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?