tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52051081736404014232024-03-12T19:47:00.047-07:00Flashes of InspirationGrab a paintbrush, you'll need it. Now dip it in your color of choice and paint something lovely on the canvas. It can be anything, just use your imagination.Piperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-74602200891494946942012-08-06T11:14:00.001-07:002012-08-06T11:14:16.778-07:00"Juicy" Bum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/250x250/23089670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="250" width="250" src="http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/250x250/23089670.jpg" /></a></div><br />
You know what's hard, and I mean REALLY hard? <br />
<br />
(that's what she said)<br />
<br />
Self discipline is really hard. Especially with the media and the constant reminders that as a woman you should have perfect skin, a perfectly bleached smile, as well as a perfect body. <br />
<br />
Woah now, hang on a minute. <br />
<br />
Each and every woman is unique yet most of us tend to think alike. For example, imagine yourself watching the Olympics and are hypothetically eating your favorite potato chips. On screen there are these tone and slim 19 year old girls who stick their dismount without a jiggle to their thighs. You look down at that open bag of evil snack food and suddenly there is an overwhelming need to toss those potato chips halfway across the room just so you can look as good as that! <br />
<br />
You keep up with a personal goal to eat healthy and keep active. Discipline! <br />
<br />
Or maybe you take more drastic measures and want to fit into those size 0 jeans by Friday by eating nothing and drinking only water. Not likely at all and certainly NOT healthy.<br />
<br />
Or perhaps you are still eating those darn potato chips because you know that you will never look like that. Right? <br />
<br />
WRONG. <br />
<br />
Wrong wrong wrong! Come now people. <br />
<br />
If you want to be healthy, then you have to pace yourself. You have to incorporate fruits and veggies back into your diet. Make it fun! Create a whole bunch of healthy smoothies that you can enjoy! Not only are you giving your body more of the vitamins it needs to survive, but also you are cleansing your body of those salty demons tucked away in the bag you (might have) threw halfway across the room. <br />
<br />
Be active. You not only need to eat well but you also need to exercise well. Those two things are key to being a much healthier version of yourself. Not a "sexier" version, not a "hot" version, not a "beautiful" version, but a healthy one. <br />
<br />
Take control of your soda intake, the excess salts sugars and fats that you just don't need from processed foods, and discipline yourself! <br />
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It's difficult I know, it's not fun. But just like any great regimen for yourself, you get used to it and it becomes second nature. <br />
<br />
So what say you? Ready to get healthy? <br />
<br />
The best part is, being healthier has no down-side, you get to not only feel better abut the food choices you're making, but also about the "healthier" you overall. <br />
<br />
Rock it out girl! <br />
<br />
~Piper<br />
<br />
P.S. Also, really guys? "Juicy"? Yoga pants really need to kick it up a notch.Piperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-91391994773884316232012-07-11T14:54:00.000-07:002012-07-11T14:54:10.207-07:00The "Green" Joys of Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pbr2010.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/audrey-hepburn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="324" width="576" src="http://pbr2010.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/audrey-hepburn.jpg" /></a></div><br />
(Brownie points if you know what film the image above was taken from!) <br />
<br />
My summer hiatus has ended, and with that comes more inspiration! <br />
<br />
On my little adventures I searched for several reasons as to how you can enjoy your summer in a very "green" way. I think I was more than successful. <br />
<br />
Summer is the time for exercise, new recipes, putting together a good book reading list, impromptu picnics with a loved one, as well as cool drinks by the pool. So being environmentally friendly whilst pursuing all of these activities is just the thing for a summer happy boost!<br />
<br />
1. Being green in your actions should also reflect from within. Start by treating yourself to some green. Incorporate organic foods into your life, start a small garden, drink more water and green tea, and definitely invent your own creative fruit and veggie smoothies to start your day off with a BANG! I like raspberry, peach, mango and baby spinach smoothies myself. You can't taste the spinach, I promise. It's like a sneaky sidekick! <br />
<br />
2. Do you collect books that just tend to hang around for a second or a third reading, but exhaust their shelf life beyond that? Donate your books to a local bookstore, library, and or school. If you are not afraid of grabbing a pair of scissors and giving your book a snip-snip treatment (le gasp!), create a DIY collage project that involves book pages and covers. <br />
<br />
3. Picnics are like butterfly kisses on the chart of love. They are simple, intimate, and speak volumes about your creativity. Hone those skills to make something new, like a different salad combination, a new kind of lemonade, or perhaps something dipped in chocolate? Let's make it happen! But let us also keep this green. Bring utensils that are reusable such as forks, plates, napkins, cups, etc. Now you're talking!<br />
<br />
4. Pool time also means sunscreen time. Sunscreen is great for us pale vampires that don't get out much. But beware the oils and extra ingredients that are hard to pronounce. They can often mess with the chemical makeup of the pool and ruin the water! In order to keep you safe from peeling and burning, as well as gallons of water from being soiled, purchase a sunscreen that has as few ingredients as possible and contains no oils. Organic sunscreen is awesome my friends, and doesn't have that sunscreen "smell" either! Bonus!<br />
<br />
Enjoy your summer lovelies! I know I am! <br />
<br />
~Piper<br />
<br />Piperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-8140206516237166872012-06-20T14:08:00.000-07:002012-06-20T14:08:52.775-07:00My Constant Companion<a href="http://www.thegoldenspace.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/meditation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="282" width="425" src="http://www.thegoldenspace.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/meditation.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
They always say that "patience is a virtue". <br />
<br />
I believe in this. Strongly. Because not only does patience happen to be one of my top qualities, but it has also proven itself worthy in times where I needed it most. <br />
<br />
In today's world we live in a fast-paced society where people are constantly going every which way with a purpose. Trying to fall into step with LIFE as it's doing the charleston and you can only waltz. <br />
<br />
A good dose of patience is excellent in situations such as these: <br />
<br />
1. Waiting for dough to rise. Do not rush this part. It is crucial to the flavor and the texture of the bread/rolls that you are making! <br />
<br />
2. Being a good significant other. Take time to listen, learn, and experience all the things that your partner is doing. Understand each other and engage in mutual generosity. (Being patient might also mean a ring ladies!) So don't push it and just let it ride.<br />
