To Live By

Last night, some friends and I were stating our own personal mantras. I found it very interesting, telling, and influential. We get to decide what our mantra is, and we are in control of our life! Isn't that a lovely thought? Daunting, sure, but empowering, too. The very definition of a mantra, as defined by good ol' Webster, is "a word or phrase that is repeated often or that expresses someone's basic beliefs." Since it's impossible for me to pick just one, I narrowed it down to six mantras that I feel describe who I am and who I want to become:

"I can do hard things."

Repeat as needed.

"Why are we embarrassed by silence? What comfort do we find in all the noise?"

I appreciate silence now more than ever and find such value in it. If I can have comfortable silences with someone, I really enjoy their company.

"Have courage and be kind." 

Because, really, what else is there?

"Make sure everyone you love knows how you feel about them." 

I feel this is so so so important.

"Don't say maybe if you want to say no."

Back to the empowering part. It's up to you!

See life through rose-colored glasses. 

You already know.

What is your personal mantra? 

Journal Snippets

I've been making an effort this year to better record my life via journal writing. Sometimes after I finish an entry, I flip through and read random pages. Taken out of context, some lines make me grin and wonder what on earth I was writing about that day. I thought I'd share a few with you, just for fun:

• Oh, singlehood.
• To feel like less of a bum, I looked up a workout on Pinterest that coincides with the show.
• I love these kinds of stories.
• So I've got myself a lil crush.
• Can I have another weekend?
• I'm sure I'll remember this sweet, kind act for many, many years to come.
• Love my little life.
• Anyway, it's cool and sweet that people like me enough to buy me food sometimes.
• How sweet it is to be a sister.
• In the end, though, I'm a country music girl.
• I freakin' loved it.
• How wonderful it can be to sometimes have nowhere to go, no plans to fulfill, or no tasks to achieve.
• I stared out at the horizon and just didn't think about anything. It was so nice, I could have stayed there for hours.

Do you keep a journal? Why do you think it's important?

As If You Were A Child

Think of how your schedule and your health would be different if you treated yourself like a child.

 You'd probably...

eat more vegetables

spend more time outdoors

watch less TV (or Netflix)

speak kinder words

always wear sunscreen

go to bed earlier

have more fun

look twice before you cross the street

apologize more

stress less

tell people you love them more often

be told you're loved more often

Isn't that interesting? We take so much care to help children feel important, smart, and beautiful. Why does that slip away as we grow up? Yes, little kids are more capable of change, so we try to foster the growth of positive attributes and thoughts of self. However, I would argue that adults require the same care. The only difference is that kids wear their heart on their sleeve, and we adults are better at hiding it when we're sad. 

Try this little experiment with me: for one day, treat yourself with the same care you would a child. (But still go to work or school, please.) I don't mean play at the park all day. The experiment is one of mindfulness, specifically of the things listed above. See how many of them come up throughout the day. I think this unique approach could be a reality check for us in the way we are (or are not) taking care of ourselves. We deserve to be happy and healthy, and it's up to us to make that happen. Be good to yourself!

Good luck and have fun!

Happy First Birthday, RCG!

On October 10, 2014, I hit publish on my first blog post and thought "well, okay, so...there it is" and looked around, as if someone was going to say something or throw confetti at me (hmm, weird, that didn't happen). Well, last weekend, Rose Colored Glasses turned one and, honestly, I felt a surge of pride that it has survived this long! 

I originally started this goofy thing because I wanted to be a better writer, mainly so I would dread writing school papers a little less (and that worked!). Giving myself the opportunity to write about things I'm actually interested in opened up this creativity and vocabulary I didn't know I had.

 The most typical fear for blog maintenance is not knowing what to write about. I've typed the phrase "blog post ideas" into the search bar on Pinterest more times than I'd like to admit. But then, I just think of what's been on my mind that week, what movies I've been watching, or what my friends and I have been debating recently. Small and simple things usually come to mind, and I just start typing. 

This primitive process brought y'all these top 5 RCG posts from the last year:

1. One of the Guys

2. Write This Down

3. Overheard at School

4. A Little Boost

5. My Favorite Time Waster

What is your favorite post so far? I'd love to know!

I want to say a big ol' THANK YOU for reading what sometimes feels like nonsense from my hopeless romantic, quirky, and random brain. I hope you leave this blog each time with a grin on your face, a happy thought in your head, and rose colored glasses over your eyes. Y'all come back, now, for another great year! 

