Things No One Told Me About Getting a New Phone

Ladies and gentlemen, I finally got a new phone. For those who don't know me, I've had a white iPhone four for about two years. I got it back when the iPhone four was free with a two year contract. Now, as the end of my contract finally approached, I began to think about finally getting a replacement. 

There were a few options to finally replacing my phone. However, I quickly learned the days of two year contracts were long gone. Our phone company is now doing AT&T next, which is you pay for the phone in monthly installments and can upgrade quicker. (Which I don't get why, the process of switching cell phones is beyond stressful) After a lot of thinking, I finally settled on the 5s due to the fact it was affordable. But when I went to go get a two year contract at the ATT store in my area, my phone company said they couldn't get it on a two year contract in the store. So my mom called the company, who finally explained what AT&T Next was and we finally decided to get the iPhone 6 in gold #basic. Since it was only a few dollars more to get the 64 GB (Because let's face it, I have a lot of music), I decided to spring for that one versus the 16 GB. 

My new phone should be coming in very soon, however, there's so many things I didn't know when you're switching from iPhone to iPhone. Once I get my phone home, I'll be posting a review here for you all to see, as well as comparing it with my old one. In the mean time? Other than the new contract thing, here's a list of things that no one told me I needed to do when switching phones:

• You need to back up things on iCloud in order to transfer. Remember that episode in "Sex and the City" when they asked Carrie if she backed things up and she said "I don't do that"? Well, I don't do that either..I used iCloud and back up my phone to my computer about once a week. However, to keep all of my apps the same, I need to use iCloud to transfer everything. Why is everything so confusing? 
• You don't just get a new phone. You have to get a new case as well. I kind of knew this, however, this still is a shock that whenever you get a new phone, you have to also buy a case to make sure it stays safe from the everyday fails of life. Whatever you do, don't get them from the store if you can help it. (Unless they are having a sale, which in that case go for it!) Head to your local Marshall's or TJ Maxx. They usually have things like Speck Candyshell cases for about $10, when they usually go for about $30.

What are some things you've found out when upgrading your phone? Let me know in the comments below, and look out for a review and comparison of the iPhone 6. (Compared to my old iPhone 4)

Music Monday: Favorite Love Songs

Hey everyone! Summer is in the air, and I'm sure so is love. And what better than an intense love affair than having a playlist to fuel the nights when you're with that special someone. Then when you're apart, than when the song comes on you think of that special person. Here's some of my favorite love songs, perfect for those in love. Warning: I can't guarantee you're not going to be able to stop thinking about you're significant other while listening to these hot tracks.

1. Take My Breath Away by Berlin
2. Photograph by Def Leppard
3. Closer by Tegan and Sara
4. The One by Elton John
5. Make Me Lose Control by Eric Carmen
6. Crazy for You by Madonna
7. Close to You by Neon Trees
8. Deuces are Wild by Aerosmith
9. Love They Say by Tegan and Sara
10. Turning Page by Sleeping At Last 
11. You Are in Love by Taylor Swift
12. So Far Away by Rod Stewert 
13. Tiny Dancer by Elton John 

Why Marshall's Is Dangerous

 
I'm a shopaholic, through and through. I always say "This time, I'm really going to save my money." Then I don't. It's usually because I go to TJ Maxx or Marshall's and find some outstanding "I've got to have it" item. Such as the wallet featured above.

That wallet was an impulse buy. Well kind of. I've had my eye on it for a while. I'm a huge fan of the smartphone wallets by Dooney and Bourke. They usually go for $108-118 a piece. Last December I got the one featured below for $59.99 at Marshall's (My cousin had given me a giftcard) However, a few weeks later the one above appeared, and I wanted it more than anything.  But since it was close to $80, I was hesitant.
Finally, a few days ago I decided to get a new power bank. I had one before hand, but it started to not be able to hold a charge longer than one use. So, I went to Marshalls. So, I decided to look around and stumble across the following: soap, macaroons (my favorite), and a t-shirt that I liked. Then, I saw this wallet. It was on clearance. I knew I had to get it or I would regret it instantly. (Once you have that feeling, the deal is closed.) So much for saving my money right.
At the end of the day, I don't regret buying the wallet. But, I do wish I had more willpower to save money.
Tell me, how do you all save money? Let me know in the comments below!

