How to Be A Successful Vegetarian

For those of you who know me personally, I am a pollotarian. That means that I only eat chicken or turkey for my meats. I've been a full pollotarian for over 4 months now, and I've never felt better about myself and my body. I feel more healthier, plus I don't eat any animal (except chickens, but that's okay).
Other than pollotarian, there's several different types of vegetarian. There's the full blown vegetarian who doesn't eat any meat. There's pollo-pescetarian which is when you don't eat beef, but eat fish and chicken. There's pollotarian, which is what I am. And of course there's vegan when you don't eat or use any animal products.
Needless to say, it's a big transition to go from eating meat to not eating meat. However, many people will soon become vegetarians, despite the fact that it isn't easy. However, I have some helpful tips to help all of y'all out!
Make it a gradual change, not a drastic one. Start by slowing weeding meat out of your life. That means instead of eating meat as often as you normally do, limit it to once a week. Then once a month. Slowly phasing it out helps your body adjust faster. At least in my experiences, anyways. When I first decided to become a pollotarian, I limited my beef consumption to once a month. Then gradually after a few months, I decided to eat none what so ever.
Take your vitamins. Talk to your doctor about your lifestyle choices, because chances are you're probably going to need a supplement for whatever you're giving up. I take iron supplements, because at first I used to get very sick and dizzy all of the time. Ever since I started though, I've been feeling like that less and less.
Discover new foods. During the times that I was waning myself off of meat, I began to discover awesome foods to eat in lieu of it. It can become very boring eat nothing but chicken, but I've begun to branch out. I now enjoy quesadillas, veggie wraps, and sweet potato fries to name a few awesome things that I've been enjoying. Discovering new foods are awesome because it could then lead to a new food obsession!

Are you a vegetarian of any kind? If so, what kind and why? Let me know in the comments below.

Relationship Transferrance.

There's some relationships that just affect us, and our way of being. Whether it's something that has happened to us months or even years ago, it's something that we bring into our present day selves. Even if the person who caused us all of the pain is no longer present in your life.
It's safe to say that some people leave scars in our hearts. I myself am victim of this way of thinking. Unfortunately, by playing the victim of all of this only means one thing. That to this day, we are letting them win.
Often, I worry about the same things that happened to me in my past will happen again. I think that's a part of human nature. However, we have to be realistic. The person that you are now involved with may or may not hurt you. There's no way to tell whether or not that's going to happen. But, even though that they may make you feel the same way as the person who hurt you before them did, they are not that same person. That my friends is known as relationship transference.
Relationship transference is when you transfer your feelings from the person that hurt you, and then project them to a new relationship that has nothing to do with that other person. It puts a wall on your heart, no matter how broken it once was. It makes you feel like you're going to get hurt again and fall into that perpetual pattern. But, honestly the likelihood of someone hurting you again in that same way is slim. I often am a person who does this, by letting something that happened in my past relationship define who I am currently.
And that my friends is letting the person who hurt you win, and control you.
Do we want that? No.
So, raise your hand if you have been hurt. I'm sorry to those who have been hurt by someone who once claimed that they loved you. But, now look it's over. You've survived the pain, and you got through it probably being stronger than you did coming in. You learned something that you'll take with you to your next relationship. Now, let it all go. Let go feeling scared of what you're going to face with this new person. Let go all of the pain, because we can never avoid feeling pain. If we do, we continue to hurt and to shut ourselves off from ever achieving perfect happiness. You're letting the person control you, and that's something that you really don't want to, now do you? You all deserve complete and total bliss, whether you don't think you do. You don't deserve as Lea would sing "suffering, pain, and the falling rain." So stop transferring. I know it's hard, but you can do it. That someone who is in front of you isn't the person incognito who is out there to hurt you. Remember that, and you'll golden.