Such a Grown Up

Do you ever have those moments where you feel so dang proud of yourself for the dorkiest things? You know, when you feel like such an adult and you do a little fist pump in your head? I do, and they are sweet, tiny affirmations for me every time. I feel like such a grown up when...

my car is clean inside and out

the laundry is done (AND folded)

I book a doctor's appointment

I make plans for my finances

I go to the airport

my room is clean and organized

I cook a decent meal

I write a check

I say "let me check  my schedule"

 Yes, they're small, and yes, they're things I should just be doing all the time, anyway. But I believe in celebrating little victories. Growing up doesn't happen overnight. Be proud of yourself!

            

 

Journal Challenge Review

     Remember this post about the journal challenge I took? Time to (finally) follow up. It certainly was difficult some days, because laziness, but my friend and I finished all 30 days! I was surprised that some prompts were pretty eye-opening and introspective. The most basic prompts like "things you like and dislike about yourself" or "something you feel strongly about" really got me soul searching. I thought, "dang, Pinterest, these journal challenges, although probably written by teenage girls, are actually kinda deep..."

     Other prompts also caused me to look at the smaller parts of my day to day, such as "what you wore today" or "bullet your day." It sounds lame, but I was grateful for the chance to document this time of my life in a simple way, and to be able to picture these seemingly insignificant days when I read those entries years from now is a sweet possibility.

     Some days I didn't want to write because it forced me to think about things I usually avoid, like my fears, my pet peeves, or something I want to say to an ex. Simultaneously, though, I am thankful that I put the difficult words to paper. A strange sense of relief came in scratching down my thoughts, but it was accompanied by a bit of self-consciousness, because writing feelings down, making them tangible, left me vulnerable. At the end of the day though, I'm a believer in the importance of vulnerability for making progress and for learning about yourself and others. Got to practice what I preach. Within the binds of my journal is utter honesty, and I'm proud of that.

     Your turn to be surprised. If a month is daunting (trust me, I get it), here's a week long challenge instead, with my favorite prompts from the bunch:

1. Five ways to win your heart
2. Something you feel strongly about
3. Your family
4. A problem you've had
5. Something that you're proud of
6. Your fears 
7. Five words/phrases that always make you laugh

     Give it a chance, y'all. You never know how it could affect you. Besides, it's your journal...nobody ever has to know you even wrote it down! 

Thanks for reading!

Old Soul

Tonight I watched that Blake Lively movie The Age of Adaline, and it made me all starry-eyed as I thought of the charms of older days. The clothes, the cars, the hair, the speech...it's amazing how much the world around us can change in just one or two generations.

For example, I love that back in the early years of the 20th century, dancing was regular and expected. We hardly get any opportunities to dance these days. No, jumping around at a party doesn't count. I'm talkin' about a man coming over to your table, taking your hand, and leading you onto the dance floor where you sway with your right hand in his left. Oh, it gives me butterflies just thinking of it. I think it's one of the most romantic things in the world. After all, "the best things happen while you're dancing."

I love that, for the better part of the last 100 years, they dressed up when they went out, even for groceries. Yes, it sounds a bit time-consuming, but so is choosing a caption for Instagram. People really made an effort to look their best, stand up straight, and dress appropriately for whatever occasion. And, I must applaud the women of the '50s who wore heels seemingly always. Hope they got some mad calves--that is hard work. I adore the flattering full skirts and overcoats, the men wearing hats. Not to mention, both men and women took great care of their hair. It was perfectly coiffed or pinned, with women showing off gorgeous, full curls that didn't hang in their faces. I love how polished people looked.

Through the wiser eyes of retrospect, let's adopt the good things of generations before us and incorporate them into our 21st century lives. Take time for a slow dance, and don't be afraid to dress to the nines. These simple joys add up to a happier you in the end.

Anyone else out there an old soul? 

Snail Mail

 I have always been taught by my mother to write thank you notes. She would always say something along the lines of: "You know what? Princess Diana always wrote thank you notes to hosts after an event, and they were handwritten. If she can make the time, so can you." I truly believe in their importance and impact. That's where it all began for me! 

Then, when several of my friends left on LDS missions all across the country and world, I began writing 2 or 3 letters a week to my friends in the states. Oh, it's true love, snail mail and I. Sending and receiving mail is one of my very favorite things, and I'll tell you why.

There is a certain vulnerability required for letter writing.  To sit down, put pen to paper, and record your thoughts and feelings on a piece of paper is tough. I'm sure many of us have said, "ain't nobody got time for that!" To make matters worse, you send it off for another person to hold in their hands. You can't backspace. You can't sit there staring, re-reading, and obsessing over what you should have said instead. You write it out with your own hand, seal it up, and literally send it off, a tangible object. Scaryyyy. But also, what a powerful thing! You can do it, I promise.