<br />
3. Getting something published. There will be a thousand rejection letters, but there will eventually be that one 'yes' that you have been yearning for. It is totally worth the wait.<br />
<br />
4. Working/dealing with someone who bugs the living daylights out of you. Holy asparagus they are annoying! But if you keep that cucumber calm demeanor, you will surely get things taken care of and handled properly rather than steering right into a messy confrontation. A lot of vegetable references in this one....<br />
<br />
5. Less stress. Don't we all want less stress in our lives? Well, exercising the art of good patience will not only calm your nerves and twitches and anxieties with time and practice, but it will also lessen the amount of stress in your life. Meditation and yoga are excellent ways to accomplish this! Love my yoga.<br />
<br />
Of course there are multiple scenarios where patience can come in handy, so exercise it and use it as often as you can so that you can better it as a worthy weapon of power. <br />
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Guuurrrrllll you got this. <br />
<br />
Send me stories and experiences of how you use patience!<br />
<br />
~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-81243392389310545392012-06-15T17:26:00.004-07:002012-06-15T17:26:49.442-07:00Thank goodness for ...?<a href="http://static.traderscity.com/board/userpix64/34178-Wholesale-Vintage-Heart-Locket-Necklace-Uk-Usa-Germany-Denmark-France-Switerland-Netherlands-Canada-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="http://static.traderscity.com/board/userpix64/34178-Wholesale-Vintage-Heart-Locket-Necklace-Uk-Usa-Germany-Denmark-France-Switerland-Netherlands-Canada-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The "What is in my purse" tag that has been all the rage around Youtube inspired me to write a little something-somethin' about what I am super grateful for in three specific places in my life: <br />
<br />
First step, choose three places you find significant to you and your lifestyle:<br />
<br />
1. My bedroom<br />
2. My bathroom<br />
3. My desk<br />
<br />
Second step, name a couple materialistic things that are relevant to those places and why you are grateful for their existence and how they play a vital role in your life. Ready? Go! <br />
<br />
Bedroom: My cellphone, my vast collection of fictional books, as well as my pillow. There is nothing quite like a good pillow, you know? They can act as a temporary shoulder to cry on, a perfect snuggle buddy when you need to be held at that exact moment, as well as what helps you get to sleep at night. I like my pillows to be fluffy and soft, filled with feathers and laughter. "Shaken, not stirred." <br />
<br />
Bathoom: I am SUPER grateful for Q-tips, the mirror, my concealer and lipstick which are equal life-savors in terms of phenomenal cosmetic powers. Whether it is date-night or a simple night out on the town with your friends, definitely invest in a bright lipstick that complements your features but also amps them up, as well as a concealer for when you need to hide some unwanted guests on your complexion. Together they are 10 hours of sleep and instant glam in a bottle/tube. <br />
<br />
Desk: My laptop is one of my most prized possessions-it holds everything I have written and I could not imagine my life without it, significant pictures of precious moments in my life hang on the walls, blurbs of story-lines and monologues from random characters that remain unfinished, as well as my beloved calendar. Personally, I believe that being tidy and organized is one of the keys to success and I like having everything written out so that it will help me to never forget anything important. I have a pretty awesome memory as it is, but it's also nice to have some backup when you need it. <br />
<br />
Now it is YOUR turn. What places represent who you are? What are the things in them that shout and scream important and why?<br />
<br />
Who knows, maybe there is something secret or forgotten, like an old friend that is just itching to be rediscovered and fondly remembered. <br />
<br />
Start lookin' and have fun with it, and don't forget to share anything inspirational. :)<br />
<br />
~Piper<br />
<br />Piperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-54098280931861645142012-05-30T08:41:00.004-07:002012-05-30T08:41:36.344-07:00Bare Face Truths<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.sheknows.com/lovingyou/filter/l/gallery/aqua_eyes_orange_lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="298" width="450" src="http://cdn.sheknows.com/lovingyou/filter/l/gallery/aqua_eyes_orange_lips.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Makeup melting....<br />
<br />
One of the most terrifying things for a woman to think about, and even worse, experience. <br />
<br />
I am what you would call a "makeup enthusiast", I absolutely LOVE playing with makeup. Creating looks, trying new products and brands, doing my friends' makeup, as well as learning the tips and tricks to a perfect application. <br />
<br />
One of the things that I am secretly passionate about is the endurance of makeup, trying to make it last when you really need it to! I don't know about you, but I am not a fan of my mascara smearing, concealer caking, and lipstick fading. <br />
<br />
Thankfully I have learned some sneaky ways of how to improve the lasting power of your makeup, especially during the summer. <br />
<br />
Tip #1: Wear less. Your pores need some lovin', they need to breathe, and by putting on a full face of makeup every day is not summer-proof. Only dab the concealer/foundation where you need it. I personally use a tiny brush and stipple the problem area and then blend it into the skin so that it looks airbrushed. You want to give the illusion that you have perfect skin, not a fully matte complexion. <br />
<br />
Tip #2: If you are going somewhere important and or are getting married and you want your makeup to last, invest in a finishing spray. These beauties will be your savior. Promise. It acts as a barrier between your face and the atmosphere around you, preventing your makeup from budging or going anywhere. I highly recommend Urban Decay's "All Nighter", or if you have very oily skin then you might want to get Urban Decay's "De Slick". <br />
<br />
Tip #3: Baby your skin. Use a gentle cleanser rather than a harsh one, because you don't want to constantly strip your face of the natural oils that it produces that keeps it healthy. Apply masks that will help keep it moisturized, especially DIY ones that contain oatmeal and plain yogurt. Apply moisturizer afterwards. Your skin will love you for this. <br />
<br />
Tip #4: I don't know about you but my face breaks out more in the summer than in the winter. I have pretty good skin but the occasional pimple is never a fun time, and I have found that if you use organic sea salt mixed with warm water on the area, the pimple will dry up faster than if you use a treatment. It's like that time you went to the ocean and went swimming, and later that day your skin looks amazing? Yeah, exactly like that! Boil down the salt into some water, dip a cloth into the mixture once it's warm and safe enough for your skin, and apply it over your face. It's a holy grail. DO NOT USE TABLE SALT, THAT HAS UNWANTED CHEMICALS IN IT THAT YOU DO NOT WANT TO PUT ON YOUR FACE! USE ONLY ORGANIC SEA SALT!!! <br />
<br />
Tip #5: Was your brushes more often, I can't stress this enough. Just do it. Your face will thank you for it and you will get less break outs!<br />
<br />
Less is more my beauties. Keep it simple, keep it natural, keep is chic. And for goodness sake keep people guessing, it's much more fun that way! <br />
