It's a Blog Eat Blog World.

Or at least that is what they want you to think!

Thankfully there is a community of fellow blog writing, inter-web obsessed lunatics. I of course mean this in a loving way, as I am included in this category. It is a blast to be a part of a group of PDX bloggers. If you are interested in new friends (cyber and real) check out the site and join the blog list!

Anywho, I did a guest post over on the Portland Bloggers Blog! Check it out Here.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Open letter to Christina Aguilera.

Dear Christina,

You have an amazing voice. That is my first statement because your talent is outstanding and I want you to remember it as this letter continues.

Christina, I reflect on the days of "Genie in a Bottle" with fond memories. Time spent making up dances in the cul-de-sac on a hot summer day. Jumping on the trampoline and singing "Come on Over" at the top of my lungs. It was glorious.

Then you decided to be a Latin singer… before blossoming into X-Tina. At this time you also decided that clothes were optional, piercings were key to your look and thought spray tans were probably a good idea. Your songs on Stripped were dynamite, but something happened… were you confused? Trying to find "the real xtina”? I was confused too. But I did have a blast at the Stripped/Justified concert. I do wish you and Justin sang at least one song together though. I know it is weird, but that album reminds me of Christmas. My sister and I listened to that CD non-stop all winter, probably because every song was amazing. Personal fave: "Get mine, Get Yours."

After that, you somehow became linked to Target in my mind. Why is that? Back to Basics, Burlesque, that weird robot album… What!? You have the pipes! SING! That is all we want. I am a fan of you and your voice. I am going to speak for your fan base and tell you that good songs are the only thing we are looking for from you. We don’t need a new persona every few years. Just good pop music that is easy to belt to in the car.

I like you on The Voice. You are a sassy beez. You have a good dynamic with the other judges and it is fun to see you in a normal-ish environment. Although, your boobs are always out. You should tuck those girls in at least once a week... I promise they won't suffocate. Time for a new stylist maybe? I am excited for your new album! I have high hopes for what it may contain.

Remember Mickey Mouse Club? Me too.

Love,
Laura

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Chelanigans

This past weekend I went up to Lake Chelan, WA to celebrate the 26th birthday of one of my dearest friends. We have known each other since age 12, so yeah, we have celebrated a lot of birthdays together. And let me tell you, they just keep getting better! This celebration was no exception… we managed to get into some chelanigans! (That is a play on the word shenanigans. In case you don’t get it. It also happens to be the name of a bar in Chelan, but that is neither here nor there.)

The whole area was majorly smoky due to wildfires, but that didn’t extinguish our good time! (pun intended)

We spent most of the weekend laughing, snacking and wine tasting. You know that sounds like an awesome time! Don’t deny it.

Off we go! 

Roommates! 

The Sassiest vineyard. Hard Row to Hoe

See how smoky it was!? 

Cheers from the birthday girl! 

Off to get my hair done! Oh sorry, did you think I was going to write about the NFL refs? Ha! I crack myself up.

Define crisp: fresh, brisk, clear.

Crisp mornings are here! It won’t be too long before we also have crunchy leaves to go with our crunchy Honeycrisp apples. Bust out the cozy sweaters, scarfs and boots. Let’s do this fall!

Fall Foliage! 

Truly the best apple in existence.

Nobody likes fall more than the guy represented below. I texted him to ask for the apple picture (above) that he posted on Insta. You guys, he has some big ideas for a fall post. I have honestly never met anyone so in love with the autumn season.

And I did write about him. Booya!

Happy almost weekend folks!
Oh, and I am LITERALLY eating a Honeycrisp right now. *not pictured above

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What are you looking for?

Apparently women in their 20's are always looking for one of three things: a job, an apartment or a boyfriend.

Maybe we should ask the professionals. Excuse me, Lena? 

Something about this doesn’t settle right. But as I think about my friends who have a steady beau, it does stand true. One had a boyfriend and a job but was actively looking for a new apt. and now that she signed a lease she is looking for a career move. My roommate seems to get a new job every 4-6 months!

If you have all three, does that mean you are simply biding your time and getting antsy for something new? Or are you just ahead of the curve? Remember, this loosely based non-scientific theory only applies to 20-somethings. If you are a 20-something with all of the above, hopefully it is the job or apartment you are shopping for.... but whatevs. I promise not to tell your boyfriend.

So really, what are we looking for? Why are we so anxious about the next thing?

I don't know where I heard or read this, but it wasn't an original idea. Not trying to plagiarize, just don't remember.

I guess I'm somewhat looking for one of those... You can guess which one. What about people who are looking for more than one!? Are they on a lower rung of life at that particular moment? I do recall a dark time where I was looking for all three. It sucked.

Lastly, I would like to encourage everyone to start saying “going steady.” We need to bring it back! It is such a lovely way of talking about ones relationship. It means that things have been steady! No turmoil. Oh, and when you are fighting things need to be “on the rocks.” We don’t simply want to know if you are together or not, inquiring minds need to know the exact status of that steady vs. rocky relationship.

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How to glow like J-Lo.

I got a facial yesterday and now I am glowing like J-Lo.

