Changes..

The first day of the semester is finally here! Yay! Time to say goodbye to my carefree summer lifestyle of hanging out with my friends 24/7, (okay fine that's not all I do) and hello to a semester filled with being the editor of the Opinions Section, working the library, having 5 classes, and still managing to have a life. However, things are going to change around this little blog.
As of right now, I blog between 5-7 times a week. It depends on how much I have to say, and it's usually random. However, because of school I'm cutting back to four or five times a week max. As much as I enjoy blogging, I do have to realize that school comes first. Over the summer, my blog began to bloom which is something that I am really happy to see. I hope to continue that streak into the upcoming months, as I get closer to my 500th post (yay!) and beyond.
I also would like to announce that I'm going on a temp blogging break from 9/1/2014-9/5/2014. That way, I can get into the school swing of things, without worrying too much about the blog. Don't worry, I will be back with more insightful things to say then. 
Hope you all are enjoying your Saturday!

Reading Goals, an Update.

Note: This is an update to a post I've written in May. Read here.
One of the big things over the summer is that I've been reading books nonstop ever since I handed in my last final. In May, I wrote a post about books I had to read this summer. Check it out here. It's safe to say that during the summer I managed to check off a lot of books. I read all of the John Green ones, which was nice because I really enjoyed reading his books. I'm on book 6 of the PLL series, and I've read all of the Shopaholic series. I've also read an amazing series called "The Sisterhood of Heartbreakers", and 'If I Stay", which were both books that I really enjoyed reading, and highly reccomend.
I've also discovered that I really enjoy reading chick lit, as well as teenage books with some sort of happy ending. Over the semester, I want to continue with that light reading, of course realizing that I can't devour books like I have been. I want to read the book "Best of Me", the "Just One Day" series, and who knows what else is going to be out there? My ultimate goal this semester is to try to reach my Goodreads goal of 50 books, which I'm about ten books away.
I'll check in with you guys at the end of the year to tell you how I did. In the mean time, what are you all reading?

Things I Love Thursday-Living Lokai

 
One of the purchases that I was tossing and turning about all summer was to purchase a Lokai bracelet. A lokai bracelet is a bracelet that combines mud from the Dead Sea, and water from Mount Everest. The elements symbolize being hopeful at your lowest point, and staying humble at your highest. Throughout the summer, I was tossing back and forth about getting this bracelet. However, during one a time that was difficult, I decided to buy it.
And I was so glad that I did.
The bracelet was only $18, and ten percent of the proceeds go to shipping. The shipping was fast, because I got it within 48 hours of ordering it, which was nice. I fell in love with the bracelet, and pretty much never took it off as soon as I got it. I like bracelets like that because I am lazy.
As I start my first day of my junior year in college, I'm pretty sure that it's going to not be easy. Looking down at my bracelet today will be a reminder to stay hopeful, and stay humble. It's an important thing to remember, because I really need to learn to not get down at myself for the stupid little things. For me, it's a reminder to always keep my head up, and never let life get you down.
So, if you're looking for something to remind you to stay positive, your search is over. Check this out at their website.
Shout out to everyone whose starting school soon. #stayhopeful #stayhumble
*I was not compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.
**The photo above is my own and has been edited using PicFx and Afterlight photo apps.

Summer Photo Diary

As a blogger, one of the necersary things to do is take a ton of pictures. Cause, you know you never know when you're going to need one for a post or something. And of course, the fact that I'm addicted to the insta doesn't exactly help with keeping the camera roll kind of low. (I really need to get an iPhone with a bigger memory!) Anyways, without further a due, here's some of the awesome highlights of the summer. All of them have been taken with none other than my fancy iPhone.
 
 
 
 
This summer, I went to the beach a lot. And took a lot of artsy landscape pictures. And selfies. I even went there for my birthday, which was nice because I loved going to the beach with Griffin, Elisia, and Gabriel. I also went to celebrate the end of summer, and ate lots of strawberry cupcakes, which were amazing.
 
 
Speaking of birthdays, I turned 20 over the summer, and spent it with my lovely best friends! We also ate a ton of cake, and had Starbucks. My birthday is in such a great time, because since there's no school, there's no need for me to actually care about anything. (Except maybe work, I take that back)
 
 
 
 
One of the best parts about summer was of course to spend time with my best friend Gabriel. Gabriel goes to school 1,200 miles away, so they are away for most of the school year. Having them around this summer was definately why it was such a good time. Once I say goodbye to them for a few days, the next time that I see them won't be until November and December. I'm going to miss them, but it's going to be nice to use my Skype again. We've also taken several selfies during this time period, in which you can see here.
 
I also got to see one of my other favorite people graduate high school. I also got to spend a lot of time with him, such as exploring New Haven, going to East Rock and falling, and treating him out for lunch as a graduation present. You may all know them as Griffin. He's going to school not to far away, so I look forword to visiting. (especially since I have Fridays off, and stuff.)
 
All and all, it was a good summer. As I gear up to start school tomorrow, I'm probably going to wish that I was back into summer mode. Can I start counting down the days til Winter Break, yet?

Finding Something to Write About

Being a blogger, sometimes you have the best ideas ever, and the ideas come easily. So easily that you can't type fast enough. Then, there are days when you can't help but literally search through everything to find something to write about. I'm usually the former rather than the latter, but these past few days I literally couldn't find the words to write down what I need to say. 

So, I'll tell you what I'm doing currently. 

Watching; The movie 'Sabrina'. Both the 1954, and the 1995 version. It's such a great movie and it started an Audrey Hepburn phase. Oops. I also am bingewatching 'Sex and the City', and 'The Hills'. 

Reading; 'If I Stay' and 'Where She Went'. Those books are seriously such page turners.

Listening to; Beyonce. 

What are you up to lately?

LC Couldn't Have Said It Better.