<br />
~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-30079824561347945022012-05-26T08:36:00.003-07:002012-05-26T08:36:55.606-07:00Surviving Your Twenties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mytinyphone.com/uploads/users/biancahypnotic/303085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="240" src="http://www.mytinyphone.com/uploads/users/biancahypnotic/303085.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Folks, it's time we had that heart to heart, tete a tete, mano a mano. <br />
<br />
I have been present on this planet for twenty one years and there are a few things I have learned that I not only practice, but also preach. <br />
<br />
Being in your twenties means you are caught in that bizarre in-between stage of not yet ready to be an adult and also having to constantly think about the "whats" "ifs" "ands" or "buts" of your future, as well as yourself. <br />
<br />
A couple tid-bits and odds and ends that I have learned: <br />
<br />
Be your harshest critic, to an extent. It's okay to challenge yourself and try to become the best version of yourself, but sometimes we all get carried away and feel that nothing is good enough. Breathe. Take a step back. Then remind yourself that progress sometimes comes in baby steps. We live in a fast paced world, and sometimes we need to slow down and then catch up again. <br />
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Drink lots of tea. The stats about corn syrup and soda consumption leading to diseases and obesity are scaring me. So in order to get my caffeine fix with more health benefits, I have converted to being a tea enthusiast. Sometimes we just need to be a little more British, ya know? Pinkies up my friend! <br />
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Eat lots of pasta. I don't think I have to explain this one. Just twirl and slurp. <br />
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Learn how to keep your own secrets. I know this is a hard one, but people can't keep secrets. They just don't. Unless you want your friends to know everything about your private life and your business, produce a key and lock it. Keep it safe.<br />
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Take long walks when you're frustrated. Exercise will be one of your biggest stress relievers and will actually help you sort things out in your head, as though you are creating imaginary organized folders for the annoying thoughts inside your brain. Talk to yourself if necessary. Only you know your heart and head the best. It's okay to consult with yourself, even if it's out loud. <br />
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Stay positive. Compliment a stranger every day. Do something rewarding. Buy ice cream. <br />
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If it's too good to be true, it probably is. <br />
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Put on some red lipstick (or any bright color of your choice) and wear your sunglasses for days you are lazy, not wanting to wear makeup, or taking a quick trip to the grocery store. It's say's "classy" yet "gloriously mysterious" and "simple".<br />
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Boys are not Disney princes. They are creatures that have to be understood and respected and loved. Find one that does the same for you. If he does like to watch Disney movies, have a party!<br />
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Know your limits. <br />
<br />
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Be patient. Good things come to those who wait, right? While waiting you can bake some cookies, and they will be amazing. <br />
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There will always be good, great, awkward, and on occasion dark parts to your life. Your twenties are definitely something to be explored. Cherish it. Love it. And savor it. When there are clouds, look for that silver lining. You are learning day by day just as I am. <br />
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Go for it. <br />
<br />
Don't think twice. <br />
<br />
Good luck! <br />
<br />
~Piper<br />
<br />Piperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-4479999785967359672012-04-25T18:53:00.001-07:002012-04-25T18:58:50.677-07:008 Things You Should Smile About<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lhqdorICM11qcyumio1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="255" width="340" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lhqdorICM11qcyumio1_400.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Today I decided that I would put the world under a microscope and analyze "what" exactly makes me smile. A lot of them are things that I don't consciously know will prompt a grin or a hearty chuckle, nevertheless, it was fun to make these discoveries, and perhaps they will inspire you to look closely at the simplest things that make you happy: <br />
<br />
1. Looking out your window and seeing that glorious golden orb that emits light and heat, especially after it hasn't shown its face in a while. It was definitely one of those Thumbelina moments, "once there was the sun...."<br />
<br />
2. Putting on lipstick. It's such a simple and therapeutic thing. Voila! Instant confidence booster! Seriously, makeup does wonders on the soul, even if it's just gliding on a touch of lipstick. Seriously ladies, if there's one thing you need in your makeup bag, it's a good solid romantic red shade that will stop a man in his tracks.<br />
<br />
3. Toast with peanut butter and honey. Don't wrinkle your nose like that. It's seriously a wonderful snack for when you are craving something sweet and gooey and heart warming. It's like drinking a warm cup of tea or receiving a hug, warm and inviting.<br />
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4. Making random and odd noises to accompany whatever task you are trying to accomplish. I don't know about you, but I am a big fan of making funny squeaks and squeals and snorts. I am also a big fan of wiggling. I could be doing homework and I would be wiggling and making purring noises just to appease the silence on my room.<br />
<br />
5. That moment you realize that you have one last KitKat bar hiding at the bottom of your chocolate stash. Yeah.<br />
<br />
6. Filling out your calendar. Being organized is my thing. I hate not being able to see what is happening next week, because I might forget something or miss something completely. Plus, doodling all over the calendar with the dry-erase marker is half the fun.<br />
<br />
7. Looking through your jewelry box. It's like reacquainting yourself with old friends. Especially when you open all the lockets, trying to remember if it holds sweet secrets or not.<br />
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8. Walking past someone who is wearing a very subtle cologne and or perfume. It's always fun trying to guess what brand it might be, and or what that particular scent reminds you of.<br />
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Smile today my gentle readers! And discover why! :) <br />
<br />
