Friday, June 24, 2011

Bouncin' Round!

Sorry to do this, AGAIN! but I have started yet another new blog for my time here in Florida! It will be so much easier to update and lots of fun posts to do! Check it out over at flasunshinestateofmind.blogspot.com!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Words of Wisdom!

Today, I received a surprise graduation card that I was not expecting. It meant so much to me because it was from a friend of our family's that I have always admired. Enclosed was this great piece of advice that I thought I would share:

"Always remember who you are and be true to yourself. One day life will ask you who you are and if you don't know, then it will tell you."

Have a great night!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

SHE'S BAAAACK!

Hello hello again! Sorry for my long absence, but like I said-- busy beee! Here are a few snapshots to catch you up on some things I've been doing in my absence:

I posed with one of my littles at my last formal...
I soaked up some rays at the Foxfield Horse Races...
I said goodbye to my sweet DDD seenya sistas...
Headed to OBX with my SA loves for a week at the beach...
And... Hmmm... I feel like I am forgetting something??

OH, YA! I GRADUATED!!!! See you again, soon, JMU! This is just see ya later, not goodbye!

There are also pics from a little post grad trip to Vegas I will start sharing tomorrow! Stay tuned!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Where in the world is... ELH?!

I feel so bad for neglecting my poor little blog these past few weeks. I was on such a roll! But with exams, a whole long list of "lasts", cleaning 4 years of miscellaneous "treasures" out of my apartment and loving on my best buddies, there has just been no time for blogging (or eating, sleeping, or making money!). Rest assured that ideas have been racking up in my mind and SO many exciting events have happened while I've been away (Hint: NYC, Formal, a super fun horse race... ETC!). Bear with me and my sweet little bloggy as I live up these last few DAYS!

Monday, April 25, 2011

"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them"- Walt Disney

My next chapter finally has a title:

Disney Fairytale Weddings Marketing and Social Media Intern!

I got the call this morning and absolutely couldn't believe it! They said that I was chosen out of hundreds of people-- dreams really do come true :) (I've been on a Disney kick all day!)

Though I'm a little nervous and a little scared to go so far away all alone, I know that in the end it will be so worth it! It's just another adventure out there waiting for me!

LET'S DO THIS!

I live for entertainment, my darling

I always get so nervous when my favorite books are turned into movies. It's one of those things that makes me clench my teeth and peep through my fingers as they're covering my eyes. But sometimes Hollywood gets it right (not to mention those times when the movie is better than the book! Gasp, did she just go there? Oh, yes, I did).

Now one thing that's not okay is if a certain idiot boy takes you on a date to see the last Harry Potter movie and complains when I bring up the book saying "I hate when books are based on movies". Um. Hokay. Byebye.

Here are a few of my faves coming up soon!

Water for Elephants




Something Borrowed




The Help




and then some of my all time faves:


The Notebook



The Secret Life of Bees



He's Just Not That Into You

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Let's Run Away Forever, Let's Spend Some Time Together


We'll never feel bad anymoreeeeee- Oh Weezer, your peppy tunes keep me afloat :)

So, after much inspiration from my friends and of course great advice from Miss Christine at Bun and Borough, I have strapped on the old running shoes. I typically am one to run only if I am being chased, but for some reason I have been really inspired recently! Here are some things keeping me motivated:

1. Accountability. A lot of my friends and I have been keeping track of each others fitness and that has been working so well for me. Though I can't necessarily run or work out with anyone else, seeing "WWJD (What Would Jillian Michaels Do?)" right on the fridge really keeps things in perspective.

2. A rockin' soundtrack. Fun, fast paced grooves keep me wanting to move and also help with my timing and pacing. I am trying to roughly follow the Couch to 5K program, and each song is around 2 minutes-- purrrrfect. Plus, who can sit still when you hear this: We are young. Heartache to heartache, we stand. No promises, no demands. LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD!". Uhh, didn't think so.

3. Spectators. Usually, beeping from a car is not a positive thing in my book. However, when I'm in the zone, hear a honk and look up to be greeted with a big smile and a thumbs up, it makes my swagger that much more fierce.

4. Nature. The weather has been exceptional recently (besides the ridiculous amount of pollen...!) and it means so much to me to get to hang out outside and get my run on. I am also appreciating my gorgeous city and campus as much as I can before I head out! Fresh air does a multitude of things for the ol' body and, like, how cute is it when you see a bunny, a deer or a sweet little bird chillin' by your path? I felt like freaking Cinderella!