Feelin' 1989

Six years ago, I was a fool for love. I was obsessed, Bella Swan style, with this guy who really didn't like me. (He says he did, but I was annoying and constantly called him.) When he broke up with me (cause I was a stage five clinger, let's face facts), I didn't think I could actually love someone else. Oh, how dramatic I was at 15!
Over the past six years, I fell in love with my best friend (who didn't like me back,) went out on countless dates with someone who didn't know what the hell he was doing, and dipped my toes into Tinder. (and dipped them right out, because that was creepy)
Taylor Swift once said 1989 was the album one feels after the breakup. One where the tears were gone, and you were ready to start again. I guess you can say I'm feeling 1989. Or, you can say that I'm ready for love.
While I'm not going to look for it like a crazy person, I am going to be open to it. I am ready for the next chapter in my dating life. I am ready to finally put behind my many mistakes, my many flaws and the things I did five years ago. I am ready to meet someone who may or may not be my Mr. Right. I'm ready to become someone's partner, significant other or girlfriend. I am ready to be open to the possiblity of being hurt, while experiencing joy in the moment.
I want to experience love, because simply I'm open to it. I no longer am going to let something that once happened a long time ago define how I'm feeling now.
The thing about love is it truly defines you. While I'm not interested in letting a relationship take over me as a person, I am interested in finding someone that will means something to me. I'm okay with being single, but I am also okay with being in a relationship. I believe that one is mature enough for 'the real thing' when they are content with being alone but find happiness (to some degree) with someone who thinks that you're wonderful to look at and makes you smile.
As Madonna would say "I'm living for love." I guess you can say I'm just that. And one day, I shall find it.

Bethany's Graduation!

 

This past Monday, one of my nearest and dearest friends graduated high school. Her name is Bethany, and she's actually the sister of my friend Gabriel. I was debating about going to her graduation for a while now, however I decided to go because she's a really good friend of mine.

It was weird to see her graduate and go back to my old high school. High school honestly feels like forever ago, so to it was a wierd feeling. However, I'm glad to see her graduate. I also am so proud of her, because not only has she completed high school and accepted a diploma with grace, she also graduated number six in her class. She also is an activist who is passionate about making a difference in the world. This included wearing green while every other "female" would have to wear gold at graduation. She stuck to her principals, and I am so proud to have gotten the chance to get to know her over these last four years.
Good luck Bethany!

Book Review: The One And Only by Emily Giffin

Finally, knocking one of the books off of my summer reading list!  This is the second book that I now can cross off, and I'm in the process of reading a third called Infamous by Lauren Conrad. My goal to read 10 books over the summer is going really well, because I'm already on book five. After I read Infamous, I'm going to read "P.S. I Still Love You," by Jenny Han, followed by "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Now that I've checked in with my summer reading goals, let me begin to review the latest book I've read.
Emily Giffin is one of my favorite authors ever since I've read "Something Borrowed." I've wanted to read "The One and the Only" since it came out last summer, however I don't know why it took so long for me to pick up a copy. But, I finally did and got to reading.
The book is about Shea Rigsby, who suddenly feels like her life isn't good enough after a close family friend's death. She begins to rethink her job, her relationship and what she wants out of life. Shea then breaks up with longtime boyfriend Miller, whose a loser. She begins to go out with an old college friend named Ryan, and gets a job at a newspaper. However, she still can't shake the feeling that something could be wrong, as she begins to discover her real feelings for someone else.
As the book progresses, it has a lot of twists and turns. The ending, although won't be revealed, was a surprise yet fulfilling ending.
Overall, I thought this book was pretty good. It was a bit slow at first, as Shea begins to figure out what to do next, however by page 100 the pacing of the book flew by. This isn't one of my favorite Giffin novels, however she didn't disappoint me. (Especially since I've waited so long to get to read the book) I recommend this book to anyone whose a fan of the 'chick lit' genre, and it's an amazing read.
So, if you haven't read this book, I say check it out! 

Sleeping Giant Photoshoot

I can't believe June is halfway over! Today's post is some pictures from my adventures with Gabriel at Sleeping Giant State Park! We had a mini photoshoot, so here's some of the pictures we've taken, using my fancy digital camera!

 My favorite photo of us for some odd reason!

PS: How cool is it that I went to Sleeping Giant not once, but twice?