~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-1532733309963984692012-04-19T08:44:00.005-07:002012-04-19T09:08:33.939-07:00Unplug<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.postconsumers.com/education/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/unplug-when-not-in-use.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="http://www.postconsumers.com/education/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/unplug-when-not-in-use.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />You know what's sad? <br /><br />Walking down the street and seeing everyone around you with ear buds in listening to the music on their fancy-schmancy iPods and iPhones, while texting frivolously as though it is a matter of life and death, or having a conversation on the phone while exclaiming OMG and LULZ, or even sitting outside with their laptops skyping people from far-away places and don't blink for a few solid hours. <br /><br />Seriously people? <br /><br />I know that we are technologically advancing faster than we can blink, and the gadgets are all new and exciting, and our materialistic society condemns us if we do not possess these things and integrate them into everything we do in our daily lives. But come now! <br /><br />I dare you, yes YOU, to unplug yourself today. Challenge yourself. Detach yourself from your television, laptop, cellphone, music player, ipad, ANYTHING that requires your undivided attention and causes your brain to melt out of your ears. Just push it all away for an hour. <br /><br />That's right, and hour. Think you can handle it? <br /><br />I super duper double dog dare you. <br /><br />"But Piper, whatever shall I do with my life?!" Well inquisitive and desperate reader, let me tell you all the wonderful things that you can do, and what people HAVE done before all of this technology butted in. <br /><br />Take a leisurely walk, pick up a book (A book? What's that?), actually meet up with a friend and talk to them face to face (le gasp!), have an in-depth conversation over a cup of coffee, go on a spontaneous date with your loved one, play with your pet(s), be a cool parent and play hide-and-seek with your kids, something. <br /><br />Encourage others to do so too! I promise that the hour will pay off, and will actually be beneficial for you. Slowly ween yourself off of the ideological notion that the people living inside your cell phone need to talk to you all the time. They can wait. Life can wait. So sit back, relax, and simply enjoy the silence of no annoyingly humming computer of keyboard clicking. <br /><br />Take some photographs, paint a picture, do a workout, bake some celebratory cookies. <br /><br />Go for it! Especially the cookies, everybody loves cookies. <br /><br />I'll be unplugging for an hour as well today, I think my dusty "Pride & Prejudice" needs a little lovin'. <br /><br />Be strong, you can do this, and remember, no peeking! Not for an hour. <br /><br />Good luck! :)<br /><br />~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-62741989120277425702012-04-03T13:54:00.003-07:002012-04-03T14:13:39.199-07:00A Single Pearl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.targetwoman.com/image/pearls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.targetwoman.com/image/pearls.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Death is one of the scariest concepts we can ponder, witness, and eventually experience. <br /><br />It is a big part of the human condition to fear what we naturally do not understand and cannot control or prevent. We forget that we do not live forever despite our best intentions to be healthy and invest in anti-aging products. What we forget is that it is also natural. <br /><br />Dieing is a part of life. The greatest paradox known to mankind. <br /><br />Just this week alone I have lost two fantastic beings, one being a pet (my betta fish Castle) as well as a parent of a very close friend. I can't say I ever met them, but I do know that they were a huge part of my friend's life, someone to look up to, someone to love, someone who was a really great father. <br /><br />It's strange how much we come to appreciate life when it is lost. If anything, it's moments like these where we become more human, more aware of how precious and transient life is. <br /><br />I only hope that you, whoever you are, take a moment to really appreciate everything you have. Every breath. Every heartbeat. Every muscle movement. Every feeling. And every smile. <br /><br />I know...pretty deep. But I thought it would be a good way of getting my jumbled thoughts out to people who would read and listen and absorb. <br /><br />Absorb away my little sponges of wisdom! <br /><br />~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-50875371259266974122012-03-25T15:26:00.006-07:002012-03-27T17:06:17.873-07:00The Perks To Being Short<a href="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0mdy9nnsN1qeojxio1_500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 378px;" src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0mdy9nnsN1qeojxio1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />That's right folks, today we are going to discuss the pros to being short. Because when you are walking down the street and it seems that you are living in a world of tall, skinny, Victoria's Secret models, your confidence can easily be deflated. <br /><br />Never fear! For I have a couple contagious ideas that you can think to yourself as you pass those long-legged beauties on the sidewalk. I am 5"2 and 110lbs on a good day, so I feel your pain about being short and being the butt of countless height jokes. <br /><br />Here are my ever-so-clever thoughts on the matter: <br /><br />1.) You can wear heels and not tower over your significant other. Believe you me, guys do not (usually) like having women being taller than them. So if that doesn't give your debit card a reason to be ridiculously happy while walking through the shoe isle, I don't know what is. <br /><br />2.) Should the opportunity present itself, you are the most difficult person to find in a game of "hide and go seek". You are small, compact, and will surprise your friends with the spaces you squeeze into. Trust me, you will own this game. Which can then become a great bragging right at a party that you can tell your friends, "did you know that in a game of hide and go seek I fit into the drawer of my dresser? Can you do that? No? Shame."<br /><br />3.) You receive the best piggy back rides. Some guys have the upper body strength to carry you around on their backs as though you weighed nothing but a feather. Others, not so much. Guys get tired after a while. But if you are a tiny person, they will give you a piggy back ride lasting for quite some time. Seriously, go out and try this. <br /><br />4.) Think of yourself as a Hobbit. That's right. A middle-earth mystical being that carried the ring into the very depths of Mordor to rid of the most evil inanimate object known to man. Plus, you can eat as much lembas bread as you want! Take that! <br /><br />5.) Ever heard of the saying, "less is more"? Well, apply that to your stature and make it a clever retort to anyone who is poking fun at you. Works like a charm. <br /><br />Aside from the fact that stature really doesn't matter and that you are beautiful no matter your height, it can sometimes get to you if you are having one of those "iffy" days where you just want to eat chocolate and keep people away from you. It happens. And when it does, think about the list above and maybe you'll crack a smile, give a giggle, and impress your friends. <br /><br />Remember ladies, if you can properly walk in heels, apply lipstick like a pro, and bake something absolutely delicious, you are already off-the-charts beautiful. <br /><br />Be your beautiful self and occasionally impress someone with those snazzy heels you have hiding in your closet. If not, rock the flats, because being short is awesome! Go get 'em tiger! <br /><br />~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-8230062047786207572012-03-06T12:49:00.003-08:002012-03-06T13:03:27.994-08:00Care for a slice?