5. Timing is everything. In these last 2 weeks of school, I am jam packing school work, hanging with friends and tying up loose ends. It's HARD to make time for exercise, especially a one hour class where you have to get yourself together at a specific time and just... ack. A run can be short, long, in the morning, in the evening, and it can also get me from point A to point B!

Happy Easter!




Happy Easter, y'all!

I woke up a little bit sad this morning because this is the first Easter Sunday that I won't be spending with my family. It's our last weekend at school before exams and the timing just didn't quite work out.

However, I am so looking forward to beginning a few new traditions today! My roommate and I are going to see Water for Elephants as our special Easter treat. Then, we're going to come back and whip up some cute cupcakes, stuffing and my Grandma's potato cassarole and head over to a big "family" dinner with all our best friends.

Though it's hard to be away from my rents and my sweet little pup today, I am so excited to make some new holiday memories with my bffs :)

Friday, April 22, 2011

Hey, it's ok!

When my brother and I were little, we were very confident in ourselves. I don't know if we picked it up from Sesame Street or from something my parents would say, but when we did something wrong, we would always say "but thas ok!" Ex: "I broke a lamp.. But thas ok!" Like we were letting ourselves off the hook. Too funny.

One of my favorite parts of Glamour magazine is the section called "Hey! It's ok!" It basically outlines a few things people might do on the sly and says "Ya know what, don't be embarrassed! You're not alone and what you're doing is coool with the Universe". Not only is this SUCH a fun and funny section, but we could all be a little easier on ourselves. So, without further ado, I bring you a new weekly feature, Hey! It's Ok! (all credit goes to Glamour, I'm just a loyal fan!)



It's ok to eat a cupcake for breakfast. They are cute and tasty and that's really all I have to say on the topic.

It's ok to ditch your iPod for the day and catch snippits of other people's conversations on your daily bus ride. (why don't you listen to nature and your own mind, while you're at it?!)

It's ok to convince yourself that you are getting some of your daily protein from eating a Reese's egg.

It's ok to peek at the end of your book to see if you can figure out who's fallen in love by the last chapter and if they live happily ever after.

It's ok to talk with your roommates in a completely made-up accent. or a completely made up language altogether, if we're going there.

It's ok to pack a bag and grab a buddy (or alone!) and run off for the night on an impromptu roadtrip.


Remember to be easy on yourself this week. You're your own best friend and believe me, you haven't let you down yet!


image via weheartit.com

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Life is like a box of crayons


“Life is like a box of crayons. Most people are the 8-color boxes, but what you're really looking for are the 64-color boxes with the sharpeners on the back. I fancy myself to be a 64-color box, though I've got a few missing. It's ok though, because I've got some more vibrant colors like Periwinkle at my disposal. I have a bit of a problem though, in that I can only meet the 8-color boxes. Does anyone else have that problem? I mean there are so many different colors of life, of feeling, of articulation.. so when I meet someone who's an 8-color type.. I'm like, "Hey girl, Magenta!" and she's like, "Oh, you mean Purple!" and she goes off on her purple thing, and I'm like, "No - I want Magenta!”

-John Mayer

Monday, April 18, 2011

Thank ya, Thank ya very much!


In the spirit of Bun and Borough, Let's be Preppy, Love, Life and Lace and the other great, thankful gals, I have decided to jump on the bandwagon and put a little more gratitude in my weekly groove! I love the idea of counting my blessings so I can't wait to reflect each week and put 'em all in writing!

1. Thank you to the awesome Blogging world for starting this tradition. How fun!
2. Gracias to my sweet roommates for making me laugh until I cry, no matter how stressed out I am.
3. Thank ya, Starbucks cake pops. Thank ya for being you.
4. THANXXXX to the Computing Help desk for rescuing sweet Lottie (my laptop) from passing on to that laptop heaven in the sky this morning.
5. Shout out to Country music for being my soundtrack on these past few windows down, jams up kind of days.
6. Holla to being number 3 university in the nation for food and being spoiled rotten with yummy eats whenever I want 'em. My bathing suit bod might not be as grateful.
7. I appreciate all the underclassmen who are making my last few weeks as a #SEENYA so special. Private acapella concerts, progressive dinners, baskets of goodies. Stoppp you are all too kind.
8. Big ups to the prospective student who ran up to me today on campus and told me that I was the reason she was coming to school here.
9. Thank you to coffee, who will probably be on my list every week. We didn't agree with each other at first, we had a rocky start and still haven't known each other very long, but I think we make a stellar team.