I recently changed my skin regimen (thanks to my friend and MK consultant Nicole) and have noticed a big difference in my skin and how my makeup goes on. Who knew the importance of good moisturizer? Not just  any moisturizer, but good moisturizer. I use Mary Kay and love it. I also use a Clarisonic and can tell the difference in my skin when I haven’t been using it. Totally worth the investment.

I know we are young, but it is really important to start taking care of your skin early. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to look like a California Raisin.

This post is my version of an after school special. 

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It was cold yesterday.

I gave in. I ordered a PSL and it was glorious! I try to resist as long as possible because for the last 2 years I have really burnt out on them by the end of the season. I plan to be strategic this year. Which feels appropriate considering it is an election year and there will be strategery all over the place!

Pumpkin Spice makes everything nice. 

Did that last comment make it seem like I am plugged into politics!? No? Just SNL? Ha! SNL is different than PSL. Both great, but different.

PS. I know nothing about politics.

I guess I should also mention that it is September 11th. Obviously you already know that, because it says the date in the corner of your computer or on your phone. Also because it is already noon and you don't live under a rock... Or you do, but who am I to judge? Last year I did a post on my experience of 9-11-01. It was a terrifying day for a 14 year old who had never heard the word terrorism before. If only I knew then how it would change our lives forever.

I am injured.

Somehow I tweaked my neck and can’t fully turn my head to the right. Okay, when I say “somehow” I am lying. I know how… and no it was not from something cool like tumbling or wake-boarding. I am pretty sure it is from jumping up and down on the ottoman in my living room and launching myself into the adjacent chair.

You must be wondering, how could this happen? Well, Lauren was over at my house and I was appalled that she hadn’t seen the preview for Pitch Perfect.

The exchange:
Me: I can’t wait until we can go see Pitch Perfect.
Lauren: What is that?
Me: You haven’t seen the preview!? WHAT!? Shut your face! We. Need. To. Watch. It. Right. Now. Now! (Each period represents me jumping up and down and wigging out.)

That is how I hurt myself. Glorious. It is just so incredibly ridiculous. My sister recently hurt her neck too. But she did it running Hood to Coast... not quite the same thing.

In case you live under a rock like Lauren and haven’t seen this:

Oh! Other than my pathetic injury, I recently had a triumph as well. Someone found my blog with the search, “how to be confident doing things alone.” VICTORY!

Happy Friday to you all! I love short weeks.

Green green, the ivy twines…

…’round my sorority.

Okay! I will admit it. I was a sorority girl and I loved it. Lately I have been feeling nostalgic, so here is a post to get it out of my system.

It is recruitment season and one of my favorite things about Greek Life was rush. I know I am kind of alone out here. Most people hate rush. It requires time and practices and planning.

The reason I loved rush so much is because it was time that all of my sisters were spending together! At rush practice we would have our moments to goof-off and socialize. It was fantastic quality time that forced sisterly bonding.

I loved rush so much that I decided to be in-charge my senior year. Well, they actually elected me to be in charge… sooo that’s tight. I'm awesome. Don't worry about it.

Here are a couple of the annual group shots that were taken after welcoming in our new members:

This was so many years ago!! I am too old to be writing about this.

My favorite things about sorority are probably unique. It wasn’t about the events, but instead about getting ready. I liked the quality time and preparation more than actually going. That stood true for recruitment, parties and really anything else! Call me a loser.

My class within the sorority was a lot of fun and one of my favorite traditions was strictly with them. We always went to dinner together after Pref. and no matter what was going on in our personal lives, that dinner was always filled with uncontrollable laughter. We were either really funny or really tired. Probably tired... It was the last day of recruitment after all.

The Pledge Class of '05

It is always fun to re-unite as your friends make big life changes too. The weddings have begun… How long until babies are in the mix!?

My preference (pun!) for preparation and pre-function stands true today. In regard to holidays, birthdays and even weddings! I usually enjoy the day spent planning, primping, cooking and bonding more than the event that follows.

Am I the only one who prefers the pre-party? There can be cocktails! Anyone?

Let's savor summer and September.

It is not fall. Why is everyone talking about fall? I have not smelled the crisp air, I am not pulling out my layers yet, and I am not about to order a pumpkin spice latte. I was wearing shorts yesterday!

It is still 80 degrees every day!!! Are you people out of your minds? Yes, school is starting and it is almost time for transitional clothing. Key word: ALMOST.

Seriously people. I am still working on my tan. It is always at least a couple weeks into September when the transition happens. You will know because mornings will be crispy, it actually smells like fall and a few trees will begin to turn pre-maturely. Be prepared, but not overzealous. Start planning your fun fall outfits and seasonal coffee order, I know I have. But do not abandon your dresses and iced beverages just yet. If you do, you will be sweltering and uncomfortable.

Don’t get me wrong, I am stoked! I LOVE fall. It is my favorite season and September is my favorite month. So don’t ruin it for me by rushing into November. Let fall come naturally and on its own time. I want to savor every moment.

… while wearing my new suede booties when it is the appropriate temperature.

One more question. Does all this “back to school” talk make anyone else wish they were getting on the Hogwarts Express!? Nope. Just me? Cool.

If you are serious about leaving summer behind. Here are posts from last year about Back to School and the Fall season.