<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5186/5864861044_1c464c30d4_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5186/5864861044_1c464c30d4_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />My apartment smells like a symphony of cinnamon, sugar, and butter, yumm. <br /><br />That's right, as I am leisurely enjoying the rest of my Spring Break to the fullest, I am baking Joy The Baker's "cinnamon sugar pull apart bread" and relishing in each gooey and decadent slice. It's like bread, but multiplied by a thousand "oh my lord where has this been all my life?!'s"<br /><br />I have also been browsing Netflix for some much-needed comedy, so far, watching Bill Engvall is my favorite. I am also going to watch Pride & Prejudice in order to fulfill some strong womanly desire to see that love truly conquers all and that men once wore the most smashing attires....le sigh. <br /><br />It is also sunny outside today, which does wonders for a pale complexion as well as boosting the dopamine levels in the brain, which equals pure happiness! <br /><br />I implore you to go outside and enjoy the lovely weather (if you have it), if not, curl up with a nice book and and maybe some of this bread I baked (seriously, you should make this recipe). <br /><br />Being a woman is awesome on days like this, because you feel extremely accomplished when you have painted your nails, baked something delicious, and have drooled over the works of the brilliant Jane Austen. <br /><br />Well played vacation, well played. <br /><br />Now, on to more activities that shall melt my brain cells! <br /><br />To my fellow readers, take some "me" time today and just relax, it does the body wonders and you feel like a new person when you just take a couple breathless moments to really live and be lazy for a change. <br /><br />Much love <br /><br />~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-78701742994352592932012-02-15T13:32:00.000-08:002012-02-15T13:48:07.270-08:00Truffles and Sniffles<a href="http://gourmetcandymaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/chocolate-truffles-cocoa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 420px; height: 420px;" src="http://gourmetcandymaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/chocolate-truffles-cocoa.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I figured out a clever way to smash double stuff oreos into oblivion. Instead of driving my roommates insane with my excited chocolate truffle making, I put the entire bag of oreos into a grocery bag, then put that bag into another one, and then stomped away. Works like a dream. <br /><br />I made cookies and cream truffles. I tempered chocolate in a microwave. And they are DELICIOUS. I am very proud of my homemade alternative to expensive Valentine's Day chocolates. They were well praised. :) <br /><br />Also I woke up this morning with a heavy cold. I did not even see it coming, if anything it was the epitome of an "unwelcome guest". I have been fuzzy-brained and sniffling all day. This is not to be born. I have a very important date this saturday where I will be all dolled up and fitted into a dress and having my hair done. Ladies, you will understand me when I say that this cold is not going to ruin my Cinderella night. So, like the reasonable college student that I am, I have been drinking orange juice and taking my vitamins and just keeping warm and snuggly all day long so that I can make a speedy recovery for being in heels and dancing this weekend! Cross your fingers and wish this Disney Princess luck so that her nose isn't all swelled up and red for the ball! <br /><br />Stay happy and healthy, and indulge in all those chocolates your loved one got you yesterday, I know I am! <br /><br />If you do not have a loved one this year, go and raid the chocolate isle today, seriously, why are you still reading this? Go and get your discount chocolate! <br /><br />~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-40827555690483164462011-12-28T07:32:00.000-08:002011-12-28T07:33:23.636-08:00Something simple and clever<a href="http://www.edgarsrestaurant.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/wine_glass_toast-297x300.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.edgarsrestaurant.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/wine_glass_toast-297x300.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Hello Hello Hello there my fine and dandy readers! <br /><br />T'is the time of year where we are all stuffed with countless sugary goods and spending time with loved ones and family and friends. I simply wished to peek my nose in here and wish you all a very Merry Christmas, hoping that Santa paid you all a visit and delivered many goodies! Since Christmas has already come and gone, I am also here to wish you all a Happy New Year! Start making your resolutions now, 2012 is sneaking up on us! <br /><br />Once school starts and we all hit the ground running, I shall be back in business with (hopefully) semi-regular updates and hilarious stories to share. I am gathering them as we speak! <br /><br />So stay happy and healthy, bake many tasty things, share stories, give hugs and kisses, and last but not least raise your glasses of bubbly and toast this fine year of 2011! <br /><br />Cheers! <br /><br />~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-25914883097331566162011-12-15T20:45:00.000-08:002011-12-15T21:17:26.810-08:00"I shall bottle your tears and sell them to the Gypsies!"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rouxedstewedandtattooed.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/jack_frost_large1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 440px; height: 270px;" src="http://rouxedstewedandtattooed.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/jack_frost_large1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />T'is the season of perpetual hope, a sudden love of the color red, as well as cashmere sweaters and hot chocolate. <br /><br />There is nothing quite like finishing finals week off with a bang, that moment where all of your studying and mad essay writing skills pay off nicely and all you can do now is to watch the movies: "My Fair Lady", Disney's "Hercules", "The Parent Trap", as well as "Pride & Prejudice" all in one sitting.<br /><br />Whilst doing so, I embarked upon a glorious journey of painting my nails, sipping hot chai tea, and creating a perfect snuggle corner on our couch and enveloping myself within my trusty micro-fleece blanket. <br /><br />I shall also have you know, that every inch of our apartment is decorated in the spirit of Christmas. Everything is strung with lights and randomly-perched Santa-Clauses and several advent calendars scattered throughout the kitchen. Needless to say, one can never have enough chocolate. <br /><br />But seriously, now that finals are over and one semester has successfully come to a speedy conclusion, Christmas break is here at last! Plans are being put into action and I cannot wait for homemade cookies, gift exchanges, snow, seasonal songs, as well as time spent with the family and my loved one. All such beautiful things will illuminate the end of this year and make it a spectacular one! Unfurling a new and beautiful year filled with opportunities and fantastic experiences! <br /><br />I look forward to all that is yet to come, I cannot tell you how excited I am for it all! I hope you all are just as anxious, regardless of what seasonal holiday you celebrate this time of year. :)<br /><br />Be sure and catch some snowflakes on your tongue for me! The Peanuts always stated they taste like sugar, let's put that fact to the test now shall we? <br /><br />~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-43233655181040941482011-11-20T11:33:00.000-08:002011-11-20T19:11:54.947-08:00Growth Spurts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.olografix.org/krees/dfnet/pic/relat/chrisbotti.