I'm not just talkin' The Notebook style love letters, here (although that is, of course, a quick way to my heart). I'm suggesting an encouraging note to your friend in grad school, thank you cards for generous birthday gifts, or a "thanks for looking out for me" card to Grandma who feeds you all the time.

In a world where seemingly everything we share with our friends and family is filtered and carefully crafted online, a handwritten note is a refreshing surprise. It's so much more fun to get mail that isn't a bill or the Anthropologie catalog reminding you of how much money you don't have.

I love that when I see someone's handwriting, I know it could only have been created by them, and they had to sit and think of me, at least for a few minutes, while they wrote to me. Sometimes that person is far away, and knowing someone you don't often see still thinks of you is really lovely.  

If you're wishing you had a letter in your mailbox one day, put your address in the comments and I will send you one! Everyone should get a note "just because" at least once in their life. I'd really love to write to you. Seriously.

Let's keep snail mail alive and well!

Furthermore, if you want to write a letter but don't know who to write to, check out More Love Letters.  The requests have such diversity, from really rough circumstances to insecurities we've all felt. I love being part of it, I thought you might, too.

Every. Word.

You know those songs that you don't think about in your everyday life, or they're not on your playlists anymore, but then they come on the radio or in a restaurant and you know every single word? I love those. For me, it's mostly the country I grew up hearing in the car with my parents, and others are from those phases when I only listened to about two artists at a time with my friends. Here's a few:

Lorelei by Styx

I Can Love You Like That by John Michael Montgomery

One Step at a Time by Jordin Sparks

Any Man of Mine by Shania Twain (actually, anything of hers)

*I was at a Lady Antebellum concert recently, and when they surprised us with this song, the audience exploded and everybody was dancing and singing and it made my heart SO happy.

She Never Lets it Go to Her Heart by Tim McGraw

Little Bitty by Alan Jackson

Beautiful Soul by Jesse McCartney

Paint Me a Birmingham by Tracy Lawrence

My Maria by Brooks & Dunn

The entire Metamorphosis album by Hilary Duff

Forever and Ever, Amen by Randy Travis

I know every word, the backup vocals, the harmonies, the instrumental riffs...well, okay then! I love these little discoveries, it puts a smile on my face. Our memories hold a lot more than we realize--some memories just have to be recalled and then they're clear as day. How amazing. Now, if only I had more friends who love country music like I do...y'all are few and far between. But hey, we make it work, don't we? :)

Do you know any of these gems? What song sneaks up on you and has been sitting in your memory all along?

Alpha, Bravo, Charlie...

I have a very doable challenge for you this week: learn the phonetic alphabet! I found this graphic on Pinterest a couple of years ago and thought "hey, this is what the cops are using on all those TV shows!" You know, when they are relaying a license plate number and say "Charlie" or "Foxtrot" amidst the numbers. So freakin legit, am I right?! These specific words are chosen because they're pretty specific to that letter and/or that letter's sound.

*Disclaimer, some people use beta instead of bravo. Either one works.

I soon printed off this list and put it up at my desk at work so that I could learn it, pretty much just to say that I knew it (#guilty). However, I referred to it on a few phone calls when spelling or clarifying email addresses and it was extremely useful. The person on the other end of the line made no mistake knowing which letters I was using! I don't know why I was surprised that it worked well, but it was such a cool little, "I'm totally an adult who can be articulate on the phone" moment.

To memorize it, I just read through it a few times a day, and tried it without looking the third time. Then, practice using it by spelling your name. Use only the "code" words, as opposed to saying "V as in victor". For example, I would say, "My name is Meagan." They'd be all, "How do you spell that?" And I'd go, "Mike echo alpha, gamma alpha november." Now try your license plate number. Seriously, say it out loud...it's so cool! Why doesn't everyone always use this?! Beats me. It's resourceful and easy to understand no matter who you are. 

Next time you see me, I challenge you to a phonetic alphabet battle. *Insert fist emoji here* We'll just start going down the list, maybe altering between us every letter, and the first person to forget the word associated with that letter, loses! Now start memorizing and go impress your boss.

Let me know how it goes in the comments!

