I dream vividly in color, of dance, of passion,
of love; heart-wrenching, volatile, love.
The pounding of a heel; the allure of rouge lipstick;
The seductress tantalizing her partner.

I dream in fantasy.
Pink fireworks, cascading brilliantly through glittered clouds.
Perhaps of rain;
camouflaging the tears of the lonely.

I dream of fire;
The jealous tendency that prevails from dishonest tongues.
The echo of the soul;
Pure unbridled madness.

I dream of sweet tranquility upon the sound of his voice;
The melody of love;
A promise of forever,
until her very last breath...

I dream of the "End";
a term far too permanent...
For,
"The greatest thing you will ever learn....
is just to love.
And to be loved in return..."



My inspiration for this poem derived from the motion picture "Moulin Rouge"; a film I saw on Sunday evening. My heart yearned upon watching the love story play across the scene. The film depicted my fantasy; the love I could only dream of having. I fell completely, entirely, helplessly in LOVE! My knees grew weak from the passion and the seductive, tantalizing emotion the characters exhibited and I simply can not get enough!

fanpop.com

The Dreams We Paint

Upon awakening, she wondered how her life became that of a romance novel; full of lies, deception, passion, and danger. But as she stared at the tangled sheets where her body had willingly lingered, she couldn't help but feel like this was all meant to be. Lovingly, she watched as his chest fell in a rhythmic trance; a steady rise and fall. The moment, she believed was that of fantasy; a moment to be captured in her future "life", perhaps the fairytale she had envisioned as a little girl. How often in life, however, do we live the dreams we paint vividly throughout our imagination? What if she had made different choices? What if she had simply walked away from temptation? Once again, she was reminded of the scar across her stomach; the memories that haunted her sleep.

Beside the bed, she filtered through the nightstand drawer where she found "Welcome" guides to the motel, a few pens, and an old Bible. She soon discovered that she was in Nevada, right on the border of California. Had she really traveled that far, so quickly? As she stood to get dressed, Damien awoke. "Good Morning Beautiful,"' he whispered; slightly intoxicated by the haziness of a peaceful slumber. "Good Morning, Damien", she replied, smiling. Despite their forthcoming's, they were undeniably crazy about each other. He awakened a sense of romanticism and hope she had once believed seized to exist. "Come here", he moaned playfully. "I just want to hold you." "I know you do Damien, but we need to move. We unfortunately cannot risk getting caught."

For a moment she sat silently, carefully pondering the next move. Damien watched as her fingers ran through her hair; a nervous habit she had once tried to hide from him. Her eyes danced, lost in the depth of her thoughts. "First, we need to get new identification cards, social security numbers, and a vehicle. Do you have any idea on how to obtain any of those things?" she giggled apprehensively. "Well, where are we?" he questioned as he reached for the pamphlet in her hands. "Nevada? How the hell did we get to Nevada?" "Apparently, some time this morning." she sighed.

"I may know someone. He lives about 5 miles from here." "Who?" she inquired enthusiastically. "His name is Parker. He was one of my fraternity brothers back in college. He ran an underground fake ID business. Practically funded his college tuition in a matter of a few months," he laughed. "Well, do you have his phone number?" she pressed on as she wrapped her slender arms around his neck. "I may", he smiled as he positioned his arms around her, "Was there a telephone book in that drawer?"

Pinterest/Love Also found on Weheartit.com

The Lessons I Have Learned

 Throughout the years I have acquired a great deal of knowledge...

and I would love to share it with you... I know, lucky you!

...There is light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes you need a flashlight getting there, but there is indeed a big, shiny, bright light that welcomes you out of the dark.

...There will always be someone better than you. Fortunately, those who love you will never know the difference.

...Sometimes you have to sit on the sidelines to watch the game. Sometimes you will not be picked for that promotion, or the opportunity you have been hoping for. Don't ever give up.

...Do not envy others. Be confident in yourself and know how wonderful you truly are.

...Men change for the right women. Don't ever change to be with the wrong man.

...Money comes and goes, but bills do have to be paid. Pay them.

...There is beauty in disaster although it may not appear that way at first.

...People will come and go, don't ever forget what they once meant to you.

...You have the right to be whoever you want to be. It's ok to reinvent yourself!

...Time waits for no man. Stop procrastinating.