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 356px; height: 237px;" src="http://www.olografix.org/krees/dfnet/pic/relat/chrisbotti.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />As you get older it's strange that you become "okay" to things you absolutely hated as a child. <br /><br />Like naps for instance. I know that when I was knee-high to a grasshopper the thought of a nap was like the worst form of physical torture. I never wanted to stop in my daily adventures or put anything on pause, so when it was announced that it was time for me to take a nap, it suddenly became a game of "hide and seek" between me an my parents. Now I see naps as glorious little "me time"s, where I can just relax, forget about any responsibilities I have, and succumb to a pleasant state of not caring about anything for 15 minutes.... Or maybe an hour. Two if you're really pushing it. <br /><br />Veggies were refused at the table, I'm not going to lie. They were the furthest thing from delicious and were not deemed as acceptable in my book, or any child's book for that matter. I loathed asparagus, brussel sprouts, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. Now I find that they are very flavorful and add that extra "oomph" to a dish. Though, I still hate asparagus....<br /><br />Weird. <br /><br />I mean come on, it looks suspicious, like it's up to no good. <br /><br />Mozart and Beethoven were not my BFF's when I was a little sprite, despite my playing the violin for 10+ years. I always fell asleep at concerts and found it to be "too" soothing, to the point I found it boring. Then I gained an appreciation for it when I listened to Vanessa Mae and how she transformed classical to modern and full of life and energy and pizzaz. I also began listening to Josh Groban and Andrea Bocceli as well as Chris Botti and I dare say...they WILL change your life. I don't care who you are, you will melt from overexposure to pure awesomeness. <br /><br />So tell me guys, before your black friday deals begin and everyone gives thanks to a good year, what has changed from your childhood to your now? <br /><br />Almost there! Keep smiling! Over-indulgence is on it's way! Promise!<br /><br />~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-22838088433699084082011-11-04T10:25:00.000-07:002011-11-04T10:34:58.765-07:00An ending and a beginning<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U-24arnwG5Y/S-yTKnyR1II/AAAAAAAAAII/2vL_B1Q_nFw/s1600/Yzma.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U-24arnwG5Y/S-yTKnyR1II/AAAAAAAAAII/2vL_B1Q_nFw/s1600/Yzma.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />“Just think of it as you're being let go, that your life's going in a different direction, that your body's part of a permanent outplacement.”<br /><br />You know…it really sucks when a door that you’ve been walking through every single week for a good number of years suddenly locks and you can’t come back in. It’s like someone put a big fat sign on the door that says “No girls allowed”. And even if you try the door, it’s locked. Looking for the key is pointless, because they have it and they’re huddled together inside giggling. Boo. <br /><br />Well, that’s either the moment where you pull a Robin Hood and climb the nearest tree and swing in on a vine, or make like Humphrey Bogart and tuck your hands in your trench coat pockets and simply walk away from the plane and take it like a man. <br /><br />“Here’s looking at you, kid….” <br /><br />Despite my undying love for Robin Hood and his tights, I find that given this situation, it is better to just leave quietly and enjoy all the good memories. <br /><br />Have you ever had that happen? You walk into work one day and suddenly your boss approached you, saying that budgets are being cut and they can’t afford to keep you. Suddenly, whatever spark you had in your heart that day is completely snuffed. <br /><br />Experience doesn’t matter. How much time and hard work you’ve put in doesn’t matter. <br /> <br />You’re just…being let go. <br /><br />Well shucks. <br /><br />Now I know how Genie felt at the end of Aladdin. When he’s told he’s free and he’s staring at the empty bangles in his hands and he has that moment where he doesn’t know what to do with himself anymore. I haven’t quite gotten to the next part where he’s bouncing everywhere exclaiming excitedly that he’s free and packing his suitcase to see the world. I’m still wondering what will come next. <br /><br />Well, we shall figure that out now, won’t we? <br /><br />I guess this is the part in the story where I cue the Indiana Jones music and ride off into the sunset, leaving the viewers’ imaginations to figure out what happens next.<br /> <br />“Junior!” <br /><br />Keep smiling, adventure is out there<br /><br />~Piper<br /><br /><a href="http://www.entertainmentearth.com/images/AUTOIMAGES%5CAMINDY13A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 180px;" src="http://www.entertainmentearth.com/images/AUTOIMAGES%5CAMINDY13A.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Piperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-43433597467991402372011-11-03T08:40:00.000-07:002011-11-03T08:45:06.947-07:00Crazy Random Happenstance<a href="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ltt7druQGA1r37buko1_500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 425px; height: 340px;" src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ltt7druQGA1r37buko1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />So guys, got a question for you. <br /><br />Have you ever been walking down the street or sitting in a coffee shop or shopping at the grocery store--basically doing any everyday task--where you encounter your look-alike? I have never run into anyone else who looks like me per se, but I have run into several people who look like people I know. It’s crazy. As a matter of fact, this morning I’m walking across campus after getting off the bus, and the first thing I see are several students who look amazingly like very close friends of mine who attend school several hours away from here. I was horribly confused as well as momentarily shocked. It was one of those times where you wonder if you should call out their names to see if they will turn around. But you know that if you do you will be THAT PERSON who is awkwardly calling out a random name that no one is going to respond to, or that someone will respond to, it just won’t be who you thought it was. <br /><br />Weird. <br /><br />Anyway, that is pretty much a typical morning for me. Until I have finished my coffee/chai tea, my brain is not up to par with anything above singing a Disney song. After my caffeine fix, I can give you an in-depth close reading and analysis of “War and Peace” and recite the prologue of the “Canterbury Tales” in middle-english. <br /><br />So ha. <br /><br />I am definitely awake now, and I can tell you that today is going to put my mad skills to the test. There is an 80% chance of rain and I looked high and low for my umbrella today, but to no avail. Thus, I am going to have to make like a very fast person and sprint to my last class of the day should it start to downpour after work. Cross your fingers! <br /><br />I offer you this challenge in the meantime: Take a look around you today and see how many look-alikes you can find. Whether they look like friends or family members or even celebrities. (We have a guy here on campus who looks exactly like Robert Pattinson, his secret codename is “The Edward Cullen guy!”) <br /><br />It’s fun, amusing, and might provide you with a chuckle or two. Just don’t shout out their names, you will feel quite silly. I promise you. <br /><br />Bottle up that sunshine in your heart and be sure and laugh today. Laughter is the best medicine!Piperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-56765922878266368872011-10-27T09:34:00.000-07:002011-10-27T09:45:46.258-07:00"Fall back!"