One of the Guys

I experienced elementary school largely in the same "sport girl" Nike t-shirt and ponytail, playing basketball and soccer with the boys at recess. It wasn't until middle school that it occurred to me that my hair could do other things, that my ratty t-shirt wasn't going to last forever, and that makeup was kind of fun. I also grew up with only brothers and played sports for as long as I can remember. This, inevitably, molded me into one of those girls that can be "one of the guys". I often met friends through pick-up basketball or because they had seen me play for our school team. My general knowledge of a few different sports makes me easy to relate to and gives us instant common ground.

Yes, there are some nice advantages that come with feeling like one of the guys, such as these:

• I can hook my friends up
• Get to see their soft side
• Don't feel the need to dress up or make too many plans
• They grow to be protective of you
• They're pleasantly surprised to see you all cleaned up and pretty
• Hear more of their side on dating and relationship matters
• Sometimes, they buy your food
• Real talk. No beating around the bush that is your feelings (it may feel like a con, but it's a pro in the end)

However, there are some not-so-awesome sides to it, including:

• No filter on their jokes (most of the time)
• Them forgetting you're a lady
• Being seen in a "little sister" light (ugh)
• FRIEND ZONE
• You get made fun of for any girly behavior

Furthermore, I think there is a misconception that since a specific girl can hang with the guys, all said guys want to date her. Oh, if only that were true! Other women tend to assume that because a girl can talk to men fairly easily, that she has her pick of them and you can count on her to bring all the guys to a party. It's just kinda silly and not true with most people. BuzzFeed knows what I'm talking about, check out this video.

I have to end with a shout out, though, to all my fellas. Having so many wonderful men in my life is the greatest and I love 'em all like crazy. They help me chill out, laugh at myself, and make me a better basketball player. ;) 

From the Silver Screen

The following are some of the lines that stayed with me long after the show ended, from knee slappers, to tear-jerkers, and everything in between.

"You gonna hit the ball or you gonna dance with it?"

The Legend of Bagger Vance, 2000

"If he calls Wednesday for Saturday, you have to be busy...even though you're free?! It's so annoying!" 

Aquamarine, 2006

"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great."

A League of Their Own, 1992

"If I ruined it for you, I don't want it anymore."

                 Bride Wars, 2009

ANNIE [about her cappuccino maker from dad]: "I couldn't love anything more." 

GEORGE: "My thoughts exactly."

Father of the Bride, 1991

"I treasure my remark to my grandson who asked, 'Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?' Grandpa said, 'No...but I served in a company of heroes.'"

Band of Brothers, 2001

"We're gonna run the picket fence at 'em!...Now, boys, don't get caught watchin' the paint dry!"

Hoosiers, 1986

"I realize as a woman how lucky I am. I was there when that wonderful creature drifted into my life, and I was there when she drifted out. It was the most precious moment of my life." 

Steel Magnolias, 1989

"'Joe'? 'Just call me Joe'? As if you were one of those stupid 22 year old girls with no last name? 'Hi, I'm Kimberly!' 'Hi, I'm Janice!' Don't they know you're supposed to have a last name? It's like they're an entire generation of cocktail waitresses."

You've Got Mail, 1998

FAIRCHILD: "You don't deserve her."

 LINUS: "I don't. I know. But I need her--and I don't need anything."

Sabrina, 1995

"Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion!"

Steel Magnolias, 1989

"I got a lifetime of knowledge."

      She's the Man, 2006

"Wanna know a secret? You're the sweetest guy I've ever known."

 13 Going On 30, 2004

Write This Down

I believe there's value in keeping a journal, and I prefer it to be handwritten. I love being able to see someone's penmanship on a page, knowing it could only be produced by that one person putting pen to paper. The record of details from everyday life that seem insignificant now could be interesting and different to your future family, perhaps long after you've gone. It's an intimate peek into a person's mind that is unfiltered, honest, and a reflection of their true self. 

I have a dear friend who is a rock star at keeping a journal, and when she extended this challenge to the both of us, I accepted with excitement, wondering how we hadn't done one of these before. Starting tomorrow, the first of the month, we will follow these prompts each day in our journals for 30 days. Some will be brief, some will be challenging, and some might surprise us. 

I'm looking forward to the memories I will be able to pull from the archives of my life, and seeing the power that comes with devoting time to a single, small idea. This will give me something I have to do every day, once a day, and I will have to sit down to do it. Would you like to join us? When the 30 days is up, I'll do a recap of the challenge, including what I liked, learned, and what I would add or subtract to the list. If you're going to do it too, let me know in the comments! I'd love for this to be a team effort! Happy journaling.

A Little Boost

Sometimes, all we want to do is crawl under the covers for a couple of days so we don't have to deal with anyone or anything. We just want sweats, food that can be delivered, and someone to tell us we're awesome. Unfortunately, responsibilities remain and they keep banging on the door. Nobody seems to care that we need a break.