One of the best things about summer is that MTV takes to showing reruns of Laguna Beach and The Hills. Both of these shows are deemed to be modern classics, and both of these shows have one thing in common. And what's that? That is the wise and wonderful Lauren Conrad.
Out of all of the reality shows that have come and gone through my generation, The Hills is one of the more classier of casts. Case in point, the star of the show Lauren Conrad. She's always topped the best dressed list, is super classy, and always has the best advice. Here's some of the best Lauren Conrad quotes.

Source





Source; Pinterest
What are your favorite Lauiren Conrad quotes?

#inspirationmovement-Forgive Yourself

Sometimes, we do things that are just not right. Whether it's breaking someone's heart, breaking someone's bone, or just making a mess out of everything, it just happens. Not every person on the planet is perfect, so time and time again this situation is bound to come up. We then find ourselves with feelings of guilt, and wonder whether or not we were the ones to blame. I bet as you sit here reading this, you'll find something that comes to mind. I'm just that awesome. Anyways, I'm going to say this now. You've got to forgive yourself. 
Recently, I've been struggling with that very subject. I've been in the wierd state of mind where I blame myself for things that are really not my fault. I can't tell you where that all came from, because I don't know myself. However, I can tell you that the feeling sucks, and I've been in a state of either crying most of the time, or sitting in bed just thinking about what happened. I also took to calling Gabriel, who told me 'You've got to forgive yourself.'
It's safe to say that we are our biggest critics. Whether it's when we stare at the window for hours trying to be perfect, staying up for hours trying to craft the perfect paper for English class, or trying to get that 4.0 we are a society that is obsessed with perfection. With social media being one of the more dominant things nowadays, we constantly begin to compare ourselves with others. It makes us become even more criticial on ourselves because then we feel like we can't screw up. So, when we do we often don't realize that it's okay.
But you've got to forgive yourself. 
If you're dealing with a feeling of guilt or something I want you all to listen to me. I want you all to know that it's okay to make mistakes. No one is perfect, and no one should expect you to be. I want you to know that it's okay to make these mistakes because you'll grow from them. At the end of every day, you should realize that you're an okay person and it's okay to sometimes do stuff that's not okay. Even good people do bad things at times. Forgive yourself, and go easy on yourself because chances are you didn't screw up everything. You may have to life with the consquences, but that's the product with any decision that you make.
As you start this Monday Morning, I want you to take it easy on yourself. Chances are, it's not going to be so bad afterall.

Blog For a Cause-Alztimer's Disease.

Hey everyone on the Internet. Thank you so much for tuning in here yesterday to read what I had to say about why equality is important. Today, I am telling you another cause which is near and dear to my heart, which is Alzheimer's Disease, and the struggle to find a cure.

When I was younger, my grandfather was literally my only father figure. He was that fun type of grandfather who sat around watching cartoons, got you cookies and ice cream, and constantly was a kid at heart. In addition to that, he was laid-back, hard-working, family oriented, and of course is the source of my sense of humor. He was always smiling, and extremely happy.
When I was 12 years old, things began to change. Sortly after I had entered seventh grade, my grandfather entered the hospital for a UTI (urinary track infection). Shortly after, everything began to go wrong, which resulted him staying there for much longer than originally planned. This was when he was first diagnosed with dementia. He was 79.
After his diagnosis, things began to change for my grandpa. Once active, he was no longer able to walk long distances. Eventually, he was only able to be mobile with a wheelchair. He soon became forgetful, and soon just completely out of it. He slept longer, and his behavior started to change. He who was easy going, began to be extremely angry and hostile. He began to rely on everyone around him to take care of him, and for the last year of his life, was sent to be in a nursing home. He died on October 11, 2011. He was 84 years old.
Watching my grandfather's health deteriote wasn't something that I could say was easy. He went from being a normal active senior, to being completely reliant on everyone around him. For my 16th birthday while visiting him, he accused my grandmother of cheating on him. (Which she never did by the way). It was wierd and hard to think about him dying, and dealing with his death ending up consuming my senior year. It's hard to see someone that you love lose all of their cognitive abilities, and eventually die as a result. It's even wierder because then they aren't themselves anymore. They are not themselves, and sometimes you don't even recognize them.
At this time, there is not cure for the disease. However, there are four stages of Alzheimer's. Pre-dementia, which is when people are often mistaken for just being older or stressed out. This affects pretty much more complex daily activities, and has mild cognitive impairment.Then there's early, which is when you get diagnosed. Moderate is when the patient begins to lose more and more cognitive abilities and is unable to be independant. This is when the patient begins to have outbursts of some sort, and is more agressive then the patient would be normally. Outbursts are to be expected.
Severe is the last stage. This when the patient is completely dependant of the person that is taking care of them. They are bed ridden, and can not respond to much. They often are asleep most of the day.
This is something that is important to me, because there needs to be a cure for this disease. Eventually, I hope that when I'm older or my future children are older, that there will be. Technology advances so hopefully this will be too. At the end of the day, the worst thing in the world is watching someone who is losing their ability to basically function. Watching my grandfather through his five year long battle proved that.
Looking for more information? Go to the Alzheimer's Disease Association's website

"Equality for Everyone!" (Blog for A Cause, Day 1)

Welcome to the linkup of blog for a cause! This linkup is about focusing on a world that is outside of ourselves, onto something else that is greater than any of us. I am spreading awareness to help inform others of different things, because I believe that ignorance is something that is helpful to finding cures/happiness. This is a two day event, so be sure to tune into the other cause that is near and dear to my heart. 

Many people don't understand what it's like to be different, and how hard it is to figure out who you really are may or may not be accepted by everyone. Whether it's discovering that you are bi or gay, discovering that you'd rather be known by a different gender than your birth one, or discovering that you're just not into anyone sexually, there's more to life than being a guy that likes a girl. Unfortunately, not many people realize that. 

I am an ally of LGBTQIA network. Yes, that was a mouthful. It stands for Lesbian/Gay/Bi/Trans/Queer or Questioning/Intersex/Asexual. Being an ally simply means that you support the people that go by any of those things. This is something that I believe is important, because I feel like everyone should have equal rights, straight or not. 