Society and the Single Girl-Things NOT To Say To Single People

Being single is something that pretty much every person reading this can relate to. At some point or another, we all have been single. And yes, this means you for all of you people who are crazy in love. However, there's a common misconception that being single can be a bad thing, which it isn't. I mean, being single is pretty awesome most of the time. However, some people really know how to, well push your buttons. Here's what you should avoid saying to all of the single people in your lives. We will all be internally grateful for it.
You should go on a dating site. Okay dating sites are cool for people that like it. But I've experimented with dating sites, and I hated it. However, being told that I should try a dating site must mean that you think that I am desperate for a relationship. How about no. Dating websites are tricky to manover, mainly because you encounter the creepy, and you really don't know what you're getting. Yes, I'll go on them if I want to. Not because you told me that's the only way to meet Prince Charming on his white horse.
How are you still single? Okay, so raise your hand if you've ever gotton this question before. Okay. Now keep it up if you ever found this conversation to be extremely awkward when you are asked that. Yes, there's no man in my life. That means my last significant other in my life wasn't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. However, you asking that is just unecesary.
Stop being so picky. Honey, I have standards that are higher than my heels. If I want to be picky, that's not because I want to drive all of the perspective suitors away. It's because I want someone whose actually of good quality and I won't settle for anything less. By lowering them, that will make me extremely unhappy. Yes, it may drive many out of the running, but I won't let that get in the way with what I want.
You'll meet someone when you least expect it. Aren't we always on the prowl for looking for your next boyfriend? #justsaying
I wish that I were still single. Well, I guess that your relationship is clearly going well. Everyone thinks that the grass is greener on the other side, and it's not. Saying that sounds like you're just unhappy with your relationship, and if you want to be single, just be single.
What about that (guy that you casually dated)? Sometimes, we go out with people only to find out that they are duds. Therefore, I'm not going to go out with that, continue to spend time with them, or even call them my boyfriend if they annoy me, or some other dealbreaker that they have. I tried the shoe on and then I returned it. Thank you for mentioning my dud purchase.
You need to go out more. I realize that staying home, and taking selfies with my dog isn't exactly the best thing in the world to change my relationship status. However, if I went out more, I should just do it because I want to. Not because I am a desperate single looking for love.
What if I set you up? Blind-dating? No thanks.
To all of you single people out there (or people that were once single), what are some things that you just can't stand hearing?

"Thank You For Being A Friend"

Last Friday, I didn't exactly have the greatest days. I'm not really down to go into it, but I was in need for some cheering up. Enter the crying Natalie calling the Gabriel, who dropped everything and picked me up in less than a half of an hour into the call. 

At first Gabriel just gave me a hug as I was crying, but then they knew the secret to cheering me up. Baking cookies. So, we went to stop and shop, where we picked up chocolate chips, frosting, and m and ms. Gabriel bought them all for me, because they are the best. 

I didn't exactly help out bake the cookies, rather than just hang out and take things out on Gabriel. But, eventually I felt better about it, and Gabriel and I went on a walk and took a ton of awesome pictures. 

Gabriel and I-my new favorite picture!

One of the things that I learned was that Gabriel is really there for me. It's a rarity to have a friend that would literally drop everything that they are doing  just to cheer their best friend up. I am so glad to have a person like Gabriel in my life, because I know whenever something good or bad happens, they are always there for me. They even put up with my multiple selfies that I take despite the fact that they really don't like them. A best friend is exactly like that. Gabriel, I love you and I am so thankful for you being my best friend. Thank you for always being there for me. I love you, and I will do the same for you. 

XOXO, Enkyuu

Thou Shalt....(A Blogger's Commandments to Dealing With Breakups)

As a blogger, I have a lot of things to say. I tell you all about what I've been up to lately, and you listen and comment back. I tell you what I buy when I'm at the drug store, and you all ask me about what I like about the products that I've chosen. Bloggers are mini celebrities, because let's just face it we're obsessed with each other and our blogs. Every morning, like clockwork I check my GFC feed, and I check on my favorite bloggers to see what new and exciting things that they've posted.
One of the things that comes along as a side dish of being a blogger is that you're going to have people that you may or may not want to see. So, you've got to be careful about what ends up on your little corner on the internet, because it could haunt you.
Reading through people's blogs, I can't help but notice that relationships are a huge part of that person's blog. Whether it's lack of relationship, a marriage, or someone's boyfriend, relationships are a big deal on the internet. And we can't get enough of sharing our love stories online.
But, what happens when sometimes the love goes from sour to sweet? As a blogger, you have the power to basically make all of your readers think that he's the scum of the earth. But, with that being said, there's somethings that you probably should do/not do when you're a blogger with a broken heart.
Do;

• Take a break from blogging if you're feeling too emotional to blog. That way, you won't post something that you'll later regret.
• Try to keep any posts about your ex as classy as possible. Whenever you do decide to blog about it, if you do, then be sure to keep it as drama-free as possible. If you want to say "I wanted to let you all know that I am no longer with such-and-such, and I am okay"(even when you're not) go for it. 
• Write a post about being happy, because thinking about happy things will without a doubt make you happy. 