<a href="http://www.instructables.com/image/FFBNSJ0FJPL6BZJ/Time-lapse-photography-with-a-webcam.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 331px;" src="http://www.instructables.com/image/FFBNSJ0FJPL6BZJ/Time-lapse-photography-with-a-webcam.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />In a world where college students’ umbrellas turn inside out, and the streets are flooded with water and fallen leaves….<br /><br />(insert dramatic music here) <br /><br />If feel like we have been here before. Cold weather, lots of rain, very little hope of seeing a smidgen of sunlight. It’s back. Fall has returned. <br /><br />I was peeking out from under my umbrella this morning and couldn’t help but think of several pumpkin flavored recipes. It sounds odd, but when the colors change, suddenly I crave seasonal spices and flavors. As a college student living off campus, I have to cook for myself, and therefore my culinary world is expanding faster than you can say “Sundried tomato pesto turkey Panini’s”! <br /><br />I find that fall weather is the perfect time of year to be contemplative, really sift through the memories you have made. Go through all the imaginary files in your brain and thumb through all that you have learned and absorbed like a sponge. <br /><br />As I sit at this familiar window at work, I ponder what I was doing on this day last year…. Was I just as cold and wet from walking the distance from campus to work? Was I happy? Upset? What was I working on? What was I thinking at the time? How did I define myself then? Surely I cannot be the same person now. <br /><br />It’s strange to think how, in a year, you can change and develop so much. College is the place for expanding your horizons in countless ways: making friend, getting involved in different activities, actually learning how to dance, falling in love, getting your heart broken, making mistakes, and learning from said mistakes, re-defining yourself, making a foundation for yourself and for the big world to see. It’s quite a road to travel, but you certainly aren’t alone! <br /><br />365 days and you are still here, reading my blog, seeing a different me than I was last year. Writing and conveying words to an entirely different reader than you were last year at this time. <br /><br />Woah. <br /><br />That’s pretty nifty, if I dare say so myself. <br /><br />If you don’t believe me, just sit back and take a few moments to ponder how far you have come in life, and be sure to give yourself a big pat on the back for hanging in there through the “life is a bitch” times and shining your best at “yes! This is totally awesome!” moments. <br /><br />I am mentally giving you all a high five. <br /><br />Be sure to bundle up today if you live in a rainy and cold environment like myself, if you do not, I’m totally jealous. Let’s hit the beach. <br /><br />Keep smiling! <br /><br />~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-57295662769412783732011-10-19T19:38:00.000-07:002011-10-19T19:52:30.929-07:00It's a new dawn....it's a new day....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jDf-EY8JaAI/Shnv_DjjYUI/AAAAAAAABXk/aeDxIGs33B4/s400/6a00d8341c5ac253ef00e55056d6678833-640wi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jDf-EY8JaAI/Shnv_DjjYUI/AAAAAAAABXk/aeDxIGs33B4/s400/6a00d8341c5ac253ef00e55056d6678833-640wi.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It's a new life. <br /><br />And I'm feeling....good. <br /><br />Actually no, not good, things have been rather hectic and crazy around here. Not favorable in the least, but hopefully things will improve and the sun will come out and the freezing ice rain will leave us alone! <br /><br />So...yeah...hi there. You probably don't remember me or recognize me for that matter, since I am covered in dust and dressed in the shadows of a forlorn corner of the mind. I was kindly reminded that I had not posted a blog in a while, and I realized exactly just how long it has been! <br /><br />Not a whole lot has changed since my last post, a pity to those who were seeking mind-blowing excitement and earth-shattering stories of my day to day life. Nevertheless, I will tell you that the seasonal colors are absolutely gorgeous, rain is absolutely dreadful to walk though in high heels even with an umbrella, coffee is slowly but surely wearing off on me...I think I need to take a break, and last but not least MIDTERMS are over! We can all take a wee bit of a breather now that the planets are back in order and school is less stressful. <br /><br />A little tid-bit that you might enjoy is my Halloween costume! This has been in the making for the past couple weeks now and AT LAST it is finished! I am dressing up at the eternally gorgeous Audrey Hepburn in her classic role of Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's", it shall be super fun to do and I cannot wait until I am in full Audrey mode! Watch out world, for one night and one night only, a crazy girl in college is about to take on the great role of a fabulous actress! <br /><br />I hope you all have your costumes picked out or at least have a rough idea as to what you want to be. If not, e-mail me, I have a million awesome suggestions! <br /><br />Now that I have assured you that I am not dead (yet), I promise I will get back to a regular blog posting schedule here soon. Perhaps updating on just tuesdays. We shall see how it goes. Until then, thank you for hanging in there! I shall see you in the next post! <br /><br />Keep smiling. <br /><br />~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-35743425545835171462011-09-19T14:44:00.000-07:002011-09-19T14:55:33.177-07:00Ahh...ahhh...aaaaaaaacccchhhhoooooo!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos.demandstudios.com/25/81/fotolia_2345856_XS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 424px; height: 283px;" src="http://photos.demandstudios.com/25/81/fotolia_2345856_XS.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Grab your hankies ladies and gents, <br /><br />Cold season is here. <br /><br />Yes, I have caught the dreaded plague that has been going around. No matter how much hand sanitizer I manage to use or how many vitamins I take...there is always a bug that manages to dodge right past me and get me horribly ill. <br /><br />Today was where the evil seed blossomed into something big and terrifying. My head turned fuzzy and dizzy, my stomach was queasy, and my nose became runny. And what did I do? I still went to school. <br /><br />So put that in your oven and cook it! <br /><br />Ahem, yes, I am quite proud of myself. I actually contemplated riding the bus back to my apartment several times during the course of this day, but I still managed to suck it up and pull through the entire day without tossing my cookies. I should like to call it a personal victory. <br /><br />A word to the wise, keep your tissues close, spray everyone you come into contact with Lysol, and drink as much orange juice as possible. Seriously! <br /><br />Watch out for the plague. Nibble on some pumpkin spice muffins, take many naps, watch chick flicks, and curl up with a good book where the prince and the princess live happily ever after. <br /><br />(Achoo!) <br /><br />Love you all, stay healthy! <br /><br />~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-17206882025241310252011-09-15T09:13:00.000-07:002011-09-15T09:17:17.824-07:00Ahhhhh Cashmere….