If you're feeling like that, take a breath and read the messages below. I hope this can give you a little boost and let you know someone is cheering for you! 

 

                                                                                          

Most importantly...

That is so so true. I cannot emphasize this enough: YOU MATTER. You are doing good things. If you want to do better, do better! In the end, you're in charge of who you become. On your way there, remember to look back every once in a while to see how far you've come. Just do the best you can with what you have, and stay positive all the while. You GOT this! One day at a time, you'll be just fine. So many people love you and are on your side. Try putting on your rose colored glasses so you can see them a little better. :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

My Favorite Time Waster

By now, I'm sure you've noticed that I'm a hopeless romantic. All the sappy things, please! That stuff absolutely works on me, from Hallmark cards, to cheesy ABC Family Christmas movies, to predictable Nicholas Sparks love stories...they all get to me. *sigh* Well, about two years ago, my other friend who loves love (hi Mackenzie!) and I discovered wedding videos, engagement videos, and love stories, recorded of regular people by videographers. We haven't looked back since!

People hire videographers to film their wedding day, some make what's called an engagement trailer, and a few make a video of their love story (my favorite). It's such a unique way to document a special time for a couple. Imagine how cool those will be to watch in 50 years with their grown children. And, they're just so pretty. Those folks behind the lens know what they're doing. I have a few choice videographers, including Brinton Films, Kale Fitch Films, and Haugen Creative.

It's like a fairytale setting, but with regular people and under 10 minutes. I think that's what I love most about them--it's the kind of love you see in movies, but it's real people with real stories who really love each other. I love hearing the story behind their falling in love, and reveling in how wonderfully ordinary it was. People really do fall in deep, true love in real life.

Here are some of my all-time favorites, in no particular order:

Chris + Whitney Full Love Story
My friend and I can quote this one, that's how many times we've seen it (love you Salty). Now we always laugh when we see a Yogurtland. And yes, he really does look like Christopher Reeve, don't you think?

Taylor + Kelsey
Favorite line: "I figured that one day I would just eventually settle with somebody that was okay and would work; but, you have completely blown my mind since day one and I will always love you."

Hailey & Brad: NYC Bridal
These two...they're my fave. They go on so many adventures and make beautiful videos of them all! Check out her blog here. He's British, they're LDS, and they know how to have fun. So much goodness!

Alex & Chip
I know, she's so gorgeous! This one makes me want to go to a beachside fair, of course. Also, the bike silhouette shot?! Swoon.

Ryan + Eden Highlights
She waited for him on his mission, and their reunion video makes me cry, it's so darling. They are beautiful people who had a beautiful wedding! I love how fun-loving this one is and how happy they look.

WARNING: These videos can suck you in for hours at a time. But, they will be blissful hours, I'm tellin ya. The sweetest 'waste of my time' I've found on the internet. If I'm having a bad day, I will watch some of these, because they make me grin and feel better. I know that may be silly, but love is a miraculous thing, and it helps restore my faith in people and in the world.

Which one was your favorite? Let's gush over them together!

"Pink is my signature color"

 

Typical. I'm a girl who loves pink. It's a cliche for a reason, people...I mean, look! Just so many pretty things to brighten up your work day!   

And now that it's summer, pink is popping up everywhere. Hooray! My favorite shade is blush, like the bag below. (Heart eyes!) 

Pink is just a color, but when it's perfectly placed, it's enough to make me smile. I love to make things feminine and pretty, and a dash of pink is a great place to start. I hope you enjoyed this pink moment!

P.S. If you know the reference for the title of this post, you were raised right! 

Overheard at School

A college campus is a melting pot of talents, cultures, and personalities. This means that if you perk up your ears a bit, you'll hear some interesting stuff! That's just what I did towards the end of spring semester. When they were speaking English, I found myself momentarily eavesdropping on conversations of passersby...and oh, they made me grin! Several comments made me think, "what on earth could you be talking about with a line like that?" They were too good not to share. I hope they make you grin, too.

• "Have fun cramming!" -kid exiting the library during finals week. Classic. 
• "Good thing you don't live in the same country--that'd be awful!" -guy on the phone, said in all seriousness.
• "You don't even like meatballs!" -girl on FaceTime.
• 1: "Well I hope there's enough chips to feed a whole class." 2: "I got the party size..." *suddenly concerned that the chip maker's idea of a party does not match up with his class population*
• "I crapped number 11. Completely." -girl walking with two male classmates

Wait, what? I had to hold in the mischievous laughs as I typed these little snippets into the notes on my phone. What have you overheard lately? Public transportation is full of gems and the grocery store can be great, as well. However, I really do think college campuses win. Listen up, y'all. People are funny!

