Greatest Hits of July (so far)

Tonight, Brad and I are hitting the road for Virginia. I am soooo excited to spend some more time down south with my favoritest people! My sister, Josh, and my boyfriend all in one place. UGH IT’S GONNA BE AWESOME!
We come back before the month is over, but I just know it’s going to fly, and that I’ll have tons of pictures to share from the trip in their own posts. So for now, here are some photos of things from this month that have been pretty great!

Awesome new mug alert! When I visited Catie last month, we stopped at the cutest shop and I grabbed some awesome items, this being one of them. I love when mugs have little surprises inside! Also, M. For Me! Michal Lynn!

So we only did this one night this month, but Brad and I are working on a joint 6x8 Project Life album. I’m excited about it because we are using the Plus One Mini Kit (which is amazing) plus my Studio Calico kits. The whole thing is going to be free-flowing, unlike my fairly structured 2014 book.I can’t wait until we have more time to work on it.

I’ve been doing this challenge on Instagram, #30DaysofBookstagram . It’s a lot of fun and more creative than you might think. One of the prompts was “Book Spine Poetry” and the pic above is my poem. I know it’s geeky, but I’m proud of it!

As you may know, I read Landline by Rainbow Rowell in less than 48 hours. I adore Rainbow Rowell.
I did some nail art inspired by the amazing colors of the cover and gave a shout out to the author, just for fun. SHE TWEETED AT ME AND FAVORITED IT. FANGIRL moment! (And yes, Fangirl is also one of her books!) I also got a little comment from one of my favorite bloggers. I love social media.

These ridiculous dogs! Mia has joined the crew at Lou and Brad’s and she is like 0 pounds and the funniest little thing.
I love that I caught both of them with their tongues out.

Jenna has been in PA for a while, but we only just got to hang out this past week.
I had to do a Party Party .gif with her! Which, by the way, Party Party is the best.
If you check out my IG feed, you will see a lot of #partypartyapp on there!

It’s been a fast month with lots going on. I can’t wait to enjoy some more summer fun!

Come on, get Happier

About a week before we left for Mexico, I wasn’t doing much. I had been given 8 hours of work that week.
THAT WHOLE WEEK. So I had a lot of time on my hands to do, well, nothing. During one of my morning iPhone binges, I saw a recommendation for an app called Happier on my Facebook News Feed. I usually skip these suggestions
(so often dating apps), but this one stood out for me. I clicked on it and became a convert.

What is Happier? Immediately, I would liken it to your Twitters and Instagrams.
It’s social media, however it is specifically focused on happiness, gratitude, and appreciation of life.
When talking about it, I feel like I may come off a little preachy and annoying, but I think that’s because we are so used to our social media outlooks focusing on the negative. I know this because I DO IT.
If I feel like publicly bitching, I go to Twitter and rant for 140 characters (and sometimes more, in additional tweets). I think of people I follow on Instagram, celebrities or models or nail artists who get hateful comments or get reported just because. For some reason, people see social media, a place meant to share things we love, as a place to dump on people.

Not Happier! Happier is actually meant to be a practice in gratitude.
The more you focus on the things around you, on the positive of even the most negative situation, the happier you might find yourself being. This is something I needed. Many people need, but I know that I especially did, for myself.
I am the queen of worrying about what hasn’t happened yet. I get lost in moments that I feel will never end.
So I decided, why not?

What do I love about this app?
You don’t have to post if you don’t want to, obviously, but when you do, there is a little “confetti celebration” for posting. It might sound super cheesy, but it seriously will make you smile.

As you can see on the screencap, there are a few different pages to look at. On your personal page, it shares your name, a little profile pictures, and what makes you happy. What I really love about it is that there is nothing about how many followers you have. I don’t keep track of this on my Instagram or Twitter, but I know many people do. A lot of people care about how many people like their things (hey, I use tons of hashtags for my nail art posts, hoping people will like it!), but this makes it hard to. You’re notified when someone starts following your little page, but there’s no number count. Happier is not a popularity contest, and that makes me a little happier!