Don't;

• Use your blog to trash your ex. #notclassy.
• Don't trash your ex. Even if they deserve to be trashed, for whatever they did.
• Post meloncholy posts. Yes, you're sad but save it for Facebook or Twitter. (That's where I see most of the drama nowadays.)
• Use your blog as your diary. Go to Staples and buy a notebook, because trust me you're not going to want to see some of the stuff you'd post if you didn't. (Neither would your future employers)

Bloggers, I wanna know. What are your tips and tricks in dealing with a blogger breakup?

*In case you were wondering (I know that you all were), I have not experienced any sort of heart break/breakups as of late.

What I Know

I've been blogging for over four years about my insight about romantic relationships. On my old blog 'Notations', I kept you informed about my own love life. Currently, I use this blog to vent about my qualms about relationships, and to express my opinions. And during that time, I still am without a Prince Charming to come and wisk me away on my white horse. My computer's a bit different, I am a bit older and wiser, and yet I sometimes feel like I know less now then I did then.
The last relationship I had was in June 2010, when I agreed to be someone who liked my friend's girlfriend. However, that all came tumbling down in a matter of hours because he was...well creepy...and he basically just wanted a girlfriend. Plus, the fact that he came on too strong wasn't exactly the most helpful thing in the world. Then, there was the whole Mr. Big (I called the guy I liked back in junior year Mr. Big on my blog because I was obsessed with 'Sex and the City' back in junior year) thing, which didn't exactly leave a pretty mess. (But, then again what kind of mess is beautiful, other than an app of course). Then last year I casually dated someone. As I sit here, and reflect on my romantic past, I begin to realize how much I've matured since those days. I've also grown to be independant, and grew allergic to the whole cliche thing. I have difficulties letting people in, I can't keep my opinions to myself, worry about getting hurt, and perhaps on occaision am a bit too emotional. Who would love that?
I sometimes wonder if I'm like Maggie from 'Runaway Bride.' Maggie, for those of you who didn't see the movie, stands up three different grooms. The fourth one is Richard Gere, who I also happen to find to be very attractive. #justsayin' Maggie was overwelmed by committment because she wanted to 'ride her own horse'  (her words, not mine) I am beginning to think that I am a lot like Maggie Carpenter. Minus the whole ditching the groom at the alter thing.
Many of my friends have found relationships. Some long term, some interchangable as the years went on. However, I still stand behind a computer typing my opinions on them. During the time between the two blogs, I have basically 180'd my opinions of relationships. I started by simply wanting someone to love me the way that rom coms played romance out. As I am entering my 20s, nothing can be more different. I can honestly say that I want to be equal. I don't know if I want to get married, mainly because I am only 20. Many of my friends are in that stage with their boyfriends where cliches overrule, and marriage is a possiblity. I also even have a friend that's married. Meanwhile, I am the one whose that single friend.
I have nothing wrong with being single. I have awesome friends, I have two wonderful jobs, and I survived my first two years of college without dying. I sometimes feel lonely, especially when Valentine's Day rolls around and I buy myself something shiny. I do however wonder if I'm loveable or dateable. I am not innocent, and I often think a bit too much. I observe others around me, and then I give them my advice, whether it's about dating or otherwise. I feel guilty when I hurt other people, mainly because I don't want to be the cause of anyone's wounds, even if they do in fact deserve it. I am the kind of person who would rather lay on top of someone and talk about anything but the way that I feel with them. I am scared of failure, and I am scared of being hurt. I am myself, and at the end of the day, I know that's all that I can offer to someone.
I've come along way from the girl who wrote about her Mr. Big on a HP Pavilion as a writer and as a person. I'm the girl that knows her limits, and tries to set up balances in life. I am the girl who simply falls even when she's not in motion. I don't know what I want in love yet. I do however know my professional future, which is a start. I'm hoping that in a way that my love life will fall into place the way that my decision to become a jornalist did. But deep down, I know that relationships aren't meant to be clean cut.
As I conclude one of the more personal blog entries that I've written since I don't even remember when, I hope that you all are still with me, and still reading. If you are, than you're pretty awesome. This may be the most soul-baring blog post that I've written in a while, however I am not sorry for all that I'm writing. I guess I'll sit behind my Mac and wait for my partner in life to come and find me. I know he's out there, and I am happy to meet him. And in the mean time? Get ready for some awesome blog entries.