If I Were a Celebrity...

Fame is a strange thing. We recognize all these random people because they’re the ones on our TVs during Netflix binges, or the voice we car-dance to, and their pictures litter the covers of magazines that seemingly nobody buys at the grocery store. We get updates on their marriages, families, and latest vacations. We are sure to find out when they have changed their hair and what they wore to a charity event or awards show. We have entire television programs dedicated entirely to asking famous people funny little questions about their lives just so we can feel this false sense of closeness. (Talk shows also feed celebrity obsessions. I'm definitely not speaking from experience or anything, but I just heard that somewhere...)

The phenomenon of being starstruck comes, I think, because we place celebrities in a world other than our own. When we meet someone famous, we are so surprised that someone as popular/successful/cool as them could be in the same time/place/moment we mere normal people are in. Doesn’t that sound a little crazy when we break it down? They’re just people, but we make them so much more.

However strange, though, I've imagined myself as a celebrity. If I were one of said people, I've decided I’d be like Taylor Swift in a few ways. If I had all that money and influence, I, too, would send Christmas gifts to loving fans and checks to help them pay their student loans. I would host parties of probably more than 89 people in a sweet venue (because I could afford that) and meet everybody face to face. The fact that someone could feel so happy just from meeting me or taking a picture with me is a powerful thing, and I’d want to use it for good. I would actually smile and say hello to them.

I'd also learn to be really good at Twitter (Is that a thing? To be good at Twitter?), so I could connect with my fans all over the country and maybe even the world. In interviews, I would dress like a lady and speak kindly of my family. I've watched a lot of interviews in my time. #guilty. It just bothers me when some people don't look their interviewer in the eye, are stretching, or use profanity. Furthermore, women who wear the shortest skirts that constantly need pulling down during the conversation are just ridiculous. I often catch myself thinking ,"I would have such a good answer to that" or "I wonder what funny gift Ellen would give me" or even, "yeah, well, I would wear Jimmy Choos on a Tuesday afternoon too, if I made the kind of money she does."

Basically, I would try to keep my rose colored glasses on all the time, remembering how lucky I am that my biggest problem is people asking me the same questions all the time. I would do my best to use my power for good, and become a role model parents wouldn't mind their kids following. I would take my mom on a trip to Paris and see what first class looks like. I would let my standards be known and live them proudly.

So, if I'm a celebrity one day (for some unknown reason), please hold me to this written statement so I can be a good famous person. :)    

Ridiculousness

• I have to turn off cruise control because people don’t prepare for the slight incline at 5300 S.
• I have to blow dry my hair, and now I can’t hear my music.
• I know about your life via social media, but now I have to play dumb while talking to you so I’m not a creeper.
• My Netflix is being slow and I have some serious chill time to get started.
• My weeknight is double booked with two amazing friend things.
• I want twinkly lights for my room, but it’s so much harder to find them when it’s not Christmas.
• I only know the words to the chorus.
• I watched a traumatically sad movie and now I have to stay up watching a happier movie to calm the heck down.
• Messy buns. “Carefree hair” takes more care than any other way I style my hair. The irony.
• It’s too bright for me to enjoy my nap.

 Sam Smith backs me up: "I know I'm not the only one."

The Power of a Dance Party

I am, by no means, a dancer. Sure, I can keep a beat, but I wouldn't be invited to Dancing With The Stars even if I was Audrey Hepburn's miraculous modern-day clone. But I really like to dance. I frequently dance around my bedroom Taylor-Swift-in-the-you-belong-with-me-music-video style.

Not long ago, I was part of two spontaneous dance parties in one single week and I found a new appreciation for them. It is the sweetest release for me to just dance it out…which, in my world, means jumping around to the beat and flipping my hair around while singing along. (Dance parties are 927565 times better when you know the words, background singing, and instrumentals.) 

Whether it’s a one song jam in the car or an hour straight in mismatched sweats, my stresses fade away and I focus only on laughing with the people around me and dancing my heart out. I’m always surprised at how much and how quickly it improves my mood.

If you need to just get out of your own head, even for only 3 minutes, follow in the steps of Christina and Meredith and dance it out. I'm tellin ya, it's good for the soul. When all the grown-up things are stressing you out to the max, just let it all go. Dance around fearlessly, like no one is watching, and pretty soon you'll be laughing out loud from pure happiness. Never underestimate the power of a dance party!