The honorable mention goes to......
10. FOREVER 21!!! For getting me my Formal dress by the day of Formal :) She came within 15 minutes of me having to leave, I coulda (maybe tried to...?) hugged the UPS man. However, sadly, I am not a 13 year old Leprechaun and therefore it was unwearable. Kelly green, silk, literally the size of a hanky. Welllll it's the thought that counts!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Birthday Wishes

"You may not remember the time you let me go first.
Or the time you dropped back to tell me it wasn't that far to go.
Or the time you waited at the crossroads for me to catch up.
You may not remember any of those, but I do and this is what I have to say to you:

Today, no matter what it takes,

we ride home together."
StoryPeople

Happiest of birthdays to my role model and one of my best friends: my big brother. I'd always known he was a pretty cool guy, even back when he would shut me up in closets or tell me that if my teeth fell out too soon I would have to glue them back in with sugar and butter.

Recently, he has become so much cooler in my eyes. He has been through so much and is honestly one of the smartest, funniest, most down to earth and strongest people I know. He is an inspiration to me every day and I am so lucky to call him mine. I guess our 'rents did a pretty good job, eh? eh?

Happy Day, Bubby. I love you!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Take a look, it's in a book.... READING RAINBOW!

Well... Not quite. But can I get a few points for the throwback? Tell me you won't be singing it all day, and I will tell you you're probably lying ;)

I was SO excited to hop on GoogleReader today and see College Prepster's BOOK CLUB!

I'm forever the one with my nose in a book. Last summer when I lived alone, I read over 40 books! I felt like Matilda with my little stack of books, my library card and my bow walking up the giant stairs of the downtown library.

I am also just tickled pink that she chose Saving CeCe Honeycutt.



I have been wanting to read this for a long time and have heard such great things about it! I can't wait to start reading it and post my review!

In other book news, I have been dying to read Water for Elephants before the movie comes out. Thoughts anyone??

Have a great day!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Poppies! Poppies!




Though this is not a new realization, this is my first time admitting it to the blog world (I am a new little girl!). "Hello, I am addicted to large, large flowers".

Flashback to 1st grade... There stands a teary-eyed, pitiful little freckled face, lip a-quivering. On that particular day, my mom had decided to place a large (read:bigger than my head) sunflower bow in my hair. Ultimately, this warranted some undesirable comments from a young man in my class. "He called me... D-D-DDD... HE CALLED ME DAISY!"

Hi, TRAUMATIZING.

However, just a few years later, you must know I have recovered famously and that 75% of my ample headband collection has a giant flower on it. I have pins, ponytail holders, and the like. I guess you could say ol' "Daisy" was ahead of her time.

When I discovered Emerson Made's website, I was in heaven. The flowers are so beautiful and I couldn't help imagining all the different places I would put them. How cute do they look on a simple blazer:

Super adorbs. I gotta find a way to get my paws on one of these. And SOON! Because I think everyone will love me a little bit more with a large flower on me.

That is all.

As I Lay Me Down To Rest...

I pray for Forever to hurry my formal dress!

I'm AWFUL about ordering things online. I always get into such a nervous fit, no matter if I have a deadline or not! This time, there is a deadline... and I MAY or MAY NOT have cut it a little close. Last Wednesday I asked all my Twitta sistas about how quick Forever 21 shipped and if it was worth it. I got a resounding "yes!!!!!!" so I placed the order.

I just looked yesterday at the ol' tracking info, and it was a little disheartening. 2 days late to be exact. Now, what can I do with a formal dress 2 days after formal?? EEEK!!

So, let's all close our eyes and have a moment of silence that this little beauty will arrive on time:
I may not look as fierce wearing it. But I mean I guess I will still flounce around in it every single day even if it is late! SO CUTE.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

The Sun is Up, The Skies are Blue...

They're beautiful, and so are you!

This must be movie week here at Flourish, unbeknown to me! Across the Universe is another sure favorite. The Beatles are a huge inspiration to me and have been part of my life since I was a babe and I think its so amazing how seamlessly they put together all their music to fit a storyline. It's a little trippayyy at times but I mean, ok!

This song came on my iTunes this morning and it's sweet lyrics made me smile. I feel like I've been a bit "Prudence" recently so I am ready to open up my eyes and greet the brand new day :)




Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play?
Dear Prudence, greet the brand new day
The sun is up, the sky is blue
It's beautiful and so are you
Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play?

Dear Prudence, open up your eyes
Dear Prudence, see the sunny skies
The wind is low, the birds will sing
That you are part of everything
Dear Prudence, won't you open up your eyes?

Look around, around
Look around, around, around
Look around

Dear Prudence, let me see you smile
Dear Prudence, like a little child
The clouds will be a daisy chain
So let me see you smile again
Dear Prudence won't you let me see you smile?