When I was younger, I was a bit more conservative than I am now. I now wonder if it's due to the fact  that I didn't have enough knowledge about the subject, or the way that I was exposed to the subject. (My family is still a bit more conservative than I'd like them to be). In high school, I met some lovely people through my friend Griffin. They were a part of our school's gay straight alliance, and were heavy advocates for the cause. During this time in high school we had days of silence, and wore purple in order in to raise awareness. 

Meeting those people really opened my eyes, because it taught me that everyone deserves to have the same rights as others. To this day, it bothers me that people still think that being gay is a sickness that should be cured in some way shape or form. It's not. It also bothers me that people think that gay marriage is something that shouldn't happen because it's not between a man or a woman. Last time I checked, marriage is something that happens between two people that truly love each other, in addition to cherishing and respecting each other. It shouldn't matter whether or not they are a man and a woman, two men, two women, or two gender-queer people. 

The biggest thing that bothers me the most is the fact that it's still not as accepted as it should be. I know people that throw the word 'faggot' like it's going out of style. Whenever I hear that word use in that manner I want to throw something at someone because it's something that has to stop. Same thing as the word 'gay.' Being gay isn't something that's bad, and using those words to describe something that is like saying that being gay is bad. Which is not. The same goes for people who are transgender. It's just the way that you're born, and what makes someone happy. 

This is an issue, because I feel like many people still don't get it. I am a straight heterosexual woman, and that comes with it's own set of stereotypes. But it's still the norm. Gay/bi is still working it's way into the norm, which is something that should be celebrated. However, we often leave out the gender-queer people because of lack of information and lack of looking towards the color. I think that we live in a black and white society, and we often don't realize how giant the gray areas are. Gender-queer, which is when you don't register by a gender, is something that I've learned about through a friend, and is extremely difficult for one to explain. Not many people accept it, many get frustrated easily, and it's something that needs to be acknowledged. Gender is a tricky issue for some, and we have to realize that in many ways, shapes, and forms. 

People should be accepted for who they really are, regardless of gender they chose to be, or who they love. Being different is difficult. But, I want to leave you all with this thought. Are they really that different? They are human, have blood going through their veins, breathe through lungs, and see the same world as we do. They cry at the same things. They eat the same foods, are subject to the same illness, and die in the same veins. Therefore, they should be treated like human beings. 

L O V E

Love. What do you think about when you see those words on your computer screen? I'll give you a moment to ponder your answers.

Done thinking? Great. 

A few years ago, I wrote an essay about why I believed in love. I wish that I could share that essay with you, but sadly I can't. I remember that it was for my freshman class, and that we had to write a 350-500 word essay about what we believed in and why. However, I can tell you that since then, I've learned a lot since my freshman days. 

Love is something that can lift you up and bring you down. You can not live without love, and even though you may be denial you are in fact loved. 

Love brings us down when you're in the unrequited kind of love. The person flat out rejects you, and your hopes to make it to the alter. Your significant other or partner decides to leave you for someone else. It's a feeling that to be completely honest, sucks. 

However, you must be hopeful about love and its ability to bring you up. When someone loves you back, whether they are your boyfriend or girlfriend, you feel like you're on top of the world. Everything seems better, colors are more colorful, and life is just a whole lot better now that you have a person to say that you're beautiful. Love makes you want to do that, and makes you say things that probably sound idiotic. They slowly become the best thing that's ever happened to you, and suddenly you begin to wonder how you ever lived with out them. 

I believe in love now, even though I am two years older. During that time, I managed to get rejected by my best friend, meet a creep that just wanted to get it off, and of course there was that whole 'where are we going scenario' with this other guy. Despite that, I still believe in love, because we are created by love. Our parents were most likely in love, and we were bought into a world with love and support. I believe that love can be our biggest influence, our biggest motivation, and our biggest downfall. It can lift you up and bring you down if you let it. I believe that love can in fact conquer all, but also can cause someone to not realize the impact of what love can do to us. Love can sometimes destroy us, and love can sometimes cause us to wonder what we're lacking if we don't have it. 

At the end of the day, love is something that we all pretty much look for in our lives. Whether we are in love, or we're not it's something that impacts us in each and every way. But, let's look past the romantic sense. Your pet loves you. Your best friend loves you. You're loved by your family. So, if you're down and you're reading this remember that someone out there loves you. Even if it's not that guy who won't call you back. 