"Like Tattoos on This Town"

Ahhh, #throwbackThursday. The time when all of your old and embarassing selfies come back to haunt you. This is when we see who was the brace-face, who was the awkward one, and of course those awful scene days when you'd listen to nothing to but scene music. Sound familiar? Well, we're going wayyy back here on Finding My Voice.
While at work, I often take to casually clicking around at various social networking sites. So, one day I decided to look back to my high school days. #classof2012. So, here's some of my fondest high school memories, from 2008-2012.
 
 
 Top: Me with art; Bottom: art without me
At my high school, we had this awesome thing where at the end of the year, we would have a sidewalk chalk festival. I only got to do it my senior year, and I drew Snoopy with my friend Iris. It was such a fun filled day, and I got hella tan.

Me left; Griffin right
My prom was perhaps one of the highlights of my high school experience. I went with Griffin whose one of my closest friends. (He asked me to go to the prom because I didn't have anyone to go with #bestpersoneveraward.) I wore a purple dress, and I didn't let him see it literally til the day of. In the midst of all of prom, a lot of my friends were fighting, and lots of cat-fighting going on. However, it was still a great day. (And for the record, I stayed New Jersey out of it)

Sarah left; Me in the Middle; Liz on the Right
I got to go to New York three times! Each time, I went to see a Broadway show. The first time (which is when this picture was being taken) was in my freshman year. We saw West Side Story. The second time was in my junior year. We saw How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. AND Daniel Radicliffe was in it. How awesome was that? The last year (which was my senior year) we saw Newsies. It was such a great experience, and I miss going to all of those shows. 

Angelyn left; Me right. 
I used to make lots of obnoxious faces. Anyways, I went to two high school dances other than prom. (Homecoming 2008, and 2011) I honestly don't remember why I didn't go my juinor year, but my sophomore year it was because I had just gone through a breakup. Both times I went were super-fun and I had a blast dancing with my friends.

Vere left; Me center; Theresa right
I went to Panera a lot. My high school was actually right next to one, so I would often be found there eating soup. Those are some of my high school friends, engaging in a Panera selfie! I miss them.




Gabriel right; Griffin left
While in high school, I met these two classy individuals. I met Griffin in junior year band class. He sat next to me, we played the same instrument, and now to this day, I still drive him crazy. I met Gabriel in expository writing class my senior year. We didn't get very close to the end, and the next semester, when we actually had sociology together.

Me on the left; my coach on the right! 
In my upperclassman days in high school, I played on the badminton team. Now, I wasn't very good at it, but still I had an amazing time. During my senior year when my grandfather died, they were my support. (I played a game the day after he died too, just saying that's pretty awesome.) Playing for two years really helped introduce me to people that I otherwise wouldn't have gotten the opportunity to meet. Plus, I was the one always taking pictures.

Me on left; Sarah on right.
I used to Picnik a lot. Who remembers seeing these on Facebook? Well I was obsessed  with them. Sarah was my friend from choir, and I still talk to her today!
Those are some of my memories from high school! Did I get you thinking way back when? If so, tell me about some of your fondest memories in the comments below! 

"Those Summer Days."

One of the best parts of summer is by far that Gabriel is at last home. And we've pretty much spent time with each other at least once a week, if not more. One of the places that we often end up is at their house, where we spend lots of time together.
Last week, we hung out on my day off. We baked really good cookies!

Cookies in the flesh.
We also took a selfie, seen here.
 
Selfie time with Gabriel; this was actually meant to be a Snapchat.
One of the reasons why this is a post is because spending QT with Gabriel is important to me. Probably because of the distance, and because once the end of August rolls around they'll be off to college once again. It's always fun to see your best friend, talk about life, bake cookies, and just hang out. We manage to make distance seem like NBD, and we still manage to be important people in each other's lives. It's safe to say that Gabriel is one of the more important people in my life, and I am so grateful to have them as my best friend. (PS. Shout out to Gabriel for listening to me complain and be crabby. They are truly the best)
The summer days with Gabriel will soon fade to fall, however, our friendship will still be here. (And reduced to phone calls and text messages) Cliche, yes? But they are my best friend, and at the end of the day that's all that truly matters. And of course, that we get Starbucks, cookies, and pie.

20s Goals, PT1.

In less than a year, I will be turning the big 21. That means in less than 365 days,  I will be able to drink legally, and gamble. Fun stuff, becoming a full fledged adult. However, before I reach this milestone, I would like to have done more. Therefore, here's my bucket list for my 20s-part one of 10.