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Expectations vs. Reality


Expectations. Reality.

Firstly, this is one of my favorite movies of all time. I think it is so witty, so well put together and such a strange twist and turn of events. This montage gets me every.single.time.

I love to look at life this way, as a series of expectations vs. reality. I feel like I always see things as I expect them to be. Sometimes I find myself going through an event in the "perfect" way several times before it even happens.

I also find that the lower my expectations are for something, the more surprised I am with a pleasant outcome. The more I look forward to something and build it up in my mind, the easier it is to come crashing down.

Whenever I let my little metaphorical buggy get in front of my little metaphorical horse, I always think of this scene. Albeit a little disappointing, I feel like 500 Days hits the ol' nail right on the head! Plus, who doesn't want to take 2 hours out of their day to daydream that they're Zooey Deschanel? I do. I ain't gonna lie. I just do.

Happy rainy Tuesday!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

"The circle of your friends will defend your silver lining"


"You know it's nothing new, bad news never had good timing/then, the circle of your friends will defend your silver lining"- John Mayer The Heart of Life




My dad came up to visit tonight, and we had quite a deep chat. I swear that dude can just look at me and he goes "Babygirl, why are you sad?" before I even realize that I am.

I started to tell him about all the worries I had about leaving my friends once I get out of school. Will we keep in touch? Will they be in my wedding? Will my kids call them "Aunt"? I've heard it all... Your good friends will always stick with you, people will surprise you, keeping in touch is a full-time job. And I wholeheartedly believe all of it.

He told me tonight something that really made sense. We all have different circles of friends. He told me to imagine a really still pond, and then drop a rock in it. This forms a ripple, and everyyyboddyyy knows we all get a few ripples in our life. If you look at the formation that is made from these ripples, you can see several circles. There is the center, which is you and your family. The next circle affected by this ripple are your closest friends. From that point on, the ripples continue to grow and spread out farther. These circles may not be close to you, but they are affected by your life and they love you, always, whether you know it or not. Some circles will cry with you on your porch swing while others will send a card or a casserole. Some may just think about you after they see you at the grocery store. But no matter how far you grow apart from people, you are always still connected to them. And, as you continue to live your life and meet new friends, your circle gets even bigger and bigger.

See? He is one wise, wise dude.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Swing, Swing, Sweet beginnings do arise

Stress. Stress. Stress.

So far, this week has been yet another emotional roller coaster. Some days I am on top of the world, living up my last few days with my best friends. The next minute, I'm getting a headache thinking of all the possibilities that exist after I leave this amazing place. Not to mention my Campaigns class project, schoolwork, Greek Week and Student Ambassadors. Stress, baby.

Ever since I was young, swinging just seemed to relax me. When I first learned how to pump my legs, I felt the coolest kind of freedom. It makes me feel like I'm flying and that, y'all, is just what I need sometimes. If I am truly at the end of my wits, I say something positive on every upswing. Other times, I blast out a positive playlist on the old iPod or just let my mind wander in the quiet.

Tonight, I had company. I was getting giggles from a pack of 8 year olds during my whole swing sesh but ya know what... So?? They were having fun, I was having fun. (But can't you get timeout or something for laughing at the other children? Rude.)

My friends think I'm crazy, but honestly, a nice long swing does the body good. Literally. My glutes and arms are shakin' but I can actually hear myself think again. And that's groovy.

What do y'all do when you need to de-stress?? I am obviously going to need some more ideas in the coming weeks :)

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Wonder Woman Wednesday!

Today, like every week, is Wonder Woman Wednesday. Since I have no classes today, I started a tradition at the beginning of the year of being super-productive instead of just laying about (though it is VERY tempting sometimes!).

For example, today's activities include:
Cleaning my whole room
Re-doing the ol' sock drawer
LOTS of laundry
Gym time
Volunteering
Coffee date and a meeting afterward
Going to the bank
...and responding to some e-mails and following up on jobs!

Last week, I spent #WWW at home because I had surprised my mom the night before for her birthday. Other weeks, I save today for running errands, phone interviews, meeting with professors and the like.

Do y'all have any "power" days that make you extra motivated? Do tell :)

Monday, March 28, 2011

Senior Year Spaz-Out

Everyone's heard of the Sophomore Slump. Everyone's surely heard of Senioritis. But the Senior-Year Spaz Out must truly be experienced to be understood. It can come in the middle of the night, the day of a huge test/exam or simply spending time that you know you won't have forever with friends you know may be far away in a few short weeks.

