A good weekend to all…

Bloomsburg Fair and birthday celebrations in store for me this round. Hopefully, my cold will continue to clear up so I can fully enjoy everything.

To say farewell ‘til Monday, here are some Hipstamatic pics from the iPhone.

{The film in my crappy garage refrigerator}

It’s September now…

I wish I could sleep in everyday.

I wish I could wear pajamas to work.

I wish I was professional Facebook-er, blogger, blog reader. I would be rich.

I wish…

• I could eat a plateful of Chinese buffet green beans everyday. So delicious!
• my hair would grow long (and thick) as quick as possible.
• I wasn’t a jealous person and accepted myself for who I am, instead of comparing myself to other people and focusing on all the flaws.
• things could’ve been different and I could be friends with some people that I could probably never be now.
• I had the balls to just go ahead and do things I’ve been contemplating or just nearly doing for over a year now.
• I had more interesting things to blog about.

My weekly Wednesday plans fell through and, needless to say, I am pretty bummed. I’m currently chillin’ on my bed in my comfy pants and contemplating what to do with all this new found free time. To top it off, the weather is so dreary and gray. I need my sun, my Vitamin D. I need warm breezes. Blue skies. Where are they? At least I have an activity-packed few days to look forward to starting tomorrow. And hopefully the weather will pick up.

By the way, it’s my birthday in exactly one week! I don’t usually make a fuss or yammer on and on about it. I don’t expect presents. Just some quality time with friends and family, a good meal, and maybe a pleasant day over all. Oh, and some chocolate cheesecake? I guess that’ll make aging a little better…

{A double exposure Holga photo from my trip to LBI last year. Oh how I wish I were laying on the beach with my book right now. And I wish things hadn’t changed so much since then…}

Lazy Sunday

It is a gray, rainy day. I’ve mentioned many times how much I love those. Sometimes, I wish I had someone to spend it with. I miss college so much lately, but especially when I’d like to be lounging with my friends in one of our rooms, watching crappy movies, snacking, and typically nursing hangovers.

I had a good weekend. Maria came home Friday, and, after much debate, we decided to head up to Wilkes-Barre to look around at some of the stores, get a late dinner at Panera Bread, and read magazines (and craft books, in her case) at Barnes and Noble. No matter what, we always have a good time, laughing tons and basically acting ridiculous. 

Yesterday I woke up early to head to my hair appointment. The salon is 45 minutes away, but it’s worth it. I’ve loved Ashley since I first went to her back in 2008. She is worth the trek and the money. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my hair, but when I took it out of the ponytail, she gushed at the length. She’s only known me with hair no longer than chin-length, so she encouraged me to keep growing and gave me some shape and bangs ( I’ve missed bangs!). I was getting bored and insecure with my hair, but I forgot that I haven’t had a good haircut since I went to her last March. I’ve only gotten a trim since then and it was from an older woman and at a crappy place because I was desperate for a bang trim, which she didn’t actually give me anyway. Let that be a lesson…never stoop, just go for the goods.

I experience a new first in my life. SNOW TUBING. We listen to the radio at work all day long, and they’ve been advertising it like crazy so I randomly mentioned it to my friends. Next thing you know, we’re setting up a date on Facebook to go for it. I was super nervous, like when you go on a rollercoaster for the first time, but, like with the rollercoaster, I fell in love and kept going back for more. I will definitely try to go back and do it again before the winter season is over. But this time, I’ll make sure I don’t hurt my tailbone and I’ll load up on extra pairs of socks.

As for today, I’ll be lounging in my room, playing mellow music and looking at blogs and eventually going to Joe’s to watch Lost and finish up the 3rd season. I’ve given up on the prospect of us actually catching up in time for the new season (FEB 2nd!!!), but at least I’ve seen them all anyways. I just wanted a refresher. Man, I love that show.

Part of me is wishing I had my own place in a city somewhere. I’d love to bundle up and walk the streets, eventually stopping in some cafe to have a cup of coffee and read a book or something. One day.

Life and Time

My days off feel like sick days from school. I can’t believe that I’m not a student anymore. It’s so strange. It still boggles my mind.

So does the fact that it’s October. And that it’s really chilly and I need to start layering more and more.

I’m excited to wear more sweaters, leggings, and boots. But I’ll miss being comfortable without a jacket on.

As for life right now…I’m making it really hard for myself. That is my biggest flaw. I worry and worry about something, ruining the times when it wasn’t something to worry about, and then freaking out when the event actually occurs.

I need to get stronger. I should be already. I used to be, anyway.

I hope dreams still come true. I hope hope exists. I hope that every negative thought in my head will one day be disproved and no longer exist.