Teenage Milestone: Driving By Myself

Recently, I finally had gotten my car back. For those who don't know, I received a 2001 Honda Civic as my first  car. However, upon registering I learned that my car was a train wreck and would be requiring a lot of repairs. So, for three months it sat in my grandmother's yard. I would start it to make sure it was running okay, but I never drove it. Finally towards the end of the semester, my mom surprised me with getting my car fixed. #finally #thanksmom
About a month later, my car finally came home. And it was worth the wait. At first, my mom was hesitant since I haven't really been driving since getting my license in September. So after a few times, I finally got to do the unthinkable. Drive by myself.
In all fairness, I drove to work which was about a mile where I live. (I'm lucky, the commute is pretty easy. I like it especially because I work at night and driving at night can be tricky) However, I was still excited about this moment because it not only I've waited for so long for it, I also finally felt independent.
Driving was easy, but really weird. I've pretty much been trying for my license since I turned 18. However, I was caught in the law change in my state. The change was that people over 18 had to go for their permit test, whereas before you were able to drive with a parent or someone older teaching you once you turned 18. Once I got my permit, I had to go back to driving school because my mom was too nervous to teach me how to drive. It took me two tries, but I finally got my license in September, which was a huge relief.
Now that I'm driving, it feels really weird. I feel like I should be calling for a ride, but then soon realize that I can take myself places versus having someone else take me. I can also take myself wherever I want to go. Lastly, I can actually control whatever music I want to listen to, versus whatever my mom or friend would want to listen to.
So, tell me about your first car. Or, about your driving story! 

Book Review: Love, Rosie

Source
The latest book I've read was "Love Rosie" by Cecelia Ahern. (It was originally called "Where Rainbows End." While it wasn't on my summer reading list like the previous books I've read, it still was a great summer read, and I totally recommend it.
The book was about two best friends, Rosie and Alex. Friends since childhood, it seems like they were meant to be. The problem? Everyone seems to know it but them. Told entirely in letters, emails and instant message chats, the book spans about fifty years. (I'm not going to reveal the ending, however, it was a good one!) It takes the reader through marriages, births and divorce, and it was an amazing read.
I recommend this book to fans of any kind of chick lit. If you loved books such as "The Notebook" and "Something Borrowed" this is the perfect book for you. It's an easy read, but enjoyable.
Overall, if you're looking for something to read this summer, check out "Love Rosie."
Have you read "Love Rosie?" If so, let me know what you think about it in the comments below!

Music Monday: Making Light of my Old Car..

Happy Monday, everyone! I present a different format of this feature than what you are all used to. Instead of featuring my latest musical obsessions, I'm going to tell you what I've been buying lately-cassettes.
Before you say it's a throwback, let me say why I've been hitting up Amazon and eBay for some classic tunes. My new (to me) car sadly didn't come with a CD player, rather a tape player. So, because I like to be the one in control of what I'm listening to, I started asking family members and looking for tapes online. And thanks to that, I now have a small collection to listen to while driving.
I also would like to point out that I do have a cassette converter thing that you can plug your iPod in the car, however, since I'm still getting used to the car, I didn't want to have to fiddle with it every time I go to drive. So, until I get better and used to driving my car, tapes it will have to be.
Thanks to my mom, I now own the Madonna tapes "Like a Virgin" and "True Blue" as well as Foreigner's "Agent Provactor." Thanks to my grandparents, I now own "Tusk" by Fleetwood Mac, and a few others I've never heard of. (They were free, so why not?) Thanks to my eBay and Amazon finds I managed to find some of my favorite albums such as Ozzy's "No More Tears" and "Ozzmosis", as well as more Madonna and a Paula Abdul tape.
Even though I get throwbacks of listening to my old walkman, I am happy that I'm able to find tapes. Usually, they are about $3 at the most since not many people use them anymore, and I'm able to find many of the music albums I like since I like many songs from the 80s and 90s.
Overall, tapes have been my favorite musical obsession. I would have included a picture but many of the tapes I've ordered haven't arrived just yet. 

Currently...

Currently, life has been great. Summer has been a combination of working and actually enjoying free time.  (IE reading books that I actually enjoy and hanging out with my friends.) So, I decided to tell you all what I've been up to for the last few days:

• Reading: The One and Only by Emily Giffin. Emily Giffin is one of my favorite authors and I am so excited to finally get to cross that off of my 'to read list.' I'm only on page 29, but hope to get more reading done in the next few days.
• Obsessed With Buying: Cassette tapes. I finally got to drive my car (I've had a lot of repairs done on it, so now it's actually safe to drive.) As much as I love Rosie, she doesn't have a CD player. At first, I wanted to replace it, but after looking at some, I really just wanted to keep the car the way it was. Fortunately, I was able to have some of my mom's and grandparent's old tapes as well as purchasing some off of Amazon and eBay. 
• Watching: Sabrina the Teenage Witch. I finally got Hulu, and it has Sabrina! ;) I'm so excited about it. 
• Writing: At College Fashionista! I'm a Style Guru this summer for College Fashionista, and so far I'm really enjoying it. I love taking pictures of people and actually writing about different kinds of style. Check out my latest post here!

