i ran my first 5k.

Okay, the title is a little misleading. I didn't actually run. I walked for most of it, and had to spurs of jogging, but still, I finished my first 5k, and I think that's a feat in and of itself.

My friend, Claire, and I did the Run or Dye 5k, and I guess we chose the latter, because by the ending of it, we were dying. Covered in color and hot as crap (thanks, Louisiana), we ran walked over 3 miles in downtown Shreveport. It was fun and awful at the same time. I probably should have trained for it or something. We weren't the only ones walking though. There were some people who even had to sit down on the sidelines because they couldn't keep going. We weren't one of those people, so we felt pretty good about ourselves.













We had our post marathon 5k meal at Chick-Fil-A. Luckily, we weren't the only ones who had this idea. There was a lady that asked to take a picture with Claire and me for their Facebook page though, so if you spot us randomly in cyber space, let us know. I was starving, so this is what I ate.



Don't judge me.

The rest of the day was spent with Jon, who drove an hour to come support me at the run (aww). After I showered and got all most of the color off of me, we took a nap. Yeah, we were both exhausted. Then we went to dinner at Smashburger with my sister, went to look at some apartments (exterior/location. I'm finally trying to move out, y'all), and watched The Avengers (forgot how much I loved that movie).

Have you ever ran (or walked) a 5k?

 

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what happened to goodbye {book review}

{via}

Sarah Dessen is my favorite author. I know I'm supposed to be an adult and all, but I can't help but still love her books. I always find a piece of myself in each of her characters. They're so relatable (which apparently isn't a word), and Mclean in What Happened to Goodbye is no exception.

Unlike most of Sarah Dessen's books, this isn't a love story. I mean, there is a love story in there, but it's not the central topic. I think that's one of the reasons that this wasn't my favorite by her. Don't get me wrong, the book is still awesome/amazing/fantastic, but I think some of her other books were much better.

This book tells the story of Mclean who has been in an identity crisis for the past two years. Her parents got divorced (her mom cheats on her dad with the coach of his favorite basketball team. Ouch), so she decides to stay with her dad, who has a job that includes a lot of relocation. Every time Mclean moves to a new city, she decides who she wants to be. Her middle name is Elizabeth, so she's been Eliza, Lizbet, Beth, etc. Each of these girls has a completely different personality from her own (and separate Ume.com pages). There's the cheerleader and the drama girl and the president of everything. She becomes a new person every time she moves.

When she moves to Lakeview, she finds her given name, Mclean, thrusted upon her (she tried to be Liz, but it didn't work out). She makes some interesting friends, namely Dave and Deb, who eventually unintentionally make her face the reasons behind her identity crisis.

In the midst of all of this, Mclean is having trouble forgiving her mom for breaking up their family. The book centers around her relationship with her mom and why Mclean feels the need to constantly alter her personality.

There reached a point in the book where I just couldn't put it down. Probably when the tension between Mclean and Dave started up. What can I say? I love a good love story.

I think readers of Sarah Dessen books will find all of the elements of most of her books - a good love story, a main character they can relate to, and a thirst for a sequel (that will never come). Overall, I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. I wanted more love, guys. I can't help it.

Side note: I'm going to the Austin Teen Book Festival at the end of this month, and she's going to be there. I'm SUPER PUMPED, and I catch myself getting giddy about it every time I think about it. I want her to sign ALL OF MY BOOKS, but I think that'll be a bit excessive.

Are there any fellow Sarah Dessen fans out there? What have you read by her? Have you read What Happened to Goodbye?

 

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5 best songs you've never heard of.

I love music. I'm still depressed that I wasn't blessed with vocal chords that would land me in Pitch Perfect or the ability to play an instrument worthy of a Josie and the Pussycats drummer (sorry, 90's). Music is still a part of my daily routine. Whether I'm jamming in the car, singing in the shower, cleaning, getting ready, or even working, there's always music. I love when people share music with me, so if you have any recommendations, please share! I'm open to anything and everything. Here are some of my favorite tracks that have never hit the Billboard 100 (but are super awesome).

All About Us by He Is We feat. Owl City
I first heard of He Is We thanks to a free download on iTunes. "All About Us" is just a sweet little love song. Their entire My Forever album is awesome. (And so is their Skip to the Good Part EP.) The video is super cute (and sad). It seriously makes me want to cry.

Cause lovers dance when they're feeling in love. Spotlight's shining. It's all about us.

Amnesia by Mozella
I've only listened to two songs by Mozella, but I love them both. This song is about getting out of a relationship that you just wish you could forget. I think we've all had those.