1. Travel to at least one different state. I really need to do some traveling, because there's so much of the world that I have yet to see. Whether its to visit Gabriel, a day trip to Rhode Island or New York, I just want to see what else is out there other than little ol' CT. 
2. Stop overthinking. I overthink pretty much everything, whether it's what outfit I wear, to my romantic relationships. I need to do more than think, and this is the prime opportunity to start. 
3. Get on Dean's List. I really need to bring up my GPA, because it's important to graduate college with a bang. Plus, I really want to give more in my classes. 
4. Blog more. I've becoming more and more involved in the blogger community, and I want to grow and continuously expand my blog. 
5. See Frozen. I really want to see this movie, and still have yet to see it.  Everyone has seen it and loves it so I want to see what the hype is about. 
6. Become more comfortable with myself. I have grown to love myself, because I believe that's really important. However, I want to become even more comfortable with myself, and realize my worth. 

What are your goals for yourself? 

Music Monday-What Have I Been Listening To?

Lately, my taste in music has been pretty much all over the place. I've recently liked Beyonce, and I'm also currently listening to my old faves, Aerosmith . And of course, Lana's new album has been on repeat since it came out. So, I've devised a playlist with some of my current awesome music that you all should plug into your Spotify. (But I'm old fashioned according to Gabriel. I actually still download MP3 and purchase CDs.)

1. Rocky Mountain Way by Ozzy Osbourne
2. I Wanna Get Better by Bleachers 
3. Afraid by Neighborhood
4. Sad Girl by Lana Del Rey 
5. You Sound Good to Me by Lucy Hale
6. Drunk in Love by Beyonce 
7. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey 
8. Sing by Ed Sheeran 
9. Rollercoaster by Bleachers
10. Fancy by Iggy Azelia
11. Fallinlove2nite by Prince featuring Zooey Deschanel
12. Lose Yourself by Eminem
13. Naughty Girl by Beyonce 
14. Never Know Why by Ozzy Osbournc
15. Independent Women by Destiny's Child
16. Independence Day by Martina Mcbride 
17. The Way We Were by Barbra Streisand 
18. Cruel World by Lana Del Rey 

What are you listening to? Let me know, I want to see what's on your playlist. 

Cheers to My Teen Years.

 Last Saturday was my 20th birthday. I had an amazing birthday filled with great people, cake, Starbucks, and of course the beach. It was a long day, but it was exciting from start to finish. I got to spend it with Gabriel (naturally), Griffin, and Elisa. We first went to the beach, which is my favorite place on the planet. Then, we went out to eat a local diner. After that, we headed home to do all kinds of birthday stuff, such as open gifts, eat cake, and play a cardgame. (I actually won one!) After we were getting attacked by the bugs, we went to Starbucks, where I had a strawberry frappucino. (Which was so good)
Overall, I had an excellent birthday. I enjoyed spending time with the people who are nearest and dearest to me. It means a lot because once fall hits Gabriel and Griffin will be going off to college, however Elisa will be staying here because her school is actually in my hometown. I am so grateful to have such awesome friends in my life, and I thank all of them for making my birthday as awesome as it was.
Below are some pictures that I've taken through out the day. What is your favorite birthday memory? Let me know!  
Starbucks, yum!
 
Best Place to spend a birthday, is it not?
 
My main girl!
 
The whole Motley Crue! (Elisa; Griffin; Me; Gabriel)
 
Gabriel smiling.
 
Elisa and I getting dinner.
 
Griffin hugging a rock?
 
Gabriel casually wearing my sunglasses...
 
Last, but certainly not least, my cake! 

Will or Won't.