Want to get more updates! Follow me on Twitter or Instagram! :D (I update those regularly.)

#TBT

This time of year makes me really nostagalic. Usually, it's because of the string of high school events that are going on. (IE prom, graduation) So, I decided to go back in time and give you all couple of throwbacks of some of my favorite high school memories!
Prom:
 
Griffin and I, May 2012
Badminton:
 
(Helena and I, October 2011)
Graduation:
 
(Griffin and I, June 2012)
Band:
 
(Helena and I, June 2012)
Three Year's Worth of New York Trips!
 
(Liz, Sarah, and I, May 2009)
 Graduation Party:
 
(Griffin, Gabriel, and I, June 2012)
Chalk Festival:
 
(Iris and I, June 2012)
Going through all of these pictures really made me nostalgic. I still can't believe I graduated almost three years ago. What were your favorite memories in high school? Comment below!

Exploring Sleeping Giant

It seems I've been crossing many things off of my summer bucket list lately! (Check here for my last update) And last Friday, I got to  cross out one more. And that is? Getting to explore Sleeping Giant.
Sleeping Giant, for those who don't know, is a state park located in my small Connecticut town, not too far from Quinnipiac University. I've always wanted to, but never got a chance. Well that changed when Gabriel asked to go hiking. Let's just say I mostly did it for the blog ;)
 
 
After grabbing some Starbucks and Thai food, we headed to conquer. I was excited, because hey it's something that I always  wanted to do. The weather was simply beautiful and the park was amazing. We ended up talking about what was going in our lives, as well as our plans for the weekend. We didn't end up hiking the entire thing, but we did end up exploring QU when we were done. (Where Gabriel took a video on Snapchat that they are still proud of)

Overall, it was a beautiful way to spend my day off. What better way to spend it with fun friends, great food and of course a chance to get out there and explore? I can't think of anything else!

Book Review: We Were Liars

Okay, so this book wasn't on my summer reading list. However, this book was something I was dying to read for a while, so I decided to read it since I had the chance.
The book is about Cadence Sinclair, and her 17th summer at Beechwood, a private island owned by Cady's wealthy family. Every summer, the family gathers and catches up. Cady had suffered a head injury the a few summers back and is having trouble remembering much of what happened during the summer of her accident. She returns after spending the previous summer with her father in Europe, to finally put the pieces together of what happened during the summer where she lost her memory.
The novel goes through Cady's journey to remember what happened during that fateful night. I'm not going to reveal the ending, however, to me it was a surprise.
I honestly really enjoyed reading this book. I thought the way Lockhart laid out the events was skillfully done.The book was amazingly well written, and it's one of those books when you start them, you simply can't put them down. You want to figure out the mystery, so it grabs you in.
So, if you're looking for a book to bring on your beach adventures or a book to engross you this summer look no further. "We Were Liars" by e. lockhart is the perfect book for you.

Reaction to the Duggar Interviews

Last Wednesday and last Friday night, four members of the Duggar family sat down to be interviewed regarding the molestations of Josh Duggar. The first interview was with Josh's parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, while the second one was with Josh's victims Jill and Jessa. While staying tuned to my television set this past Friday night (I unfortunately was working during the one with Jim Bob and Michelle), I have the following to say.

What transpired during the interviews Friday night was a combination of the following. Defending their brother and the way their parents handled the situation. Forgiveness for their brother and how they were able to forgive him. They blamed the media for betraying their trust and making this a front page headline, despite the events in which this took place was over 12 years ago. 

The sisters said they were both asleep and unaware while Josh was doing until their parents told them what happened. According to Jessa Duggar, he was "a little too curious about girls." Jessa did go onto to classify their brother's actions were wrong. Both Jill and Jessa say that they aren't victims, when clearly they are. 