Can things get any worse? I certainly hope not. Maybe it’s time for the sunny side of life…please?

From Me to Me

I can’t wait to start making some real dinero. The internet may ultimately be a waste of time, but through it I’m starting to realize what kind of life I want. What kind of goals I’d like to achieve. For one, it helped rekindle my love for writing. Blogging isn’t even close to a novel, but once I set up a decent desk space in my soon-to-be-clean room, I’m hoping it will be the perfect situation. And I’ll do it again when I move.

Another thing is, I’ve realized I don’t take enough pictures. Most of the blogs I love are reliant on the use of many pictures, whether it be because of the clothing they wear or the stories they tell. There are so many times in my life, when I take a deep breath and feel good and the world looks good and I wish wish wish that I had a camera on me to capture that moment. A cotton candy sky or the vast view of the valley from the other side.

Though I have a digital camera and it works just fine, I would love something with better quality. And unfortunately, I just don’t have money to spend on things other than food, gas, and necessities. But even more so, I am very much getting into the idea of a Holga camera (thanks to Rockstar Diaries, one of my favorite blogs). The price on Amazon seems pretty good, but I decided to look through Fred Flare and found this gem. Though it’s a bit more money, it’s also a bit more, well, me. Plus I still have some money on a gift certificate…so…we’ll see.

Perhaps someday soon, I’ll get one. I can’t wait to have pictures like that in frames around my own place.

Image from Fred Flare

TGIF

Since the weather is looking like this in humble NEPA, I couldn't be more excited for the weekend. Despite the fact that I have a good 7 hour shift at Blockbuster tomorrow, I'm planning on making this weekend fantastic and I don't intend on staying inside longer than I have to.
On a quick job note, I used to love working at Blockbuster. But lately, it's driving me nuts. For one, I'd rather work in the daytime and get my shift out of the way. Unfortunately, my shift tomorrow is from 4-11, so kinda sorta right when I'd rather be winding down or enjoying my day even more.
Which has just proved to me that I NEED to start looking for a real job...or something that won't drive me nuts like the big B. Hahaha. When I help customers, I tend to wish I was one of the content couples or relaxed loners who are about to curl up with a movie they want to watch. I MISS THAT. I hate when jobs make something simple un-fun.

At any rate, I only have 3 more days left of classes.
SO NUTS.

Also, the more I think about the end of my schooling, I can't help but look at the near future of summer vacation. Sure, the concept I've been going by will be done after this last one, or this last feeling of one. But I'm going to enjoy it anyways.
I'm looking forward to shorts and skirts, tank tops and strappy sandals. I will be going to the Hometown Auction as much as possible and loading up on chicken tenders, french fries, and Guers Iced Tea while rummaging through 1-5 dollar bins. I will make sure I lay out on the sand of Hickory Run lake at least a few times, hopefully staying away from getting burnt this time. I will eat my fill in soft-serve ice cream, grilled steak and chicken, and corn on the cob. I will enjoy my freedom. Yay.

Also, if you don't like the show Project Runway, well, I just don't know why. I am severely bummed that Bravo had issues and the show will no longer be on that channel (Instead, there is The Fashion Show, set to debut in about two weeks, and what I will consider a cheap knockoff until it proves me wrong). I heard a rumor that the next season of my beloved Project Runway will be airing on Lifetime this summer. Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn....you cannot go wrong! If this is true, then I am content.

Always about the money.

As I've mentioned in earlier posts, my tastes and style has evolved and changed over the years. I'm sure everyone else has had similar situations. But one thing that has stuck with me throughout the years is my stingy spending ways. I'll be honest, I am a HUGE cheapskate. I can't help it. I can't afford to be anything else. Aside from being unwilling to spend more than 5 dollars on any item because I was used to 50 cent shirts from the Salvation Army and being lucky enough to find everything on clearance racks, I've never really had any problems with this.
Until a bit of expensive taste came in.
It probably began with American Apparel. 28 dollars for a thin tee is pretty ridiculous. But it was AWESOME and I wanted it.
I hold myself back. The cheapskate in me will probably always win.
But when the latex leggings became a trend, I really wished I could splurge on Kova and T or Members-Only. The cheapest I was getting with those was 88 dollars. I won anyway. Target came out with 13 dolla black lame leggings that rival those and were basically a steal in comparison.
Mine don't have the stirrups, but they're just as cute for a better price.


I am also always on the hunt for shoes. I got my Doc Martens (which run at about 110 dollars, which could get me a plethora of new shirts, a pair of jeans, and tons of accessories, plus lunch and dinner at the mall while I'm out and maybe several alcoholic beverages later that night) because I asked for only them for Christmas.