I wanna go back to do the day before I met ya. Things would be better. If I could forget ya. Somebody give me something strong so I can release ya. A double shot of amnesia. Life would be sweeter for me.

For the Nights I Can't Remember by Hedley
I can thank my friend, Lucas, for introducing me (and the entire orientation staff) to this song. It's about a man who is apologizing to his girl for not being there when she needed him. A super sweet (super awesome) apology song, ladies.

And I do wanna love you. If you see me running back. And I do wanna try. Because if falling for you girl is crazy, then I'm going out of my mind. So hold back your tears this time.

Shades of Love by Empty Trash
I heard this song on Holiday in the Sun. Thanks Mary-Kate and Ashley. It's another sweet love song. I couldn't find a music video, so enjoy an MKA version. (Oh, hey, Megan Fox.)

I could live a thousand years if I could be alone with you.

Stranger by Chris August
Chris August is predominantly a Christian singer, but this song is about meeting someone for the first time and falling in love. Love at first sight, anyone? This also has no official vid, so enjoy a fan-made slideshow.

Hello there. How are you? Amazing. It's nice to finally meet you. I've been patiently waiting. Been waiting just to see you to tell you I dreamed you. Now I found you. So call off the search. Cause I found my stranger.

Do you have any song recommendations? Share them below!

 

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7 must have college experiences

College has been the most exciting part of my life thus far (I feel like this is okay since I'm only 23). Everyone's college experience is different (which I think is one of the most amazing things. Sharing stories of crazy college nights. Sigh.). When I think of college, I don't think about academics, I think of the wonderful people I met, the spontaneous trips, and even some embarrassing moments. 

1. Pull an all-nighter

Usually when people think about all-nighters, they think about studying all night. Though I did that a time or two during finals week and mid-terms, some of my all-nighters were spent just having fun with friends. Whether it was just after a concert or a party and we just wanted to drink all night or just playing board games and watching movies all night, most of the best memories came from the nights with the least amount of sleep. 

snow day//Hunger Games midnight premiere

2. Take a roadtrip

Roadtrips were one of my favorite parts of college. My school was in a college town, so there was literally nothing to do there. If you wanted to have fun, you drove either half an hour one way to Monroe or an hour the opposite way to Shreveport. My friends and I did this regularly, and sometimes even drove to more fun places further away, like Dallas or Natchitoches (for the Festival of Lights). Roadtrips are fun even if you're not in college, so of course college roadtrips are da best. 

Tyler's birthday surprise//Mississippi for Jason Mraz concert//Red River Revel

Gulf Shores for spring break//Natchitoches//Dallas (GIRAFFES!)

3. Get involved

My most precious college memories are from being an orientation leader during the summer before my junior year. I was also involved in an organization called Union Board, and I even got to put on the talent show. It's so easy to get involved on campus because there really is a club for everyone. A lot of people like to join a sorority or fraternity. Not matter what you're interested, just get involved! It's an easy way to make some friends.

Orientation Student Leaders 2010!

when I found out I'm scared of heights//matching backpacks//tired after the show

dipping our feet in the fountain//official OSL pic//John Mayer concert in Austin

dancing in "Presents"//our first picture together//"If I weren't a Tech student..."

Union Board!

spring fling event//Vegas event

big sib/little sib reveal//union board wedding

4. Live in a dorm

Most people opt out of living in a dorm and either live in an on-campus apartment or jump to living off campus. I lived in a dorm my first two years of college, and I had a blast. There are special dorm events to participate in, and this is an easy way to meet people. I also got to know a lot of people on my floor. Not to mention, I didn't know my roommate prior to moving in. I got really lucky. My roommate was amazing, and we decided to live together for two years in the dorms. Living in the dorms was a lot of fun, and then I moved into an on-campus apartment with two (eventually three) of my close friends, and it was a blast. I'm a big fan of on-campus living. 

my college roommate and friend

5. Go to football games

And dress up for them! Football games are so fun, especially when you understand what's going on (for those of you who don't, learn a little bit). I loved dressing up in my Tech gear. Paint your body, put stickers on your face, tailgate! It's always a blast. 

Independence Bowl//yea we made those tutus

6. Go to a frat party (or five)

This is obviously one of the most typical college experiences. They aren't as crazy as they make them out to be on TV, but they're still a lot of fun. My favorite part about frat parties are the themes! You always have something fun to wear - a white shirt for graffiti party; red, white, and blue for a 'Merica party, bright colors for an 80's party, or a Halloween costume for the holiday. I always had a blast dressing up and coordinating with my girls. 