#inspirationmovement-Respectful Relationships

Recently, I was watching an episode on Doctor Phil when the husband was emotionally abusing his wife. He said the only way that he would get back with her was if she lost some weight, like 50-100 pounds worth of weight, and she started paying more attention to him. He often praises himself as being a 'catch', and 'completely irresistible to women.' And on top of it all, he was cheating on her with a range of 8-15 women throughout their marriage.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present you the king of all scum. I also present to you emotional abuse, and unhealthy relationships at its finest.
In this kind of relationship, we often question the woman that's in this relationship. The man is a creep, and a complete idiot for lack of better words. However, I feel sad for the woman because she thinks that is the best that she's ever gotten. Her self-respect, in addition to her self-esteem, and her self worth were gone. Her husband was to blame, and I think he should face some sort of punishment. At the very least, someone should kick him where the sun don't shine.
As I was watching this, I realized that the woman on the show wasn't alone. There were thousands of women who probably were in some sort of unhealthy relationship. Whether its the type that leaves a physical or an emotional bruise, many of us have once been into some sort of unhealthy relationship. And it bugs me, because these types of relationships lack things that normal relationships lack. They lack space, respect, and trust.
No one on this earth deserves to be treated by someone they are involved with romantically with horribly. Relationships are supposed to make you happy in every way possible. They shouldn't make you cry, and they shouldn't feel like a war-zone. We all deserve someone that treats us with respect, and gives us our breathing room.
I've written a lot about abusive relationships, and it's a subject that I am passionate about because I want dating violence to stop. It's not that difficult to sustain a healthy relationship. You have to trust that person when you're not around. You have to have friends, and things going on in your life that isn't that other person. You have to speak up for yourself when you're getting put down, because you don't deserve that.
So, what are the signs of an abusive relationships? For starters, if someone who doesn't let you see your friends, insults your weight/style, and tries to insult you, they are abusing you. If they are hitting you, than they are abusing you. Love shouldn't hurt, and love shouldn't leave you in tears. Abusive relationships can be stopped with one thing and that is awareness. I may not have all of the signs here, but a quick google search can have even more.
I've heard somewhere that you should be with someone who doesn't think that they deserve you, and I half agree with that. I agree with that because they will treat you in a way that makes you feel like you're a queen on a throne. They will treat you like you deserve to be treated. Although you shouldn't put someone on a pedestal, which is something that I am uncomfortable with, everyone deserves someone to treat them right. Man, woman, gender-queer, or trans, you all deserve to feel love. You know real, inconvenient, can't live without you sort of love. The kind that makes you feel good about yourself in the morning when you wake up, and seeing them makes you feel so bubbly it's like your insides are floating in soda. You don't deserve someone who makes you swim in a blood bath, and makes you cry on the regs. It's sad that many people lower themselves just for the sake of feeling lonely, because they don't deserve it.
As long as I'm alive, you'll be loved by one person on the planet. I can talk to you all until I am blue in the face about how you all deserve healthy relationships to help us grow into healthy and strong individuals, and you all can do one of three things. Talk, to whoever. Whether it's a person that you think is a part of these relationships, or just in general to a bunch of girlfriends during Sunday brunch. You can listen to someone whose in this situation. Or, if you are in an abusive relationship realize that you deserve much more than someone who wants to beat you down.
This is Doctor Natalie, and I am wishing you good mental health Internet. 

The Last of The Summer Days.

It's no secret that summer is starting to draw to a close. Back to school commercials are beginning to flood my television, friends that go to school farther down south are beginning to move back, and soon I'll be in the halls at Southern again. (as much as I don't want to). However, I still wanted to enjoy one last beach day before I was flooded with paper and school work, since this was my last full week of summer. So, I decided to head down to the beach for one last summer hurrah last Saturday! (and took a ton of pictures.)

                                                     Idgie running around on the beach.

                                                    Gabriel building away. 
Gabriel, Elisia, and Gabriel's sister Bethany went along for the trip! It was so much fun because we had strawberry cupcakes (made by Gabriel and I the night before), pumpkin pie (Bethany made it; I got to try it for the first time and I loved it), and I bought Wheat Thins and popcorn which barely made it past an hour. We also bought a dog that Gabriel and their sister Bethany were watching named Idgie, who enjoyed going for a swim.

                                          Elisia and I looking for sea glass and shells! 

                                          If we didn't take a selfie, did we really go to the beach?
We then took over the beach! Elisia and I went on a walk to hunt for sea glass. Gabriel built a shell city, and Bethany took care of Idgie before going for a swim herself. All and all, it was a good day to be at the beach.

                                                   Elisia and I

                                                   Bethany and I!
After spending hours enjoying the beach, we went for Thai food, where Elisia and I had Pad Thai with chicken. (I used chopsticks, and I was a boss at it.) All and all, it was an awesome way to spend one of the last Saturdays of the summer!

                                          Gabriel and I
*All of the photos are my own. 

Another Sunday Social.

Hello everyone in the blogging world! Today I am linking up again with Ashley and Neely  for a linkup called Sunday Social! (I linked up with them last week as well, you can check that out here.)
Anyways without further a due, here's my Sunday Social this week.
 

Source 

1. What is one item you wish you could splurge on right now

Probably the Om Sacred Studs bangle for Alex and Ani. I have about 13 of the regular kind, but I don't like things that dangle very much. Therefore, I want this bangle in silver, however since I'm running a bit short on money (textbooks will do that to you, gotta love being in college), I'm going to have to wait a while. #christmaslist

2. If you had an entire weekend of no plans what would you do?

Go to the beach without a doubt. Either that or just watch tons of Gilmore Girls, seeing as I have the entire series on DVD. 

3. What is the next place you are visiting outside of your current city?

Probably the beach or Griffin's college. Maybe even a grad school visit, since most of my schools tend to be in the city.

4. Are you a neat freak or a clutterbug?

Clutterbug with out a doubt. I try to be neat, but it always ends up being a giant mess again within the span of a couple of months. My mom is a neat freak to the ultimate extreme, and it's annoying because we often get into so many fights because of it. 

5. What is your favorite summer purchase?

Either my Lokai bracelet, which is currently making it's way here (I prewrote this post, yay organized blogging!), or my ring. I can never pick just one thing. 

 

Have a happy Sunday internet!

Natalie On the Six-Blogging

Welcome to another edition of Natalie on the Six. After last week's about relationships, (miss that one? Check it out, here.) I couldn't wait to write another one. Anyways, without further adue, here's the latest addition to the On the Six feature!