...Good friends and wine can heal the ills of the world.

...P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney Australlia.

 

...If you stumble, which you will, make it part of the dance.

...You will break the heart of someone you once loved. And a person you once loved will break your heart. When it comes to love you are never invisible. And sadly, there is no safety net. Grow from this.

 

...A man seeks to physically hurt another man when they have been hurt, angry, or upset. A woman on the other hand, will seek as many ways possible to emotionally destroy another woman. Do not be that woman or that man. Rise above the chaos.

 

Finally, REMEMBER

...Life will always go on. Do not let your past be the roadblock guiding you into the future.

 

jeannetteangel.tumblr.com

 

Polaroid

"Her name is Scarlett. She has only come into the bar once or twice; always orders a Dirty Martini. Why are you asking about her Matson?" she inquired; puzzled as she stared at the Polaroid in Matson's hand.  "Tell me everything you know about her", he demanded. "I told you, Matson, her name is Scarlett. I think she may be from out of town, perhaps New York? She's got a thick Brooklyn accent. Definitely, not from around here." "Do you know anything about the man she is with?" "No, I never really got the chance to speak to him, I can give you his drink order if you would like," she replied sarcastically. "How did you even get that photograph Matson?"

"Jess, I am a detective. I have men all over this city digging where they perhaps shouldn't be." "Is that even legal?" she scoffed. "Jess, a few days ago, I lost one of my best snipers; direct shot to the head," he explained as he took gulps of coffee between large bites of pie. "So what do you need me for Matson?" "I need to know who these people are. They seemed out of place and-" he started. "Of course they do Matson! I told you they are from out of town!" "Jess, please do not get angry with me, I just needed to ask you if you knew anything about them." he pleaded as he stared into her tired eyes. "I'm sorry Matson. It's getting late, I better get going. Thanks for the coffee. Hopefully I was of some help." she replied apologetically. "Sure", he sighed. "Would you like me to walk you out at least?" "No, thank you. Enjoy your coffee and pie Matson," she smiled. "I'll see you around."

As she marched away, Matson couldn't help but wonder what information she was withholding. Did she in fact, know something more about this couple? Through the window, he saw Jess run to her beat up pick-up truck avoiding the impending rain that fell from the dark sky. For a moment she sat, lifeless, until the quiet roar of the engine echoed throughout the parking lot. In her hand she held a cellphone. Who was she calling? he wondered as he dug through his wallet to pull out change and a tip for the waitress. Curiously he watched. The phone call lasted a few seconds before she put the truck into gear and slowly drove away.

Dumbfounded, he fetched his jacket, thanked the waitress, and exited the diner. But as he sat in his vehicle, he couldn't help but wonder, What did she know?

Photography by Dallas Nagata (Pinterest)

At The Corner Of Beech/Maple

They met at the corner of Beech and Maple at a tiny diner known for delicious late night food and terrible coffee. He was sitting alone, cross legged, surprisingly engulfed in an old issue of Time Magazine. In his hand was a pen that he twirled nervously throughout his fingers. Perhaps he was completing a crossword puzzle, she thought to herself as she slowly moved towards his booth. It was a smaller booth, perhaps designed for the couple who had no intention of seizing their meaningless small talk, plates of runny fried eggs, and coffee. She noticed that he had ordered a cup of coffee; black, as she had suspected, and a piece of apple pie. The pie however, remained untouched as a steady stream of steam filled the air.

"Hello, Matson." she smiled as she sat in the booth directly across from him. "Oh hey Jess, I didn't see you walk in," he replied as he placed the tattered magazine onto the table. "Have you been waiting long?" she inquired as their waitress appeared with a pot of coffee and a menu. "What can I get for you dear?" "I'll take a Diet Coke, please." "Coming right up", she sang as she waltzed behind the counter fetching a tall red cup that displayed the words "Coca Cola" in white cursive lettering.

She was in her early twenties she assumed; slinging tips to help pay for her college education. Although she appeared tired, her radiant smile brightened the room. She was soft spoken and clearly had no problem meeting men. She was about 5'8, slender, and had long blonde hair that twisted in a braid across her back. "She's a looker, huh", Matson proclaimed clearly aware that Jess was envious of the young waitress. "To have my youth back", she replied as cleared the table of spilled salt. "They seem to have the world in front of them."