There’s absolutely no pressure to post multiple times a day, or once a day for that matter, but there are push notifications three times a day (you can change this in the settings) that remind you to look on something happy that happened to you that day! It’s a nice reminder to ponder the good things.

The community is really lovely. Everyone just wants to share their little moments or pictures, some share inspirational quotes (and there’s always one on the Featured page, a different one every day from the Happier crew, along with a tip on how to be happier, from complimenting people to exercising for 20 minutes), and when you enjoy their moment you “smile” it. You can comment or even share it if it makes you happier, too!

If you’re ever scratching for something to say, the Today page will list a little happy challenge. Name something about the weather you love. What was the last beautiful thing you saw? Et cetera. If anything else, it will remind you of something great, even if you had a bad day.

I truly feel like this app has helped improve my outlook on life. I got this before Mexico, and while I had some wonderful things to be happy about over there, I also had to leave. Instead of feeling sad about coming back, I was excited to get into projects that were put on the wayside (like my Project Life, which is currently finished for January!), or nail art I got behind on, and, of course, seeing my family. It has helped me look at the bright side of the situation. It’s also a great reminder that we are all looking for a little bit of happiness, and that we all have it, we just have to actually look at it.

Where Does the Time Go?

Christmas is less than two weeks away. I wish I could say that I am completely ready, but I’m not. I’ve made a nice dent, but there are also some projects I need to work on (I’m broke, which means it’s time to get crafty). I don’t know about you, but when I start to Christmas shop, it’s like I break the seal and I want to spend all my money and buy everyone I know something. I really love giving gifts. It’s one of the best parts of Christmas. I need to start stashing money away in a separate savings so that I can go a little nuts when I Christmas shop in the future.

As for my daily life, it’s been pretty good. I’ve been getting a sufficient amount of hours at work…I know people who are only getting one or two and aren’t happy. It makes me feel like I’m doing a good job…also, making money!
As long as there is some sort of income for me, I’m happy. And the job is different all the time. Again, it’s not the end-all, be-all, but it’s a great step forward from the icky job of my past, specifically in regards to my attitude.

As usual, I wanted to share some photos from the past week or so. I got to spend a few days at home this past week, which was nice. The tree is up and smells amazing, we’ve watched a couple of movies, and I love chatting with my family. I will only get a couple nights next week, so I’m hoping to cram in some Christmas movies and cookies!

 

This is across the street from my house. Those plants have fallen now, but they looked cool against the barren woods.

 

Last week (even though it feels like five weeks ago), I had dinner with these beautiful ladies (Jenna and Amber) at
La Tolteca, my favorite Mexican restaurant! Jenna heads back to CA very soon, so that was our last little hang ‘til she comes back for the holidays (like, in less than two weeks) and goes back to CA again. She’s been here since the end of July, and it feels like just yesterday that she came back. It’s good, though, because that means Ed, her fiancé and my friend, will be coming back into the states!

 

I’ve been doing this silly thing on Instagram (@mikeylynn to follow me!), #selfiewithcoffee. I don’t do it with every coffee I drink, because it would be every day and that would be boring. But I seriously like documenting the different coffees I’ve had. I enjoyed a super tasty chocolate cake donut with my Gingerbread coffee…I must say, I’m not a fan of the GB. That was also my first coffee at Wegmans…Instagram memories.

Brad recently got glasses, and he’s just about the most handsome man ever. With or without them.

Dirty bathroom mirrors…CLASSY. I went to my sister Maria’s company Christmas party this past Saturday. It was fun to dress up and meet her co-workers. Now I can put a face to the names! I wish we had gotten a photo together. She won a spa day as part of the raffle they had…I am so happy for her! She deserves the pampering. Also, you might not really notice/care, but I got my hair cut and I’m loving it. Short hair is my thang.

 

It’s that time of year! Snow is falling, which I love/hate. When I don’t have to do anything, bring it on.
I got to have a snowy constitutional with Artie…when I’m home, I usually take him for a short walk (if he cooperates) to get the mail. But we like to call it his doggie constitutional. Because it’s cute and fun to say.