Up until this morning, I was cool as as cucumber. Picture me with an April calendar, nonchalantly filling in the last 6 weekend blocks with camping trips, mini-vacations and daylong shenanigans in our own backyards. Explaining to the DMV that I only had my current address for ONE more month? No sweat. Yammering on to my cousins about the bedding I had picked out for my future apartment (in which I will live and travel to the job I don't have...) big whoop!

But today, today it all hit me. I was just returning e-mails and trying to figure out where I could squeeze in a campus tour when my little eyes welled up. No more campus tours. No more sorority formals. No more mornings in bed playing on Adobe InDesign, putting off studying rocks and landslides.

Don't get me wrong, I am so excited for the next step, whatever it may be. But as my wise friend told me, once this realization hits, it doesn't subside. And every little thing I complain about, I now feel guilty because I will never have these little worries again. So, I suppose I am complaining less and being grateful more.... There, isn't that nice??

Friday, March 18, 2011

"Life gives us our dreams a size too big so that we can grow in them!"

When it comes to my future, I am very open in terms of plans and goals. I know that I want to be happy and healthy, in a job that I love. In my current search, however, I always keep a list of criteria to remind me what I love about my major and where I aspire to be.

1. Creativity

The number one trait I look for in a job would be that I get to use my creativity. Whether I am designing campaign material, writing, using social media, etc., I love that I can have the freedom to put a personal spin on my products. I hope that in a job I will be able to showcase this.

2. Variety

I am a hard worker, and very dedicated to tasks that I am assigned. At the same time, I tend to stay focused best when I have a great variety of tasks. My dream job would include meetings, computer work, research, event planning and design all wrapped up in a pretty package! I thrive in a constantly changing environment.

3. Communication

From a young age, my parents referred to me as "Hooked on Phonics". I have cultivated this love of communicating through years of school and professional experience. Whether I am chatting face to face or posting in a social media forum, I am most certainly a people person!

4. Passion

I find that I work the best when I am passionate about the cause that I am representing. I have created materials for everything from environmental to nonprofit to restaurant. Each of these projects has taken a special place in my heart and I felt truly invested in my efforts. This is also why a nonprofit organization speaks to me. I highly value the feeling I get when I finish up volunteering and I can't imagine getting to do that every day of my life.

Overall, these are just a few things that I search for in a position. Each day I think of a new idea that I want to do with my life. This list keeps me grounded and reminds me why I love what I do!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Big City Life!

During my spring break, I was lucky enough to get to roadtrip my little Pontiac down to Charlotte, NC. My friend lives there and I have been dying to return ever since my visit last year.

Charlotte appeals to me in a variety of different ways. It is close to home, which is important to me for a first job. While I am definitely open to travel and leaving the "bubble" (a 3-hour radius my Dad created!), a close proximity to home is a luxury I would love to have as I begin my career.

Charlotte is a big city, but it has a small town feel. Whenever I talk about it, I like to equate it to my experience with JMU. I was nervous at first to venture away from Roanoke, I loved it the minute I stepped foot in the area, and I know that I want to spend some time there. also, it is just Southern enough for me to feel right at home!

I spent a lot of time site-seeing, lounging outside and of course, a little shopping! The city seemed to have so much to offer and such a great variety of living areas, entertainment and employment. Truly something for everyone! I can already picture myself showing my parents around the cool museums and running around the cute downtown area with my girlfriends. Too soon? Ehh, a girl can dream!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Job Search Continues...

I have returned safely (and soundly!) from a relaxing spring break! I am continuing to search high and low for a job that would be a perfect fit!

Recently, I have been very interested in the nonprofit field. I love the idea of serving others every single day through the work that I do. I have become very attached to the missions of the organizations that I am applying for, and I hope that my skills match their needs.

Throughout college, I have been very involved in volunteering and service. It never occurred to me until recently that I could, in fact, combine my love of PR, social media and communication with my passion for helping others.

I am still on the hunt in many different fields for opportunities. I have been lucky to meet many amazing people during my college career, making lasting connections. They have been so helpful to turn to for advice and suggestions about the "grown-up" world! While I am so drawn to the nonprofit field, my eyes and my mind are open all across the board.

Earlier today in a "life chat" with my roommate, it occurred to us that the right job definitely will find us one way or another. I know, I know... DUH! Sometimes it just helps to say it out loud and to hear someone else agree with you. We have 8 weeks left of classes and college life, and the job hunt is just nothing to get so spun up over :)

Well, those are all my ramblings for today. Stay tuned for more (hopefully positive!) updates!