"I don't think you have anything to worry about Jess." "And what's that supposed to mean Matson?" she giggled. "It means that you have nothing to worry about. Being young is simply temporary. In a few years she will find herself staring at a younger girl, wishing for the same things you find yourself wishing for. And hell, what are you like 31?" He laughed as he took a long sip of coffee. "Ugh, this coffee is terrible." he concluded as he placed the beige mug onto the table.

"Why did you bring me here, Matson?" she stared, wide-eyed. "I must admit that my motives may not be exactly righteous. I need your help," he sighed. As if someone had slapped her back unexpectedly, air escaped her lungs. Her stomach ached and suddenly she felt her face grow warm from embarrassment. How foolish she thought, to believe that she, a thirty something year old, had a chance with a successful detective! Nervously, she shuffled her feet beneath the table; something she had done since she was a little girl. "Oh, what is it that you need Matson?"

"I hope your not upset, Jess. I don't want to send you the wrong message."  Although his voice was sincere,  she couldn't help but feel insecure, and as she stared deep into his eyes she wished a man would desire her. "No, Matson, don't worry about it! Your not sending me the wrong message!" Oh, I hope you don't realize I'm lying, she thought to herself. As a detective Matson had become keen on body language, and realized she had thought this 'date' was indeed something much more. "Ok, let's talk then", he suggested, clearly aware that he too, was lying.

Pinterest/Diner

Beauty Advice: Audrey Hepburn

Beauty Tips from one of the classiest women in Hollywood:

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let someone run their fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed, never throw out anyone.

Remember if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older you will realize that you have two hands; one to help yourself and one for helping others.

Audrey/Pinterest

New Year, New You: Making Love Last

As we think about our New Year's Resolutions, we must not forget about our relationships! Want to make sure you and your loved one have a wonderful new year (together)? Follow these lovely tips!

1. Laugh Together! 

According to Jennifer Gruenemay, a writer for Lifescript.com, " It’s not just your physical heart that benefits from laughter. A good sense of humor can bring couples closer together. It’s like a second language shared between the two of you, which strengthens your bond. It’s why seeing a particular object can bring some couples to their knees in a fit of laughter, while bystanders have no clue what’s so funny." With that being said, simply sharing a practical joke or even watching a romantic comedy together can strengthen your love! 

2. Say Something Nice

Compliment! Compliment! Compliment! Remember how good it felt when you first started dating and the "You look beautiful" comments made you feel as though you were in heaven!? This should not stop simply because you have been together awhile. Ladies make sure you tell him he looks great in a suit, or how you love how he takes care of the little things around the house (like killing the spiders). It's important to make your loved one feel appreciated, needed, and desired. 

3. Communicate

Keep the lines of communication open and don't keep problems to yourself! This will not do you any good! Believe it or not happy couples DO ARGUE, it is in our nature as humans to agree to disagree. According to Jennifer, "When you bottle up your frustrations, you’re headed straight for an angry explosion. Don’t let things build up! Tell your partner exactly what’s bothering you. And encourage him to do the same."

4. Dream Together 

Encourage your significant other to follow their dreams and make sure they support yours as well. Living life to the fullest together can truly strengthen a relationship. 

If you are interested in reading more follow this link: Making Love Last

Charm

Jessica was in her early thirties, something she hated to admit. And as she smoothed beige powder over her face, she began to wonder what Detective Matson wanted from her. Sure she was attractive, but she wasn't exactly his type. On any given evening, she would spend her entire shift fetching him far too many drinks and unwillingly meeting the demands of the women he planned on seducing. Although she was not the kind of woman to be envious, she would find herself staring at them. They were beautiful, successful, and were in the company of Matson. Secretly, the moment he had walked through the door she had fallen in love with him. He was ruggedly handsome, fit, and had a seductive charm that would leave her weak in the knees. And as she closed her compact mirror she sighed.

Dark circles appeared underneath her hazel eyes. Her hair, long over due for a trim, fell lifelessly upon her shoulders. She had gained a few pounds in her hips and as her jeans pulled tightly across her midsection she began feeling insecure. Matson was a man with exquisite taste, she thought to herself. And as if the remedy for an over-worked single women presented itself in the bathroom, she began searching. Her purse, nearly empty, produced no such results. The last stick of gum? Maybe. But the torn receipts and single dollar bills from an evening of fetching Bud-lights? They were not going to help her.