After constantly hearing about this in the news, I question many things. Those girls were Josh's victims. I question the Duggar's ability to parent. If someone was hurting my children, I wouldn't allow him back in my home. The line becomes messy and muddled especially since it was their son that performed these actions. They did get their child help, and take him back into the home. On Wednesday's interview, Michelle did go on to say there are safety guards up as well not letting old boys babysit the younger children.  Jim Bob did go on to say that "it was over the clothes." But, if the touching wasn't wanted or appropriate doesn't it still classify it as wrong? 

I do also question how the girls were be able to be asleep during this. I've read in many places that victims pretend they were asleep when getting molested.  This in my opinion doesn't match up, and I still question the validity of this statement. 

The future of this conservative Christian family is a bit sketchy. Right now, TLC has pulled the show from its' lineup, and it's currently in limbo for cancellation. For me, this is ridiculous because when the Honey Boo Boo scandal happened, the show was history with no questions asked. The same concept should be applied to "19 Kids and Counting" because I believe this is a bit worse than that. Child molestation while talking about Christian values? That's not really Christianlike for me. 

I'll be the first to admit that "19 Kids and Counting" is my guilty pleasure. However, in light of the recent controversy, I'll be the first to admit that this whole situation is 50 shades of screwed up. 

Blogging is Like A Job.

I've been blogging for over three years, and the title is basically the conclusion I've come to. This blog has come a long way since it's first post, where the only people that would read this little blog had my number. (They were actually my friends, who I forced to read this blog by sending them thousands of emails on the daily. I also blogged almost every day.) That was before I read "Blog Inc.," before I joined the Her Campus group and before I even knew some of my favorite bloggers even existed. Nowadays, I promote my blog through countless social media, like Facebook, Twitter and follow several bloggers on Instagram. 
I recently read a post on the College Girl Daily about blogging. Needless to say, it's something I do because I like writing. I'm an intern at College Fashionista, I've written for the school newspaper for the past two years and I'm a reporter for my small town newspaper. However, blogging is something that's like a job. After all, you have to write posts, get pictures if you want, get ideas for posts and simply make sure you have enough time to promote them.
Blogging in some ways is like a job. But, at the very least it's definitely worth it. Through blogging, I've noticed an increase of how much connections I have through social media. My writing has improved. So, in a nutshell my hard work as a blogger is worth it. I hope that my little space on the Internet will get even more bigger as time continues. For instance, I'm so glad to announce that this little blog has received the most views in May since probably July of last year.
Blogging is something that as a journalist, I'll always enjoy doing. At the end of the day, it's more fun writing for yourself than anyone else.

Book Review: Nice Is Just A Place In France

As you all can recall earlier, I recently did a post about my summer reading list. One of the first books I've recently read was the book "Nice Is Just a Place in France" by the Betches.
I wanted to read this book because I had heard so much hype on it from various bloggers and other people who picked up this book. After doing some careful research (aka just reading the comments), it looked good so I decided to pick it up.
I thought the book was really entertaining and well written. I liked how this was a guidebook, but not really a guidebook. It was an easy read, and I honestly enjoyed reading it. It really struck a cord with me because I think I'm too much of a 'nice girl' and I really need to develop a back bone.
I recommend this book for just about anyone out there whose looking for a good book to read this summer. It's a must have because not only is it humorous, but it also does talk about a lot of pop culture. It was a fast and easy read, perfect for those who are putting the harder reads of the semester fast behind them.
So, are you interested in this book? Pick it up at Barnes and Noble today! 

Music Monday: May Music Obsessions

The title of this post has such alliteration! Anyways, for those of you who know me, I love a good playlist. During my time as the Opinions Editor for the Southern News, I had to make a playlist every week and I was in heaven. Lately, I've been adding music to my iTunes library like crazy! From Lil Wayne, to Lindsay Lohan my iTunes and iPod have been gratefully accepting my new music choices to jam to. So, I decided to share a playlist with you...enjoy! (Some of these songs are a bit older, so #throwback!)

1. Born to Die by Lana Del Rey 
2. What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction 
3. Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding (from 50 Shades of Grey)
4. One by Ed Sheeran
5. Perry Mason by Ozzy Osbourne
6. Closer by Tegan and Sara 
7. Hold on We're Going Home by Drake 
8. Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Rey 
9. Don't by Ed Sheeran 
10. Dangerous by Roxette
11. Style by Taylor Swift 
12. Heaven Knows by the Pretty Reckless 
13. American by Lana Del Rey 
14. Miracle Man by Ozzy Osbourne
15. West Coast by Lana Del Rey