Today's Topic-Blogging. 
Social Media and Blogging; It seems like everyone has a social networking account. Everyone's on Facebook, tweets, and takes tons of selfies for the Instagram. However, other than tweeting about your nutty professors, or the wierd things that your friends do, you as a blogger can use these to help you build up a larger fandom! If you follow me on Twitter, than you know that I tweet about my blog at least a couple of times a day. I definately can vouch that it helps build a more substancial audiences, and is responsible for about 10-20% of my total pageviews. If you're a new blogger, than I would definately try to make more social connections!
"Wait! I want to take a picture, so I can blog about this!" Blogging is wierd. My girl Rachel said it in her awesome post. As a semi-lifestyle blogger, I blog about some of the haps that go on in my life. Whether it's a post about my birthday party, a weekend, and a day at the beach, I blog all about that. My friends often give me funny looks as to why I'm always asking them to take a million and one pictures. And well, I have two reasons for it. One is that I just like to take a lot of pictures. Two is that when I do decide to blog about it, I have lots of photos. A blogger tip to just about anyone starting out with a blog would have to be to include as many pictures as you can. It's really need to have a visual along your many awesome things that you have to say.
Blogger Friends; The cool part about blogging is that you make a ton of friends that you meet on the Internet. Don't call Nev, because that's okay! I've discovered so many awesome things since I started blogging, whether it's a new blogger or brand. I love that part about blogging because then you get to make tons of new friends that you otherwise wouldn't have, and get to expand your horizons.
Getting your blog known. This part is the tricky part, I must say. It takes a lot of time and patience to get your blog up and running. A suggestion is to read the book "Blog Inc", because it's stocked up with awesome tips to get your blog up and running. I use my copy as a reference from time to time. The best advice that I have is to use lots of Search Engine friendly tags, comment, and use social networking to your full advantage. I also suggest joining a lot of linkups, because I find them to be super-helpful to getting more page views on that certain day!
Comment? One of the best parts about being a blogger has to be the comments that people give me on my posts. From the start of Finding My Voice, I've gotton close to 300 of them! It's such a great feeling to know that someone actually likes what you are saying. One of the worst things about blogging is that sometimes you feel like no one is reading your blog, and that's not true at all. Writing a comment to a blogger will without a doubt make their day. So, comment away!
#bloggerproblems  Blogger down? Can't find something to post about? Writer's block? Well my friend, those are all in fact #bloggerproblems..

Things I Love Thursday-Claddagh Ring From MagickCats

One of the best things about Etsy is the people behind the shop. When I was a bit down, I decided to order a Claddagh ring. Claddagh rings, for those of you who don't know the history are rings from Ireland. It's design features two hands holding a heart, and the heart is under the crown. The heart means love, the hands mean friendship and the crown means royality. However, the way that one wears the ring shows the relationship status of the wearer of the ring. (When I first started wearing one my juinor year of high school, I often wore it backwards. oops.) If you wear it with the crown facing towards you, then you're single. If you wear it with the heart facing away from you, then you're taken.
I am not in the least bit Irish, but yet I have about four or five of these rings. I like these rings because they are so pretty. I especially fell in love with Tina's ring, and for that matter the price. I am a huge fan of sterling silver claddagh rings, however to get one that's really nice and in a decent size is a bit on the pricy side. So, I decided to take a chance and order her rainbow claddagh ring. (The one that you see here, )
However, soon after ordering I realized that I ordered the wrong size. (I wear a 7 on my middle finger, however since my fingers swell a lot that tends to get uncomfortable from time to time.) So I quickly cancelled it to order the next size up. That lead to me talking to the shopownr, Tina.
After explaining why I needed to cancel my order, Tina was very understanding and helpful. I liked that about her. We even got to talking about the rings, and how much we liked to wear them. I thought that it was awesome for her to be so understanding as to why I didn't order the ring in a bigger size in the first place.
The ring ended up arriving later than planned, because of a shipping delay. Tina was so kind to message me to explain the situation, which I thought was great customer service. I ended up getting the ring almost two weeks after ordering it.She even included a ten percent off coupon, which made me happy because who doesn't like coupons?
And let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
The ring is an amazing size, and is perfect on my finger. I love the rainbow stone, which is something that I can wear with just about everything. I like that the band is thick too, because then I would not have to worry about it bending. Overall, I am so happy about my purchase with her, and I probably will be back to order an evil eye ring. If you are looking for a quality claddagh ring, and at a good price then you should check Tina's shop out!
*All opinions and photographs are my own. I was not compensated for this post in any means whatsoever.
Like the ring? Check out Tina's shop here.

"Oh Captain, My Captain".

 
Source
On Monday, I logged onto my Facebook to see what all of my friends were up to. One of the statuses was about the beloved actor Robin Williams along with the caption RIP.
I honestly thought that it was a joke, or something.
However, moments later thousands of other statuses kept on pouring in my newsfeed. After Googling him, it was confirmed that the actor did in fact die that day. And then, I stood there in disbelief, because he was so young, so beloved, and so funny.
His roles ranged from a therapist in 'Good Will Hunting', a crazed dad in 'RV', a dad posing as a nanny in 'Mrs. Doubtfire', and of course an unforgettable genie in "Aladdin.' Each and every one of us have seen at least one of his movies, and have been touched in some way, shape or form. At the very least, he had made us laugh at least once in our lifetime.
My personal favorite movie of his has to be 'Mrs. Doubtfire.' As a child with divorced parents I felt that I could personally relate to it simply because of the ending quote. "Oh, my dear Katie. You know, some parents, when they’re angry, they get along much better when they don’t live together. They don’t fight all the time, and they can become better people, and much better mummies and daddies for you. And sometimes they get back together. And sometimes they don’t, dear. And if they don’t, don’t blame yourself. Just because they don’t love each other anymore, doesn’t mean that they don’t love you. There are all sorts of different families, Katie. Some families have one mommy, some families have one daddy, or two families. And some children live with their uncle or aunt. Some live with their grandparents, and some children live with foster parents. And some live in separate homes, in separate neighborhoods, in different areas of the country – and they may not see each other for days, or weeks, months… even years at a time. But if there’s love, dear… those are the ties that bind, and you’ll have a family in your heart, forever. All my love to you, poppet, you’re going to be all right… bye-bye." In the midst of all of that comical action, there's that heartwarming quote. It's something that I feel like many of us who went through a divorce could honestly relate to since many children do blame themselves for the divorce of their parents. In that movie, we see that it's not in fact the child's fault, and Mrs. Doubtfire stands as a reminder of that.
Rest in peace, Robin. You've made us laugh for 40 years, and you've suffered your demons. The world, as well as myself, can honestly say that it was a great loss. Your death is a reminder of what great humor can mask. My heart, prayers, and condolences go out to your family.