Hey, it's okay!

A favorite blogger of mine, Carly from The College Prepster, did a post just like this once and I was surprisingly moved by it. It was like a reality check, where she bravely admitted that it ain’t all sunshine, lollipops and perfectly planned days. She reminded us that we’re only human, just young adults doing our best--sometimes taking it day by day--despite what our pretty Instagrams or clever tweets may portray. She inspired me, and I hope she’s okay with me following in her fearless footsteps and creating a list of my own.

                                                                                        (to not know how to pose...)

Hey, it’s okay…

to reward yourself with Chipotle for getting through that test/long work day.

to use dry shampoo two days in a row.

to look funny in a picture.

to laugh out loud at Friends.

to pay for a Frosty with coins only.

to dance around the apartment.

to get excited over a sunset.

to miss your family.

to change into sweats the minute you get home, even though you’ll have to change again in an hour.

to go to the mall and not spend a dime.

to have a messy room sometimes.

to daydream.

Next time you want to hide your face for doing something like the things above, just tell yourself, “Hey, it’s okay!” Keep giving your best. You're doing better than you think.

What would you add to this list? Let's be brave together!

Welcome to the 90s, Mr. Banks!

I realize I did not experience as much of the 90s as many of you, but I’d like to think I sorta make up for lost time by loving its movies. I’m a bit of a rom-com snob, and the 90s gave us some of the greats. Julia Roberts and Richard Gere charmed us with their chemistry at both the beginning and end of the decade. The camera loved Meg Ryan, her versatile locks, and her set pajamas. Even Diane Keaton and Steve Martin made us all cry the sweetest tears. These films showcased good old-fashioned flirting and romance. You’ve Got Mail proved it was after my own heart when it effortlessly combined Tom Hanks, New York City, flowers, and mail. If it weren’t for Pretty Woman, I would not know the Prince song “Kiss” (I just stopped writing for a good minute so I could jam to that song). Notting Hill made me fall in love with Hugh Grant way more than Music and Lyrics did. And oh, that scene in Sleepless in Seattle where Rita Wilson is gushing over An Affair to Remember is so true and so me.

           

It feels like they don’t make movies like these anymore. Truly witty love stories that don’t happen all at once. They prompt happy tears and *gasp* even involve loving families, sometimes. Now it’s about “friends with benefits” or the stupid best friend who makes inappropriate jokes. What happened? Oh well, we will always have the 90s.  

Some of my very favorites:

Notting Hill (1999)

Pretty Woman (1990)

Father of the Bride (1991)

Runaway Bride (1999)

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

IMDb

That’s Internet Movie Database. AKA the most loved app on my phone. If you don’t have this app, give it a whirl and see what you’ve been missing! I take full responsibility for your new addiction. It’s worth it. You can look up a movie, documentary, TV show, actor, director, producer, soundtrack…you name it. In searching for a person, IMDb will show you their entire career’s work in various roles in film, theater, or production. It’s like Facebook stalking a celebrity. This comes in handy when you’re watching a movie or show and think, “how old is he now, anyway?” or, “isn’t she the mom in xyz?”

I don’t exaggerate when I say I use this app (almost) every day of my life. When I go see a movie in theaters (which is only on Tuesdays, when it’s $5), I look it up on IMDb directly after and read all the trivia. I look up TV shows and Netflix movies I watch, trailers I see. Maybe that’s sad? …Nope, I don’t care.

Things I've learned through IMDb recently:

• ·         Jack O’Connell (star of Unbroken) and I have the same birthday.
• ·         The cast of “Friends”, near the end of the show, earned $1 million each, per episode, and one cast member never made more than another.
• ·         Aquamarine came out in 2006.
• ·         Julia Roberts made $15 million for Notting Hill, the same amount her character made for her last film, as she announces during a dinner scene.
• ·         The part in Pretty Woman where Richard Gere shuts the necklace case on Julia Roberts’ hand was improvised.
• ·         Chris Pine was really embarrassed about singing in front of the cast for Into the Woods, and said he held back in rehearsals because of it.
• ·         Reese Witherspoon is under 5’ 2”.
• ·         Damian Lewis, who plays Major Winters in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, is BRITISH! 

There is so much (superfluous) information just waiting for us! You think you’re a real fan of [insert actor’s name]? Go read their quotes and trivia on IMDb, then call yourself a genuine creep, a true supporter. Enjoy all the useless facts, and have fun impressing your friends with your uncanny familiarity with shows and celebrities.