He had mentioned that he needed to talk to her, and as she applied another coat of lip gloss she envisioned his face as he said it. His eyes had twinkled and a sly grin fell from his lips as he took the last sip of his drink. For a moment she paused, staring at the mirror before her. Although his intentions baffled her, she found her heart racing with rendering possibility. 

Celebrate

bourbonandpearls.tumblr.com

"Always keep a bottle of champagne in the fridge.

Sometimes the special occasion is that you've got a bottle of champagne in the fridge."

What a simply wonderful way to celebrate life.

May we always celebrate the small successes for one day we may not have the opportunity to!

Case of the Ex

Ex-flings.

Ex-boyfriends. 

Ex-fiances.

What do all these men have in common?  

Well the answer is simple. These men have the super ability known as "I know you are happy-itis-and-I-want-to-throw-you-a-curve-ball"

How do you diagnose? 

(Well, if your ex's have done any of the following they HAVE the disease and should the seek attention of a trained professional promptly.)

1.  The cute text you get from him when you are on a date with the rebound.

How did he find out you were "interested" in dating someone new?! WHO KNOWS?! But he did, so despite your better efforts to move on he sends a text to the tune of: "I miss you". Now, even though you would like to boil in rage, the three words kinda make you melt. Your mind begins to wander...What if? What if he misses me? Stop. He does not miss you. He misses how he used to be the center of your attention.

2. The "bump into", "You look great":

Was it accidental or planned? Probably planned. Thanks to Facebook and your best girl friends, you could easily stalk any man on the planet. With that being said, a "girls night out" could easily turn into an evening of ulterior motives. Oh come on, you know you have secretly planning this evening for months now. The late night sessions at the gym, the carrots and celery stashed in your fridge, that amazingly sexy top you shouldn't have bought? Ya, that's all for Mr. Ex. You want his jaw to drop; that "I should have never dumped you" drunken slur at 2am (probably tangled within his sheets). Ah, you are not fooling me ladies, we do this to ourselves. Because in the morning, he has that classic speech (after you have spent the entire evening awake plotting your wedding) "I'm not ready to get back into a serious relationship. I think we still need time and space." Also known as: "I had too much to drink, you looked hot, was wondering if you were still good in bed".

3. You and his new girlfriend bump into each other in the bathroom at the bar.
This can not get anymore awkward. How do you know she is the new GF? Yep, you guessed it: Facebook, your friends, and probably some sneaky texts he sent to you behind her back. While I am on the subject, why do men continue to send you (the ex-girlfriend) texts when he is "happily" dating someone new? Another mystery; another blog post. Anyways, you ladies know what I am talking about. You are squatting in the stall with two of your best friends complaining about her (of course) and as you exit the stall she's applying lip gloss staring at you.

Uh, Plan B? Well Plan B is dependent on two things....
1. How much have you had to drink?
and
2. How much has SHE had to drink?

The rest is history...but you can imagine it's not pretty.

4. The encounter with the ex and his um... new WIFE? 

When the hell did that happen? Must I reiterate? How the hell COULD that happen? When did he stop being such a d-bag?! I kid, I kid. But seriously, has there been some sort of cosmic change that altered the state of commitment-phobe men?! When did they all start getting down on one knee? And where the hell were we!?

Ladies, this may be a difficult spoon to swallow, but maybe we should be honest with ourselves...

We were not the "one". 

Yes, we were not the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. BUT SHE IS. (hopefully--we have an overwhelmingly alarming divorce rate that we must do something about...) 

It's hard to believe ladies, but things between your ex didn't work out for a reason. He married her because he was giving you the opportunity to marry the right one. He was simply doing you a favor. And I know it kinda "bleeps" with your mind, but think on the bright side, happiness may already be in your heart or lurking around the corner. Don't look back when your future is in front of you. 

Love is difficult and even when you find yourself madly in love with someone else, a part of you will always wander down memory lane. But don't let it get to you, if it was easy it would not be exciting.

jeanetteangel.tumblr.com

Happy Hour Mixology: Conversational Heart Infused Vodka

How to Make Conversational Heart Infused Vodka

Valentines Day...