There's so many things in life that involve pushing past several boundaries, whether it's emotionally or physically. Some people put them up for sanity, and others put them up for emotional security. Therefore, there's so many things that we will do, or won't do. In relationships, this becomes more evident when we must consider how far we would go with our partner, and how much we should share with them.
In the show '19 Kids and Counting', the Duggars follow the rules of courting. They engage in side hugs and chaperoned dates with parents or siblings. When their engaged, they often hold hands. Many don't have their first kiss until their wedding day. Than there's people who live in a 'Sex and the City' type of lifestyle, when they sleep with guys on the regs, and go through a dry spell which is less than three months. There's multiple limits of what they will or won't do.  In each scenario, we view both extremes-purity and well sex.
But what about those who don't want to engage in either or lifestyle? I don't believe that I should sleep with someone the moment that we say we're dating, however I do think that kissing and hand holding is something that's important.  It helps a couple grow intimate. As does hand holding, which I would endorse heavily. I also believe that a couple should be able to be alone. Why? Because sometimes we just want to be with that person who makes you feel like you're the only one on earth. But, you have to know your limits and stand by them. If they go too far, then you have to open your mouth and say that it's not cool. And if they have a problem with it? Well, that's their problem, and you shouldn't even be with someone who wants to take you to new heights that you may or may not even be cool with.
I believe that limits are to each their own. We should be able to set our limits, not society, our friends, or parents. When you're dating as a teenager, maybe the latter would be appropriate. But, at the end of the day, only you know what's comfortable for you. You're the one that's executing the actions, so therefore you should be comfortable with what you're doing.
Many people don't realize that in order to do things, you have to put yourself first. Whether it's saying no to having sex, or going outside the box of what exactly what you want to do, you have to realize that at the end of the day you have to be comfortable. In relationships, we often forget that because of society, and the desire to please the other person. We often lose ourselves, which is a whole different issue altogether. At the end of the day, we are faced with two things-the things that we will do, and the things that we won't do. 

Why Is Sex and the City A Modern Hit?

 
Source
Picture it. 1998. New York City. Four fabolous single girls. What are you thinking of? If you're thinking of  'Sex and the City', then you've won the million dollar prize.
'Sex and the City' is one of the best television shows of the 90s. It tells the story of Carrie, who is a 30 something New York writer, who writes the colum called Sex and the City. She uses romantic situations that she and her three fabolous friends Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte encounter for material of her column. Since the show's ending in 2004, it has sparked 2 movies, a prequel show called 'The Carrie Diaries', and a bunch of loyal followers who to this day melt when Mr. Big finally tells Carrie that she is in fact the one. My question is, why is it still a bible for all women everywhere?
Well, my answer is that it's just so relatable. The show is controverisal, yes. It expliots topics include sex, abortion, pregnancy, and marriage. The topics that are explored aren't exactly traditional. But everyone can relate to the problems that the characters on the show face such as when Carrie worries why Mr. Big won't call. We've all been there, and it's just so comforting to know that we're not alone in dealing with all of the trials and errors of love. It's a jungle out there, and the only people that we sometimes can call for comfort are our friends.
 
 
I may not have a Charlotte, Samantha, or a Miranda in my cliche, but I do have an Elisa and a Gabriel. They, like those four single gal pals, are my support system through out life. 'Sex and the City' may have premiered it's final episode over ten years ago, but I still watch it religously whenever I can. I like to think of myself as Carrie, who navigates the streets of New York similiarly to the way she navigates the streets of love. We all maybe not be perfect, but in some ways we can all aspire to be the person that we're meant to be, and it's pretty fabolous. Carrie Bradshaw taught me that.
So go ahead watch 'Sex and the City' for the 100th time. I will now leave you with my favorite Carrie quotes that have in fact survived the ages.
 Source


Sources for the last three images.

Why I Deleted My Tinder.

Tinder. Ahh, yes the social dating site that helps people meet each other based on Facebook. Well, I used to have one of those, and even wrote a blog about it.
But truth be told, I rather hate it. I hated that some of the guys in there were totally sleaze balls, and were only after one thing. I hated having to put myself out there, and actually message the guys first. I really hated the story that I read on Cosmo recently about a guy who actually created the site harassing a woman and wouldn't take no for an answer.  I hated that it's just sketchy.
So. I did the unthinkable. I deleted my Tinder app. Yes, I'm aware that probably will hurt my chances of meeting the right guy. But, truth be told I didn't want to meet someone in that way shape or form. It seemed way to creepy for me, and I really felt uncomfortable. And who wanted to do something that gave them so much anxiety? I clearly didn't want to be a part of some guys' own personal 'Blurred Lines'.
I didn't know who I was talking to, and whether or not they were the real deal. Deleting it was more for my mental state of mind, than anyone else's. Ever since deleting it, I still talk to one guy that I met a few times a week. (I got his number before deleting the app) I am aware that there's mysgonistic jerks roaming the planet, but for now I know that I actually know that they are away from me virtually.
So I deleted my Tinder. And, all I learned is that there are tons of sketchy dudes out there looking for a good time. And that there's a select few that aren't. However, I am not the girl for casual hookups, and even though Tinder doesn't actually promote having sex, that's the vibe that I got out of it.
Do you have a Tinder? What do you think of Tinder? Comment below! 