GIRL WORLD: Spa Day at Home

Today, I’m so excited to bring you the first post of a series called Girl World. Every once in a while here at RCG, a post will come along discussing those experiences we all have where we think, “it’s a girl thing”  or “men don’t even realize how tough it is to be a girl sometimes”. Oh admit it, the latter has crossed your mind. No shame here. This series is just for you, ladies. The fellas just don’t understand sometimes, and that’s okay. Today, we think about a cliché girls day: the spa.

Oh, to have the money to be a regular at the spa. I daydream of bi-monthly facials and weekly massages…hiding away in the sauna after a stressful day…being waited on hand and foot. But they want a bunch of monies for it that are not always easy to find. So, I've listed some ideas for creating your own spa day without leaving home. I've been doing this for the past couple years, and though it is simple, it really does help me unwind and feel refreshed. Hopefully it does the same for you.

Take a long, hot shower

Shave your legs & wash your face.

Let your hair air dry

Put on your comfiest pajamas or a robe

Lotsa lotion

        Time to break out one of the seven bottles of Warm Vanilla or Sweet Pea you have lying around somewhere and use it on your legs, hands and arms. Try using a bunch of lotion on your feet, then immediately putting socks on. Your heels will feel nice and soft come morning.

Leave-in conditioner

        A little love for your locks.

Face mask or moisturizer

        Now’s the time to try out that $1 mask you've had too long. I personally love the ones that heat up a little after you put it on. It feels so luxurious!

Paint your nails

        Do you lye critol gel? Test your nail painting skills and maybe try a color you've been too nervous to wear. If you’re really terrible at painting, ask your roommate if she’ll do it.

After bath splash: Jean Naté
        I just have to put in a plug for my favorite smell, Jean Naté. It is actually called an “after bath splash”, which is strange to me, but I use it as a perfume. It’s just this clean smelling mist you can put on right when you get out of the shower to smell lovely. You can pick some up at Walgreens.

Light a candle

        If you have one, it probably doesn’t get lit often. Enjoy the scent and spa-like lighting it provides.

Load on the chapstick

        Don’t neglect your lips! You never know when that gorgeous man is gonna show up at your door and kiss the crap outta you…right? Best be prepared, anyway. Just in case.

Enjoy cocoa, ice cold diet coke, or, to be fancy, sparkling cider

        Throw some popcorn in there and you’re set. The perfect munchie.

Watch your guilty pleasure show/movie

        Real housewives? Gossip Girl? Hannah Montana? The Bachelor? Turn it on, girl. This spa day is about you!

Lots of deep breaths

This is my saving grace when I get frustrated or stressed. Take some deep breaths and feel how cleansing it can really be. Let it go, relax, and enjoy your at-home spa treatment. You've certainly earned it.

If you try this, let me know with #rcgspa on Instagram! Enjoy, ladies!

The Lunching Age

I came to a realization recently: I have reached the lunching age. Ya know, when you want to catch up with someone, or you go to your parent’s house and want to see someone from home…you don’t hang out anymore. You say “let’s have lunch.” When did that happen? That’s what moms do for visiting teaching. That’s what grandmas do with their girlfriends. That’s even what businessmen do to discuss important stuff. But not now! It seems “lunching” is actually a coming of age activity.

Well the verdict is in…I’m absolutely okay with this! If you are getting lunch with someone, you have all morning to look forward to it and the rest of the day after lunch to reflect on it (with a full stomach). You not only get to visit with a friend, but you get to eat, too. Multitaskers, rejoice!

Being part of a lovely long lunch just makes my heart smile. It’s a nice thing. I love catching up with someone, whether it’s been a week or a year. If conversation is lagging, you can always comment on the food, the waiter, or the restaurant. If it’s going so well that you wish the afternoon could last forever, you can just order another soda or indulge in dessert together.

I think we all have those friends that we see on a semi-regular basis, but we don’t actually spend much time together outside of that semi-regular activity. So it’s nice to make time in your schedules for one another now and then for a meal and life updates. You never know where your conversation may take you. In fact, a lesson you've learned in the last little while since you've seen them could be just the advice they need that day. No, it’s not that far of a stretch. We all have different stories, but at some time or another, we tend to go through a bunch of the same crap. And we can be there for each other to figure it out and come out on the other side a better version of ourselves. The quote goes, “friends pick us up when we fall down, and if they can’t pick us up, they lie down and listen for a while”…or they have lunch with you.

Don’t underestimate the mid-day meal. It can be really great, if you make the time every once in a while. Happy lunching!