Halloween//80's party

America party (we each dressed up as a different city)//Spice Girls for Halloween

7. Make lifelong friends

Self. Explanatory.

my college family (and Mrs. Vivian, our favorite IHOP waitress)

College (and your early twenties) are the funnest part of your life. People are always talking about how much they miss college. You know, statistics say that if people could return to one part of their life, they would return to their early twenties - the college years! So make some friends, drink some punch, and be spontaneous!

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2+3 liebster

A couple of months ago, I got nominated for a Liebster Award by Krystal at Spunkee Belle. Since then, I've been nominated two (possibly three. I'm not really sure to be honest) more times, which I think is pretty darn sweet. You can see all the fun stuff from my first nomination here. 

Both Maryam from Muslimah Luvs Make-Up and Tori from A Little Leigh Way have nominated me. I'm going to combine the two, rather than giving you 22 facts about me. That's just too much. I'm not trying to put y'all to sleep. 

Here are the rules:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves
2. Answer the questions that the tagger set for you plus create 11 new questions for the people you've tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them to your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them
5. No tag backs! (umm... we'll just ignore this one I guess since I've been nominated multiple times)

11 Facts About Moi

1. I love movies with singing and dancing in it.
2. My dream job is to be an event planner.
3. I really want a puppy! I'll get one as soon as I move out of my parents' house. Yup. I will. 
4. I listen to Nsync Pandora on the reg. (Squeal at their VMA reunion)
5. I love road trips. 
6. I have four siblings: 2 sisters and 2 brothers.
7. My favorite show is F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (I'll be there for youuuu.....)
8. I did gymnastics for three years when I was younger. 

9. I played soccer for a week in elementary school. It didn't work out.
10. I love roasted marshmallows.
11. I just want to travel. All the time. Can I do that for a living, please?

******************************************************************

Here are the answers to Maryam's questions

1. Lipstick or lipgloss?

I usually only wear chapstick. If I wear either, it's together. I apply red lipstick then I put on some clear lipgloss on top to give it a little shine.

2. When was the first time you were introduced or tried on makeup?

In middle school. I didn't really know what I was doing. I just wore foundation. I still don't wear much make-up now. 

3. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully out of Louisiana, engaged to my boyfriend, and planning events somewhere.

4. Who do you look up to the most?

This is a hard one. I don't really have a hero. I like to take certain positive traits in several of the people in my every day life and try to mimic those good behaviors, especially when it comes to my job.

5. Neutral  make up palette or colorful makeup palette?

I don't usually experiment much. I'm pretty boring when it comes to make-up, so definitely neutral.

6. What is your favorite foundation?

ColorStay by Revlon. 

7. What is the one beauty product you wish you had?

Something to clear up my scars. Bleh.

8. What is the one  beauty product you can't live without?

Does chapstick count?

9. What kind of hair  do you wish you had? Curly or Straight hair?

STRAIGHT! And thinner.

10. Heels or flats?

I wear mostly flats, but I would wear heels all the time if they didn't hurt my feet.

11. What does beauty mean to you?

Staying true to who you are and being as natural as possible. Being comfortable in your own skin.

******************************************************************

Here are the answers to Tori's questions

1. What is your dream vacation?

Australia for sure! It's number one on all of my lists. I just feel like it would be such an amazing place to visit. I hear people are just so chill and happy there. Plus I love Australian accents! Mhm.

2. What is your Starbucks order?

Hot chocolate (or mint hot chocolate in winter). I'm not a big Starbucks drinker. I usually like to visit the local coffee shops.

3. What is the most expensive item you own? (Other than a car/house)

Oh goodness. Umm...probably my laptop? I don't remember how much it cost, but it's old and I need a new one.

4. Why did you start blogging?

I used to keep journals all the time, and then I stopped, and I thought if I started blogging, I would make myself write every day. Little did I know I would become part of a community. I love the blog friends that I've made. It's amazing how you can connect with people who you've never met before. 

5. What was your favorite toy growing up?

My Life Size Barbie! All my friends were jealous. Too bad I never got a Barbie Jeep. I'm still waiting.

6. If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sushi! That's kind of a cop out because sushi can be made in so many different ways, but it's my favorite food for real.

7. What is your favorite season?

Fall! It has the perfect weather for sure.

8. Who is your biggest role model?

See #4 from Maryam's questions.

9. How did you meet your best friend?

My best friend is my boyfriend (cheesy?). We met through a mutual friend, Anamaria. 

10. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Literally hate this question. Hopefully engaged with a puppy living in an apartment with Jon and well-traveled.