 
 

Guess who loves sitting by the tree? Everyone!
Artie loves planting himself on the pink recliner next to the tree…we all usually fight for that chair, but the tree blocks the TV so it’s only good for reading, relaxing, and chatting. I love that Artie was apparently so pooped that he decided to lay down right in front of his doggie bed. It’s right there, but no.
The last photo is one of my many glasses of wine on Monday night. I stayed up talking to my mom and enjoying the holiday decorations around the living room. My sister is the best decorator. I don’t know what I’m going to do when I have my own place to decorate…not even for the holidays, but in general.

So there’s my life lately. Trying to stay in the holiday spirit, working, and enjoying the quiet little moments in life!
Have a great weekend!

The Past Couple of Weeks via my iPhone

It’s December. Seriously. I just don’t know. Christmas is less than a month away…about 20 days away, in fact.
Time goes so fast. I’m losing track of it all the time. How crazy is it that, in less than 30 days, we will be entering 2014?
WOWZA.

I realize I haven’t shared a lot of the going-ons in my life lately because it has slipped right on by.
As always, the best way to show it is by the photos I’ve taken on my phone.

 
 
 
 
 

A couple of weeks ago, Jenna visited! She’s leaving for California this time next week…so crazy. She came back in July…again, a reminder that time flies. When she first got to Brad’s, we hugged and I swear Cali tried to jump in on it as we parted. She was standing on her hind legs, paws out like The Creep and we both died a little from the cuteness.

Hunger Games: Catching Fire! I was dedicated to seeing the IMAX version, since it’s how I saw the first. it will continue to be my viewing preference for the last two films. I loved it, of course. And I had to geek out and represent with flamed nails and my Etsy-purchased necklace homage.

Though it snowed a little before, it was a lot more significant last week. It has gotten much colder, very wintery. I think snow is gorgeous, but traveling in it sucks and I hate having to defrost my car every morning. It’s a love-hate.

I love this new beer shirt I got. It’s the second one I own, and now I want to have a collection.

We finally broke out the Bodum Brazil French Press (I got it for $6 at JCPenney!) using super—strong Cafe Bustelo. HOLY CRAP! Brad and I were spazzing. It was a successful first run, but I’m looking forward to grinding my own beans and trying a milder coffee next time. (Sidebar: I used the A Beautiful Mess app to edit this photo. Their latest update included this collage option, and it’s pretty much the best thing ever.)

Yesterday, I worked my first 8 hour shift, which means I get an hour break for lunch. Maybe that’s the norm for some of you, but it’s fairly new for me! I went to Panera, a hop away from Old Navy, and enjoyed my favorite meal and a cup of coffee from the CUTEST HOLIDAY CUP YET.

And that’s some stuff from my life!

Little Happy Things

I’ll be the first to admit that I experience rough patches way too frequently.
I’d love to blame them on actual problems…I have a few, sure….but mostly it’s just me being anxious about everything.
What I love about life is that the tiniest things, the simplest everyday moments, can turn a crappy situation around.
Here are some that truly make me happy.

I can’t get enough of the way Artie prances, and his shadow is one of my favorite things to snap photos of.

A lovely, slightly chilled breeze as I sit on the porch reading.

A crazy poodle wearing my favorite shirt.

Coffee and a book.

Blobs of nail polish that become nail art.

Cotton candy sunsets.

The Last Week or So in Pictures

Thought I’d share a random array of photos of the happenings of the last week-ish.

One of the joys of being home during the day has been taking Artie for walks. I’ve loved the bonding time we’ve had…I always felt like he didn’t want to go out for me or anything, and now we have a little schedule. He’s usually at our house, so when he left after getting a tick (that I’m beating myself up for, but he’s a tough guy) I was so sad to see him go. And I’m so used to doing things to either accommodate him or keep him from getting into things he shouldn’t. So weird when he’s not around…

Last Wednesday, I got super bored in the morning. I had looked at all my usual websites and ate my bagel and coffee. So randomly, I decided to pull out some black makeup and have fun. If you’ve been watching American Horror Story: Coven , then you may have heard the fans twist the Mean Girls quote “On Wednesdays, we wear pink,” to “On Wednesdays, we wear black.” So it was fun to play into that.
Last week’s episode was whole lotta crazy, though. And not in a good way.