Its hard to find other boots at a great price that will hold up over time and are exactly what you want, though. I have always wanted the perfect tall pair of boots. I'm just discovering the apparently very popular (thanks to Gossip Girl) Chinese Laundry Over-the-Knee Boots. If you want any good pair of these bad boys, be prepared to pay well over $150 for them. I know, compared to other designer shoes, its not really that bad. Plus, I'd probably wear the hell out of them. But...I probably won't ever get them...unless Christmas comes quickly.

Those would make any skirt, pair of shorts, or even skinny jeans the sexiest things ever. I'd probably just walk around with them on and nothing else on a regular basis.

But anyway...that wasn't the initial purpose of this post.
I want to discuss the great things that can be purchased for great low prices.
Things I love that I barely pay for.

1) Bandannas! So great. I have a collection of 18 wrapped around the back of my bed post. Sounds kinky, right? Each one is a different color, and I love them. I haven't worn them much since I got my hair chopped off. But as a headband, as a bracelet, as a neckerchief, or even folded up and put in the back of your pocket, there's just something about that classic old bandanna. It adds a little spice to anything.
Maybe you can make out the collection in my room. 3 more have been added since this picture was taken. And yes, its a college apartment, so its nothing too pretty.

2) Anything from the Dollar Tree. Yeah, they don't have clothes (really) or shoes but they have tons of snacks and tons of cute trinkets (frames, baskets, holiday-themed kitchenware) that would brighten anyone's day up. I just went there today, dropped 10 dollars, and got 10 things. They may not always have the most trustworthy things, but anything brand name that ends up there is always good. Usually its just an overstock of stuff that didn't sell. Today I bought an Aquafina Facial Mist I can't wait to try. Before, I've bought Garnier Fructis' Surf Hair texturizing spray. Good things, good things.

3) It's obvious, but charity thrift stores are where its at. Salvation Army is great. There is a new one by my school now too, the Volunteers of America. I find anything from cute scarves to the weirdest 80s and 90s clothes. Go to SalVal on a Wednesday and its Family Day, which means 50% off every color ticket but one. If you can't make it then, there's a 50% sale everyday on different color tickets. Volunteers of America usually has a 50% off one color, and 75% off another. Amazing. I bought a shirt and two scarves for around 2 bucks once.

4) The clearance section of Target really is a godsend. And they are seriously on top of trends. You can find things that probably won't make it to the department stores for us normal, un-rich folk for a while. Floral skirts (they are in right now), the leggings I previously mentioned. Plus they have a real designer come in and make stuff at reasonable prices. Even if I don't buy stuff there, just knowing I could if I really wanted to is reassuring.

I am sure I can come up with more.
But I always say, splurge if you want to!
I think its nice to have nice, expensive things.
Usually, they are better anyway. They will last longer.
But keep in mind...you can always find something cheaper and just as great!

Things I love/want/like now

As is customary for anyone who can't always get what they want, I tend to become obsessed with things. Maybe not crazy-style obsessed, but ya know, I daydream about the outfits I'd wear with that pair of boots. Or I imagine what he would kiss like. Or I wonder what that meal on Food Network would taste like. Or whatever.

I decided to share some things I am thinking about, that I like, or that I may want to buy or do or get somehow someday.

For starters, since I'm so desperate for a bit of change in my life, here's the things i have in mind.
My hair is growing out and I really just want a nice, fun, short 'do. I'm not looking to grow it past my chin, but to have a fun, messy, girly bob would be nice. As much as I loved the short hair and the ease it brought, I began to get insecure with it.
I am kinda obsessed with this 'do, and its actually kind of the reason I decided to dye my hair black.

I am all about something fun, easy, and messy. And I really just need a trim and shape up. Unfortunately, I can't afford it yet.

Then, change a bit more drastic. A face piercing. The septum to be exact. It's so weird and yet strangely attractive sometimes. I want something cool, to try something different, but I really don't think I could pull it off. At any rate, my mind wanders to it.
I wish I had the balls enough to do it. I mean, you could always take it out. But my dad would probably murder me. Scratch that...he would murder me.

Clothes-wise, I am obsessed with leggings. For some reason, as much as I will always love jeans with the rest of the world, I love changing it up. I already have a few great pairs (Gold lame, black lame, floral, magenta spandex, plus a variety of tights), but I always want more. And American Apparel is the way to go. These are my current favorites:


Honestly, the crazier the better for me. Too bad they are wwwwwwaaaaaaaayyyyyy expensive.

And, for a long time now, I've wanted a pair of Nike high tops.

Of course, these are also expensive.
I'm keepin' them all on my wishlist. Maybe I'll hit the jackpot someday. Or get some balls.