11. What is your favorite hobby?

Reading. I'm a bookworm. I also like to paint when I have the time (and patience) for it. Currently in the middle of reading this:

{via}

******************************************************************

I don't want to be redundant and tag someone who has already been tagged, so I'm going to tag my real loife friend and newbie blogger, Anamaria at All the Civil Ladies. I'm asking the same questions I asked on my first Liebster. Hope y'all enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about me, and I can't wait to read your answers, Anamaria!

Questions for my nominees:

1. What is your favorite Disney movie?
2. If you could have one super power, what would it be?
3. Tell me about your first best friend.
4. What is your favorite candy?
5. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
6. Who is your celeb crush?
7. What is your favorite animal and why?
8. What is your favorite game? Board, card, video, etc.
9. How did you choose the name of your blog?
10. Why did you start your blog?
11. If you could be one celebrity for a day, who would it be?

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labor day weekend.

While some people were BBQing or visiting with family to celebrate the three-day weekend, I was in bed or on the couch most of the time, just how I wanted it.

Friday
Oh hey Gossip Girl. I'm on season 5 now. Soon my mentioning of GG will cease. I really do enjoy my GG nights in bed just cuddling with my stuffed animals. (Am I pathetic? Just a little?) While I was lying in bed, I

Saturday
I started my day by PAYING FOR MY TRIP TO EUROPE WITH MY SISTER! I'm so freaking excited (hence the all caps). My sister and I are officially traveling to Europe on June 22,2014, the day after she turns 18. Happy graduation to her. Yay Europe for me. We're taking this trip to London, Paris, and Rome. I'm already counting down the days (292 FYI). The deposit is paid and the confirmation email has been received. I just can't wait. OMG! AHH!

After paying for Europe, I took my sister to get a haircut. While that was happening, I went to the library (because I'm a nerd) and got four books. Then I got a text from my friend, Mandy, who said that she was coming to town! My sister and I drove the Boardwalk (where she was headed), and waited on her at Orange Leaf with the company of some froyo. It was perfect in the Louisiana humidity.

Whoever came up with the dividers for froyo cups, is brilliant! I indulged in some strawberry, cheesecake, wedding cake, and birthday cake ice-cream. Wedding cake was my favorite. Delish. I'm obsessed with marshmallows right now.

I only got to see Mandy for a few minutes. Her and her sister were shopping for a dress and a pant suit because her sister just got voted onto homecoming court at her high school.

After going home and watching college football for a little bit with my sister and step-dad, my sister and I went to dinner at The Real Pickle. It's this really cute sandwich place in Shreveport with names with sandwiches like "I Bird It Through the Grapevine," "Once, Twice, Three Times A Gravy," "Wiener Takes It All," and "Twist and Kraut." I ordered a "The Chicks in the Mail," which was a chicken salad with bacon, lettuce, and tomato on sour dough bread. It was delicious. We also ordered some chicken and waffle bites for an appetizer, and they were to die for.

The last stop was to a local coffee shop called Rhino Coffee. My sister and I both ordered an Iced Lightening. The barista let us try a sample (I said I wanted something cold and sweet). It was so good. I'm a huge fan of local coffee shops. I don't think Starbucks puts enough love into their drinks, plus it's not consistent everywhere you go. I went to Dallas and ordered a hot chocolate, and it was so gross. I mean, how can you mess up a hot chocolate.



Why is that straw so big though?

Sunday
I had a lazy Sunday watching more GG (surprise surprise), chatting with my sister, blog stalking, reading (I just started What Happened To Goodbye? by Sarah Dessen), and writing.

Today, I'm going to my friend's friend's mom's house to go swimming and eat. I've been wanting to jump in a pool. Mhm. Happy Labor Day!

 

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summer favorites {social sunday}.

Happy September! Normally I don't post on weekends, but I really love the idea of reliving my summer, since it's coming to an end so quickly, so I'm linking up with Neely at A Complete Waste of Make-Up for Social Sunday.



What was your favorite trip/vacation/activity this summer?
My girls trip to Gulf Shores for sure. It was such a blast. Full of surprises. Lots of girl bonding. So many amazing memories.







What was your favorite outfit look/clothing item of the summer?
High-waisted shorts. As much as possible.

What is one thing you wish you would've gotten to do this summer?
Go camping. Jon and I did a little faux camping because we couldn't go on our actual planned camping trip due some car/financial issues. Hopefully we'll get to actually go camping in the future.

What was your favorite song of the summer?
I was seriously jamming to this song way too much at the beginning of summer.



What was your favorite movie/TV show of the summer?
Is this even a real question? I've been watching Gossip Girl  for the past few weeks. I did just start watching Orange is the New Black though. Kind of addicting.

 

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