That wonderful day set aside to celebrate love. 

[insert cheesy grin dripped in sarcasm]

For the cynical?

A commercial holiday designed to remhose who are single, that they are indeed that-single. Why not make commercial America a butt load of money?

For the heartbroken?

A holiday that makes you want to smash vases of roses and knock over those "cute-I-will-love-you-forever" teddy bear displays. 

[Disclaimer: If you are indeed single on this holiday, recently split, buying a bottle of wine to numb the pain, those freakin' teddy bears are the last thing you want to see. The chocolate however, that can stay. That helps ease the pain.

For those who are in love?

Well I suppose it is a nice holiday.

The scattered rose petals...

Heart shaped boxes of chocolate...

Fancy champagne...

Hot dates...

Yeah, that doesn't sound too bad.

Ah, Valentines Day.

I'm sure we all can agree that whether you are the cynic, the recently brokenhearted, or even a love bird, Valentine's Day calls for a cocktail (or 2, or 3) I won't judge you.

Just in time for Valentines Day I found this cute recipe on Pinterest! 

(very simple, very cute)

What you need:

2- 7 oz. bags of conversational hearts (the flavor is up to you. I personally would go for those yummy Sweetart Hearts) 

Sweet and tangy!

A couple empty water bottles (depending on how many flavors are in your box or bag)

8.5 oz glass bottles or flasks  (again depending on how many different flavors you have)

A 1.75 liter bottle of vodka

Liquid measuring cup

What you need to do:

1. Separate conversational hearts by color or flavor.

2. Set up the infusion bottles! Aka the water bottles and the VODKA! :) Put 8 ounces of vodka into each empty water bottle and drop the conversational hearts, separated by color into the bottles. 

3. Shake it up!

Let the candy remain in the bottles overnight but shake them up every few hours so the candy can dissolve.

4. Strain and put them into the glass bottles (this is optional but it looks pretty in the glass!)

5. Chill/serve/maybe throw a little romantic comedy in the DVD player & enjoy!

*For those of you who like to add a little garnish to their cocktails: 

1. crush a box of hearts (very finely)

2. wet rim of the martini glass and twist in crushed candy

Pic: realsimple.com

New Year, New You: Resolutions

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.  ~Oprah Winfrey

For many New Year’s Eve is a time to reflect upon the resolutions you vow to keep in the upcoming year. Some of us vow to lose those last 10-15 lbs while some of us vow to become more organized. Regardless of the resolution, bringing in the new year is always the start of wonderful things to come. It is a time where we as individuals can “turn things around”; to let go of the negative energy we may have been fostering and allow us  to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually! In the words of Charles Lamb: ” New Year’s Day is every man’s birthday!” With that being said, what would you like to accomplish this year, what goals are no longer in hindsight but within reach?

Often we stay stagnant in fear of what we could become; afraid of the change that would soon ensue. But why? Why can’t this year be the year you let go, and do everything you have always wanted to do?

Tumblr

New Year, New You: How to Make a Life

How to Make a Life:

(Retrieved from Facebook; a friend's status)

First: Take everything you’ve ever learned and everything
you’ve yet to discover and place it in a box labeled “Thank You.”

Second: Take a picture of your face and remember
that in ten years time you will be amazed at how gorgeous you were.
Be amazed now.

Third: Find someplace to live.
... Make sure it has the ability to let light fall
across the room in such a way that every so often,
you’ll stop and mouth the words “Ah, sunlight.”
Don’t let the books get dusty.
Open them and reread your favorite sentences.

Fourth: Fall in love.
Touch. More than you think.
Have a child if you want one.
If you don’t—don’t.
Let your child out into the world,
discovering for themselves just how magical it is.
Or it isn’t.
It’s theirs to decide.

Fifth: Get a job.
Remember this job is not who you are.

Sixth: Do yoga.
Let your body discover what it’s like to move
without your brain holding its hand.
Tell your brain to take a hike.
Let your body believe fully in its own powers.
Let every person you’ve stored inside your muscles out
to breathe now and again.

Seventh: Do things that make you feel good.
Let your joy be contagious and spread through
your home, your job, your children.
Let it spread through the world like a virus,
so that when you forget it,
every so often, you’ll catch it from someone else.

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