Are you struggling with depression? Please get help today. You are not alone, and if you feel like you are, please shoot me an email.

The Time The iPhone Went Out.

Once upon a time, I decided to update my iPhone 4. So, I left it as I was charging it to do a few thing, thinking that when I was done doing them, my phone would be updated. When I came back to it, I got this lovely image:

That my friends means that the iPhone is now in recovery mode, and needs to be restored. So, I ran to my computer, which was  luckily able to come to the rescue. But first it needed to download the software the iPhone needed, which took most of the time. However, 2.5 hours later, my phone was working. And updated. But the phone happened to lose all of my 1000 plus pictures, and every single one of my contacts. (Which was over a hundred)
Needless to say, I was not a happy camper.
Luckily, I was able to get most of my contacts through my computer thanks to iMessage which was nice. Thanks to iPhoto having all of my photos, I now have all of them back for the most part. With that being said, the process of all this was tedious and very annoying. The end result was that I got most of my stuff back, however I now know to back up before I press 'update'.
Has your phone ever did this?
*the image was from google images.

Music Monday-Summer Love Songs.

Ahh, summer love. It's that one time of year when the weather is as hot as your hormones. When you have enough free time to devote to spreading it with someone else. As Boys Like Girls said "your voice is the sound of my summer", and you just need a summer love playlist to play to your beloved on a hot summer night. Out of ideas? Well here's some of my faves, bought to you by Spotify!
What are some of your favorite summer love songs? I would like to hear them. Tell me in the comments section below!

Young and Beautiful, by Lana Del Rey
Drunk on You by Luke Bryan
Teenage Dream by Katy Perry
Made in the USA by Demi Lovato
National Anthem by Lana Del Rey
You Sound Good to Me by Lucy Hale
I Love You by Martina McBride
Kids in Love by Mayday Parade
When I Look At You by Miley Cyrus
Thunder by Boys Like Girls

Sunday Social!

Hello there internet! Today I'm linking up with Ashley   and Neely for their Sunday Social! I've done this linkup a few times before, but I am very excited to be doing it again! 

1. One Show you would love to see on netflix that isn’t there
Hmm, this is a hard one. I would say 'Friends', because I've been dying to see that show. A close second is the 'Big Bang Theory'.  Also, I think that Netflix really should get updated seasons of  'New Girl' because I really would like to get caught up with it before the new season starts. Wait, you only said one? Oops.

 Source

2. One song you wish they would play more on the radio

'Ultraviolence' by Lana Del Rey. She's amazing and I feel like everyone should embrace the amazingness that is Lana Del Rey. However, I suppose it's a good thing that the radio didn't actually overplay the music. 

3. Your favorite song to sing loudly to in the car

It's a tie between 'I Wanna Get Better' by Bleachers, and 'We Are Young' by fun. 

 

Source 

4. What Movie/TV show do you quote the most?

Why can't I ever pick one thing? Anyways, it's a cross between 'Sex and the City', and 'Gilmore Girls'. Both have probably even been quoted on this blog at some time or another. 

5. One silly thing you do daily

Probably have conversations with my dog as if she would talk to me back. I often do it when I'm on the phone with my friends, which annoys them to no end.  I am a crazy dog lady and I'm proud.

Rocking the Labels..Or the Labeless..

When I was in high school, the in-thing was to wear clothes with a seagull on the bottom. Or T-shirts with brands such as Hollister, or Abercrombie typed across the shirt. Purses had to have the 'C" and the jewelry had to be from a certain company. If you had it, you were one of the club. If you didnt, then you were outta luck. 

We seem to label pretty much everything in life. We label clothing, such as it being of a certain brand being bad or good. We label cars with the concept. We even go as far as to label people as being a 'boy', or a 'girl.' We even like to label our relationship status, such as 'single,' 'casually dating', 'just friends', and so on. My question is, who made the label maker out of life?

Many times while dating we look for that label. You know what I'm talking about. "Does he want me to be his girlfriend?" "Are we dating?" I have had so many conversations with several of my friends about this type of thing. We antagonize over this, and make ourselves sick over finding some sort of answers. And, while we need labels to find clarity, I can't help but think at the same time that the labels we crave so much in our day to day life adds some sort of pressure. Pressure to play that some sort of role, and sometimes pressure to maintain that role. 

So, my question is why do we create labels in the first place? 

I can't really tell you the answer that you're all dying to know. But I can tell you this. We create labels simply because they want to put something in it's special place or compartment. It's something that we look for answers for, and the only way we can get them is to simply label it. Sad, but true. Living this sort of lifestyle can only drive us crazy because we are searching for that label. Whether it's a husband or a designer bag, we can't help but realize that it's a true thing. 

Sometimes we need to stop looking for things. Stop looking for the boyfriend to come, because you can turn around a thousand corners and still not find Mr. (or Miss) Right. Live life to the fullest and think positively. Live in every moment and not want to label it. However if you want to put a hashtag on it then it's perfectly fine. 

At the end of the day, sometimes we really need to look past the labels to create something that fits perfectly with us. And that may be the designer bag from Chanel, or the one from Amazon that costs about ten dollars. I believe that if we try not so desperately to fill the labels, chances are you're not going to come across the knockoffs so easily.

My main goal in life is to avoid the knockoff, and go for something real. Whether it's in love, where I find someone that may be my 'husband', or 'partner', or in my closet where my clothes are now arranged by my style not by my peers, I can't help but think one thing. Labels or not, I am pretty awesome. And that's all that really matters. 

Favorite Place In the World..

In case you all didn't already know, the beach is one of my favorite places in the world. I literally can spend hours there, and not really care. Ever since I was little, the beach has been a place where I could always hang out. My family owns a beach house, and every weekend like clockwork, we would go there. I was always in the water, getting into some kind of trouble. Now as I'm older, I go there to find some sort of peace and serenity.