CVS Haul

Recently, I took a trip to my favorite drugstore which is CVS. I like CVS mainly because I have an extra care card, which helps me get tons of deals. A few weeks ago, I had a 25 percent off coupon, in addition to some extra care bucks. So, needless to say I just had to go. And it's a good idea that I did, because I was able to find tons of awesome stuff for less than twenty dollars!

• Minnie Mouse Beanie Baby-(not pictured) I have a thing for Minnie, and I've recently started to accumulate some stuffed Minnies. They happened to have a stuffed Minnie Beanie Baby, like the one that you see here, so I decided to buy her. My inner child was really happy, because I have a thing for stuffed animals, particularly Beanie Babies. 

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• EOS Lip Balms: I recently noticed that I was running out of my favorite Chapstick, so I decided to pick this one up. I got the blueberry one this time, and I'm really excited because I've never tried that flavor.
• M and Ms: My mom wanted these new special M and Ms, and so I got her a couple to make her happy.
• Body Spray. Apparently, CVS has body spray. I didn't know this. And get this? It smells amazing. I was running out of my other stuff, and I wasn't going to order it online (I usually get Victoria's Secret) So, I was pleased to find nice smelling body spray for 3 dollars.
• Sally Hansen Nail Polish (Quick Dry) in Blue Away. I love the quick dry stuff, because let's be honest, I don't have the patience for regular polish. They did have a deal where if you spent ten dollars, then you could get four dollars of Extra Care Bucks, but I didn't really see that much that I actually like other than this amazing color. 

What's your favorite drugstore? 

Travel Tips From Emma!

Hey there everyone. I'm currently maxin relaxing (jk I'm at work) but I would like to introduce one of my fave bloggers out there on the blogging scene. She's got style, she's got grace, she's Emma!
You know you love me,
Natalie

Hello Finding My Voice Fans,

I’m Emma from The World According to Emma! I’m a college blogger who writes about my college life (and the happenings of this summer), movie/book review (Like this one), and about my love for TV especially Big Brother! (#TeamCody #TeamDonnie #TeamJoey #TeamChristine #TeamNicole) Basically I write about anything I feel like!

When Natalie asked me to guest post for her I immediately knew what I wanted to write about. What you may or may not know about Natalie and I is we are real life friends! She’s actually my editor on our school paper!

 

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When we first started talking about her new position she asked me if I’d be willing to write a lot of articles about travel because she knew I loved to travel. So, when she asked me to guest post I thought why not write one about traveling as a college student.

I have 3 upcoming trips! Two of them are family trips but one of them is a friend trip that I’m planning with friends and saving to pay for myself. So, here are some of my tips for pre-during & post travel for college students!

1: If you’re paying for the trip by yourself, start putting money aside ASAP, trips aren’t cheap!

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2: Very few weeks put aside all the change in your wallet and bring it to coinstar a few days before your trip. Last time I save for a month before my cruise and I had $10. And my mom did it for a year and had over $50.

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3: Make packing list before going to stop yourself from over packing. I know I have a huge problem with that.

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4: Make sure you bring a camera so you can document your trip!

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5: If you have are going with friends, make sure its people you think you can spend an extended period of time with because you will be spending multiple days together non-stop.

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6: Make sure to put the phone down sometimes. As much as you might want to share your fantastic time with your friends on facebook/twitter/Instagram but you don’t want to miss something.

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7: Remember to save for the little things (i.e. – tips, parking, etc…) because those things can add

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8: Have some plans but for the most part go with the flow. You never know where your adventures will take you!

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9: Find some way to doctument your trip! Write blog post, make a video scrapbook or vlog the whole thing.

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10: Take risks and have adventures! That’s the best way to have fun!

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So wherever you may be going I hope you have a fantastic time!

Happy Travels,

Emma.

20/Give Your Blog A Break

Hey everyone! Before I begin this entry, in honor of my birthday Saturday I'm taking a few days off from blogging. That means, I won't be blogging. However, I didn't want you to be disappointed. I have arranged for some lovely guest posters, like Emma and Samantha for you all to enjoy on this lovely blog.
Anyways, something that I like to do around my birthday is to include a bunch of facts in the number of the age that I'm turning. Since I'm turning 20, I will include 20 facts. (I've done it twice! 19 & 18)
So here's my 20 facts about me.