Bills suck, and they are just about the only mail I get these days. But sometimes, fun things arrive! I preordered my copy of Allegiant and, in perfect Amazon fashion, it arrived the day it came out! I also got some more Hex Nail Jewelry charms (they are so great, guys, buy them!). The second photo is me holding up my prizes from a recent OPI Instagram contest. I was one of 10 winners who received a signed copy of Man Repeller and Leandra’s collab polish with them. It was exciting, as I never win anything, and I’m excited to dig into the book
(and use the polish, of course….it’s a lovely pink-ish neutral).

After weeks of saying we weren’t going to get involved in Halloween parties, Brad and I caved and attended a party on Saturday and I’m really glad we did! My costume cost me 4 dollars…that’s because I didn’t have a bow. I decided to be a makeshift, modern-day Dorothy and Brad played along as a Scarecrow. We both had so much fun at the party and it was nice to be festive!

I made dinner for Brad. You are NEVER too old for dino chicken nuggets and mac and cheese.

That’s all for now!

Obligatory Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Fall, specifically the Halloween portion, is incomplete without a trip to a pumpkin patch.
I’ll be honest, I haven’t carved a pumpkin since I was in elementary school, but I still love being outside, taking hay rides, and looking at all the interesting gourds and pumpkins. Also, Brad is an excellent carver since he’s such a creative guy in general.
I’ve been looking forward to carving a pumpkin this year…and it looks like I might be doing it a couple of times!
Brad and I picked humongous pumpkins that we will be carving this weekend…and I just might be helping my sister tomorrow.

All photos were taken with my iPhone. I would’ve loved to have my Rebel with me, but I’m thankful the iPhone has great quality.
I also pulled out the Diana Mini for the first time in a while, but I’m worried the film wasn’t loaded properly…we shall see!

Corn Maze

Yesterday, Brad and I were invited to join our friend on a little corn maze excursion.
I think I might have done a corn maze once in my life, as a teensy toddler with my mom holding my hand, so I jumped at the opportunity.
It was an hour drive, but a beautiful, scenic one.
Again, the weather has been unseasonably warm, but there’s nothing like that sun beaming through leaves of orange and red.
We got to the corn maze, and the goal was to hit 12 different points. The maze was cut into a barn scene and the only way to navigate was to hope you were at the cow’s foot or something like that. Listen, I didn’t navigate. And you can bet your bottom dollar that we would’ve been lost if I had. I just had fun enjoying the walk with some great people. And, of course, snapping some photos.

This probably sounds so stupid, but I was actually surprised to see corn growing on the stalks. I guess I figured they were out of season or something, but full heads of corn were growing, falling, and budding all around us. It was neat to see. The picture directly above is a particular favorite…the roots are so cool. Not what you’d expect to see. It reminded me of those weird scalp massagers with the claws.

Next, I’m desperately waiting to head to the pumpkin patch. I’d really like to actually carve a pumpkin this year.

A Date Night…Finally.

I say “finally” in the title of this post for 2 reasons:
1) Our date was at Turkey Hill Brewing Company, a pub/restaurant I’ve been wanting to go to for at least a year and
2) It feels like forever since we’ve had a genuine, just-the-two-of-us dinner-drinks-and-conversation sort of date.

The great thing about summer is that allows plenty of entertaining opportunities…I love a full house! But quiet couple moments tend to suffer as a result. Sure, we have plenty of sweats and coffee mornings and TV show cuddles…but I like dressing up (even if it’s just a pair of heels and some makeup with my jeans and tee) and going somewhere new.

Brad and I both got samplers of the beer…you get 6 small beers of the bar’s choice. This was a nice way of trying what they have to offer. They make all of their own beers and, from what I’ve seen in the past, the menu tends to change with the seasons and times.

I didn’t have a favorite beer (truth be told, the sampler was enough to tide me over), but I LOVED the food.
I had a pulled pork sandwich, which tends to be a go-to at brewpubs for me, but the menu is extensive with a nice amount of variety.
Flatbread pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and full-blown entrees…you can’t go hungry.

All photos were taken with my iPhone and edited in Afterlight. I apologize for the grainy look, it was dark in there!