Whenever I go there, I often take too many pictures as well. There's something about the sand and the water that makes such pretty pictures. It's one of my favorite things actually to take pictures of, and therefore, I end up with thousands of pictures of the ocean on my camera roll.

One of the best memories of summer has to center around the beach. I spent my 20th birthday there, see post here, and I go there a lot over the summer with my friends. It's my favorite place to spend the summer, and I hope to one day own a place of my own at the beach. So, tell me. What's you're favorite summer spot?

What Should You Leave In Last Semester.

Ah, yes it's everyone's favorite time of year. Staples is giving school supplies away like it's their job (oh wait, it is), and every store is telling you that you need new clothes to arrive, and not go back to school in style. However, while going hard on all of these sales, maybe it's time to develop a new mentality, and leaving some things that were last semester, well last semester.
That bloke who forgot to call. Using British terms for the win. Let's say that you met someone awesome last semester, who took your breath away. *cue theme from Top Gun here* However, over the summer it seemed like he developed a case of amesia, or simply a touch of being obnoxiousitis. Girl, ain't nobody got time for that. Yes, you were drunk in love, but now you've sobered up to realize that he's a jerk. Simply, be civil by saying hi and not being a jerk. If asked about him, simply say 'I think he's good, but I haven't talked to him in a while.' That way, you're not gossiping about how he was such a jerk. So not your style.
Your crew causes more drama than the Kardashians. Who hates who this week? Whose talking s**t about who? Woah, this ain't 'The Hills,' honey. I hate drama more than anything. The only time I don't actually mind it is when I'm watching a Nichalas Sparks movie, and that's just because I actually am paying to see it. Otherwise, I want chill people surrounding me. I have no time for people wanting to sabotage the other, and I have no time for someone who just wants drama. Neither should you for that matter. I am trying, slowly but surely to get rid of unnecessary drama, because it's just that. Otherwise, they would bring you down, and who wants that?
Stop over planning. Okay, so being organized is pretty awesome. In fact, most professors would applaud it. However, somethings that you just can't plan. For example, life just happens. Many people plan to the point where we actually can't enjoy life. So, yes write down your appointments, and assignments. However, be sure to open to the unexpected. Once, I found myself in a neighborhood of my friend's, and really had to use the bathroom. I called him up, and I ended up spending the entire night with him which was nice. Did I plan that? Nope. But was it fun? Yup.
So, as you're buying new things to make the back to school experience shiny and new, be sure to pick up these awesome new habits. 

Whose On My Blogroll?

Some of the cool parts about being a blogger is that you get to connect with some really awesome people. Since coming to the blogger community, I have stumbled across many awesome people and blogs. However, there's some that I just have to check every single morning. So, if you're looking for some awesome blogs to read, other than my own, please check these lovely bloggers out!
Rgord, the Blog
Formerly Sunshine & Sinatra, Rgord the blog is perhaps one of my favorite blogs on the internet. Her style is unique and fresh, and her instagram is always on point. I love how she isn't afraid to talk about her blind dates, because let's just face it, not everyone can be an open book. She has to be one of my favorite bloggers, because of that.

The World According to Emma
I know this blogger! I actually go to the same college as Emma, and we actually met via the internet. Blogging has actually bought us closer together, and we often bond over that. I love her blog, because it's so damn positive! (Who doesn't love positive things?) Emma is really awesome, and her blog is about her adventures, her goals, and of course her love for Dylan O'Brien. I loved watching her blog grow, as well as my own, and am really blessed to say that she's one of my dearest friends I've made at college.
Polkadots and Palindromes
I love Hannah's blog, because it's just so unique. Because of her blog, I can honestly tell you what a Palindrome is! I love her blog, because she's a college blogger, and actually talks about college issues, and things that college students would be interested in. (I think that is important because I am a college student, and I like to be able to say that I can relate to them. Plus, her glasses are really awesome, just saying!

The Life You Love
Last but certainly not least, comes Sam from the Life You Love. I love her blog, because she talks about a mixture of her life, and her thoughts. She's also in college, which is a common theme for all of my favorite bloggers now that I think about it. However, I like her blog because it talks about things ranging from her opinions, to her actual day to day life. (She also talks about her boyfriend, which she and him make and adorable couple) It's important to have variety in your blog and she does that in a way that's simply amazing. (A special shout out to her, just because she told me that I was a no-reply blogger)
So, I hope that these four ladies get added onto your own blogroll, because each and every one of them are simple amazing. I do read a ton of other blogs, but these four are the ones that I check pretty much daily to see what's up. So, go and click on these lovely blogs. Chances are, you'll get carried away from the awesomeness.
all images have been taken from the featured blogs! 

The Marriage Thing Applies

Maybe I don't want to get married.  
When I tell people that, I am instantly reminded of that scene in the beginning of the movie 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' when Gus talks about Toula not being married yet, and everyone writes her off as being unsuccessful. As I enter my 20s, I often feel like I have to hand someone my life plan. "At this age, I'll get married." "At this age, I'll have a kid. A few years later, I'll knock out another one." However, I don't understand why.
I'm entering my twenties with the crown of my claddaugh ring facing away from me. And if you don't know what that means, it just is a fancy way of saying that I'm a single lady. By the end of my 'roaring 20s', it's a common thing to have a diamond and perhaps a band on a certain finger. However, I'm not sure if that's what I want.
If you looked at my Pinterest, you'll know that I have a board called If I Had A Wedding. I'm not against marriage, and I am certainly not against weddings. However, I do think that we often put this idea of a wedding in our minds that is overly romantic. We watch people as they say yes to their dream dress, which only gets us more and more excited for the moment to arrive when you're the one looking for the white gown. It seems like we all are programmed to want the whole married life thing, and so when I say the words 'I don't want to get married' then you are basically at looking at breaking the norm.
But, hear me out internet people. I don't know what exactly I want. Marriage is a huge commitment, and I don't want to make that with just anybody. At this point, I really can't see myself getting married. Maybe it's because I'm single. Maybe it's because I want to get my career down first. Right now, getting married isn't my main goal in life. I often think about that being a point of pressure in relationships, and I don't want that to happen for me. I want to enjoy my relationships with whoever decides to make me his girlfriend, not nag him to get on one knee. Often many people look so ahead to the future that we often forget to live in the now.
So, for right now, I'm going to say that maybe, just maybe I don't want to get married. And that can change, and it probably would. But, in the mean time let's hear it for life and let's hear it for all of the things that we wished that we could last longer. If I get married, than I will pick out bridesmaids and say yes to the dress. And if not? Well, Gabriel and I will be causing trouble...somewhere.