1. Lana Del Rey is my favorite singer. I also am a huge Demi Lovato, Aerosmith, and Ozzy Osbourne fan. My music palette is so insane but I wouldn't have it any other way. 
2. My favorite kind of cake is vanilla or red velvet. However, I do use 
3. My goal is to become a print journalist. (Imagine, you all reading this can say that you knew me back in my blogging days)
4. I will always have a thing for Mr. Big, and I desperately want to meet someone whose like that. However I could kinda pass on all of the love drama.
5. I am a Cancer. That means that I am super sensitive, which is no surprise to anyone. 
6. Snoopy is my favorite cartoon. 
7. My favorite animals are a three way tie- starfish, dogs and owls. 
8. I have a dog as a pet. She's my best friend. 
9. If I wasn't going to be a journalist, then I would go into my own business selling jewelry. 
10. I basically have everything Apple. I have two iPods, an iPhone, an iPad, and a Macbook Pro.
11. I have read every issue of 17 magazine since June 2007. 
12. I currently am binge watching 'Cheers', and 'Pretty Little Liars' on Netflix.
13. My favorite shows are 'Fraiser', 'New Girl', 'Gilmore Girls', and 'Sex and the City'.
14. I am hoping to get a Master's degree. 
15. My favorite bracelet is a Pandora. However, since mine sadly broke recently, I have been getting into the Alex and Ani craze.
16. I am currently single. I however, don't think that it's a bad thing. I do however would like to note that I am down for that changing, because whose not down for a little fun?
17. I have an obsession with claddaugh rings.
18. When I'm sad, I write poems. Actually, I just write a lot of things in general. 
19. I am obsessed with Instagram! 
20. My favorite candy is Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
21. (for good luck) My best friend is my dog. 

I'm The Girl Who...

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<a href="http://emmajudy.blogspot.com/" title="I Am the Girl Link-Up"><img src="http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z424/xoem22xo/Button.jpg" alt="I Am the Girl Link-Up" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Hey guys, so this super-awesome blogger friend of mine named Emma emailed me a few weeks ago about this linkup and I couldn't help but think that this was an awesome idea. So, here's some of the awesome IDGAF things that make me...well me.

I'm that girl who has to drink coffee in order to function. Like clockwork folks, I am at the Keurig making my hazelnut coffee. It's a fun time, but it's just that necessary.
 
Who must always have french fries or sweet potato fries. Fries are my favorite food ever, and a must with a yummy wrap such as the one that I had above. They just make the meal! #sorrynotsorry


Who really doesn't care anymore. No matter what I do people are going to talk about me. Actually, kidding because no one really cares enough about me to talk about all of the time. Basically my philosophy is that people are either going to love you or they are going to hate you. So, do whatever you want that makes you happy, not just a bunch of people that are going to say whatever.
Who worries when you don't get a reply back from someone. I often freak out when my friends don't respond to my texts. However, I'm starting to learn that they are actually busy and don't hate me. 
Who still writes in notebooks. At the beginning stages of my blog, I often used that as my personal diary which isn't exactly the coolest thing. More than a few times, I've had incidents where my blog had too personal things. Needless to say, no one's going near my personal journal. Unless of course you want the whole world to know your business, which in that case be my guest.
 
 

Who puts her friends first. My friends, especially Griffin, Emma, Elisia, and Gabriel, are the people that are most important to me besides my family. I hate it when people don't understand that it's important to maintain good friendships over the course of a lifetime, because I am so lucky to have found awesome and great friends such as them. Whenever I do meet someone, their going to have to find a balance in my crazy life. But their not the only person in my life that's important.
I'm that girl who binge-watches New Girl. Whose that girl? Whose that girl? It's Jess!
I'm that girl who believes that one's naked without jewelry. Hence why I wear A LOT of jewelry. #armcandy
 
Whose best friend is her dog. My dog is the best, end of story.

I'm that girl whose at home at the beach. I grew up on the beach, so naturally it's my favorite place in the world. (You can read about it here)
I'm that girl who photographs life. I love taking pictures, whether for Instagram, or just simply for fun. I love getting that perfect shot, and I'm really excited to show more of that in my blog!
Like the pictures? Check me out on my instagram!

Well, what kind of person are you? Join in on the fun! I am linking up with four lovely people including Emma, Lindsey, and Sami!

An InLinkz Link-up