Natalie On The 6-Relationships.

Hi there readers, welcome to my little neck of the internet land called Finding My Voice. Today, I am launching another awesome feature called 'On the 6'. What is it, you may ask? Well, I am glad that you are a curious one, I like those kinds of people. On this lovely feature, I will give my opinion on six different topics, all with one common central theme. Hence, the random six. Anyways, without further a due, here's my first 'On the Six'. 

Today's Topic-Relationships.
Social Networking Sites and Relationships;

The internet has quickly evolved into a tool in which everyone shares pretty much everything that comes to mind. My blog is a pure example of that. Because of that, we often lack the privacy since all we're doing is tweeting and taking selfies for our Instagram followers. Relationships are between you and your partner, not your thousands of Instagram followers. I hate that we live in a society where we constantly are consumed with the notion of having to post certain things. In my relationships, I pretty much want them private until I feel like I am ready to go public with. It's really no one's business but my own on who I'm dating, about to be dating, unless I feel like it's something that's going to last. I do however tell my selected few friends what's the deal, but other than that, I lack the need to yell that I am drunk in love from the rooftops. However, I don't judge people for posting every single moment on the internet. I just think that it's important to know that some private moments should just remain private until we're ready to share them. 

Not being in a relationship:

Many people in my generation often look at being single as a curse, and that they are always going to be single for the rest of their lives. News flash, you're not so don't go cat shopping just yet. Being single is awesome, and although sometimes I don't like being single I don't think it's the worst thing that can happen to me. I think it's important to enjoy being single, because it helps you find yourself. I can't wait to find a boyfriend, but at the end of the day, I wouldn't trade being single with anything in the world.

LDR;

Long distance relationships are a tricky thing. I do however think that they are do-able, although difficult. I wouldn't mind being in one, because it forces you to do all of the things that healthy relationships need in order to grow, but ten times more. First, you need to trust that other person. Every relationship needs trust or otherwise, it's going to need a coffin. If you can't trust that person, that you can't be with them. It's as simple as that. Secondly, you need to really have a life that is not devoted to that other person. Having a job, going to school, and friends outside the relationship is important even if that person is across town. I would honestly rather have a LDR, because then you're forced to have those things. Although having a non-LDR would be good too, I feel like relationships have become too connected and close for my liking. Many relationships do in fact crumble from this, however if you realize that you're not able to be that connected than you should be just fine!

Pressure to Be Married;

I'm twenty and yet I have friends that either are married, engaged, or want to be married. I, on the other hand don't. I feel like many people want to get married because of the chance to wear a pretty white dress, and have a guy that's like Leonardo DiCaprio (except no one can beat Leo, but let's not tell your significant other that.) I believe that marriage comes from feeling in love, and once I feel like that than I will then send my "Save the Dates." Until then, you're going to have to hear me complain about romanticized weddings are.  

Friends In Relationships;

Many of my friends have boyfriends and significant others. Me? Well I have my dog. I am happy for all of my friends who are in relationships, however, there's something that I would like to add to those who are not single. Don't be a jerk about it. Don't ignore your friends. Your friends were there before. Don't rub their nose into it, because it's annoying. And you don't want to be that  friend who won't shut up about their boyfriend. I think relationships  and friendships mesh well, but don't talk about it until your friends want to strangle you, and don't be all 'my boyfriend is better than yours.' However, the only exception is when you're just getting into a relationship. Other than that, please don't overly talk about your boo..or baby...or whatever. 

Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships;

I think that healthy relationships are important. Respect, space, and friends are all important because then you won't be a zombie of the other person. Don't put that other person on a pedestal, because then they would know that and take advantage. Know your worth because everyone deserves respect, and not being hit. Abuse is bad, and know that you deserve to be happy. That's all.

 What are your opinions on these matters? I hope to hear them!  

Is This Happiness?

Sometimes, relationships from the start are doomed. People ask us to change, whether it's to change our personality, hair, or point of view. We often realize, at the time of being intoxicated by love that we blindly follow into someone's view on how we should be, not how we actually are. We often think it's for the better.
That's when relationships often fail or crack. Relationships have the tendency of cracking as a result of too much expectation and too much tension. Sometimes, we find a mixture of the both. Whatever the case may be, we often realize that we should probably void the relationship at the time when we reach the point of complete and total blind bliss.
At the end of the day, we deserve people that like us for our quirks. Whether it's because our hair is too frizzy, or that we like to jam to Destiny's Child and Miley Cryus. It's a funny thing that when we like someone, we often alter ourselves to be who they want us to be, not who we want ourselves to be.
We have to wonder if this is truly happiness? Is this a solid home, or a glass house that can be broken at a throw of an insult.
I don't think so, because if it was actually happiness that nobody would ask us to change. You would make them so happy that they would wonder what they did to deserve someone as awesome as you. Everyone on this world needs to have that in a relationship, whether romantic or platonic. We often forget our worth. I even fall into that trap of not realizing that I am worth more than being told what I should be. I did that before, and I am not making that mistake anymore.
At the end of the day, we have to realize that we can't budge. Whether it's something that someone hates about us, or something that someone wishes that we would change we have to remember that we are in fact worth something more than being told to be a part of someone's view of how we should be. We have to realize that we are worth having people in our lives that tell us that we are the best things that we have ever seen, and are blinded by our inner and outer beauty. And that, my readers is a proven fact.