<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2359/1803502274_71b744db55.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2359/1803502274_71b744db55.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It’s that time of year again dear readers, <br /><br />Where Mother Nature decides that there is no longer any reason for the weather to have a coherent pattern of temperature increases and decreases. It is scattered and all over the place. <br /><br />So, armed with a vast wardrobe and a thick skin, I ready myself for the days that are above 80 and the days that are below 65. Us college students are a resilient bunch. <br />Aside from that, I absolutely must tell you about the crazy things that have been going on in my life! <br /><br />Are you ready for this? <br /><br />Last night I decided to make fried chicken, but since I was without a fryer, I wanted to improvise....<br /><br />I looked up recipes for pan fried chicken breasts that had a nice crunchy skin to them. I immediately entered into my own version of “Iron Chef America”/”Chopped” where I only had select ingredients and I had to improvise with what I had. I was missing most of the bizarre spices that were mentioned, so I combined some chili power, paprika, and salt, then I tossed in the flower and bread crumbs as well as garlic salt and pepper. I was golden! I had a basic foundation that I could work off of, the rest was completely of my own invention…ahem…I mean…I totally knew what I was doing. And let me tell you, this fried chicken was FANTASTIC. <br /><br />So after that strange episode, I also had a bizarre dream last night.... <br /><br />(Keep in mind that this is a dream.) <br /><br />I had a landscape class in a forlorn building that was incredibly hard to find on campus. So I was a tad late, but the teacher didn’t seem to mind. He was a middle aged fellow with red glasses, a short dark moustache and beard combo, and a sassy attitude! He gave us all a list of places/landscapes to find, assuring us that we had never seen them before. And sure enough, he was right. <br /><br />They were all drop-dead-gorgeous scenes that looked to have been out of a National Geographic magazine. The catch though, was that each and every one of those places had a difficult task assigned to it. For instance, one place was a steep hill that we had to climb up, but with very thin strings to use as rope. And then another was a long tunnel that flooded with water every five minutes, so you had to sprint. By the end of the list, we all came back exhausted and tired and dirty, and the professor just looks us over and said, “Congratulations, you survived the first day. See you Wednesday for the next list.” <br /><br />BAH! <br /><br />Strange dream. Very strange. <br /><br />I also wanted to inform you that I am super huggable today. I am wearing my cashmere sweater and I swear to God…it is the most glorious material on the planet. Mr. Darcy would totally have attracted Elizabeth Bennet much more quickly if he had been wearing cashmere. <br /><br />Just saying. <br /><br />Well, I hope you all are relishing in the fall weather and are readying yourselves for scarves, crunchy autumn leaves, sassy boots, as well as warm snuggles with loved ones. <br />Much love to you all! <br /><br />~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-43166757798823838052011-09-01T10:14:00.000-07:002011-09-01T10:23:17.940-07:00"You have bewitched me body and soul...."<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/3280651070_2ae972fc90_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 392px; height: 280px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/3280651070_2ae972fc90_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
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<br />Dearest and loveliest readers,
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<br />Have you ever had one of those days where you just want to crawl into bed, make a fort out of fluffy pillows, eat an atrocious amount of ice cream and watch Pride and Prejudice over and over again?
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<br />No? Really? Weird….
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<br />We should really get together sometime and do that because it is quite the experience and is really fun!
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<br />It just so happens that I feel exactly like that today and need a movie buddy. Would you be so kind as to join me?
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<br />Excellent!
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<br />Unfortunately I will not be anywhere near my bedroom until later today, and then I may just grab something delicious to munch on and snuggle with my college-worthy stuffed animals and build a pillow fort. Why? Because I can.
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<br />Indubitably.
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<br />Yes, I vote yes.
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<br />Even Castle votes yes, because he knows when I am right and agrees with me 110 percent. Ask him yourself, granted, all he will do is wiggle and flap his fins really fast (since he is no longer a chubby little fish). That’s his form of saying “YES PLEASE!”
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<br />Ugh. I have one more class to go to today and all I want to do is…well…look at the first sentence of this blog entry. I’m sure you can figure it out.
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<br />Then it is off to the apartment and getting some homework done as well as looking over my notes for this week. And mayhaps cooking something delicious for dinner, what that might be…who knows?
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<br />Maybe something with chicken, I still have a chicken breast in the freezer….
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<br />To the internet!
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<br />Whilst I skim for some handy recipes for this evening, I bid you all a good day and I hope that you are looking forward to this long weekend just as much as I am! Renaissance Festival here I come!
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<br />So, you know what you are doing tonight right? You are coming over to watch Pride & Prejudice with me, as well as several other Jane Austen movies that involve cute and fluffy romances as well as a sophisticated lexicon sported by epic British accents!
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<br />You know you want to.
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<br />Love you bunches
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<br />~Piper
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<br /><a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/05/26/article-1187611-0517A378000005DC-644_468x293.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 468px; height: 293px;" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/05/26/article-1187611-0517A378000005DC-644_468x293.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />Piperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-47541789249559992332011-08-30T08:46:00.000-07:002011-08-30T20:04:50.542-07:00What? She's Alive?!<a href="http://www.funthemedpartyideas.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/wonder-woman.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 330px;" src="http://www.funthemedpartyideas.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/wonder-woman.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
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<br />Yes, yes I pride myself in feeling as awesome as Wonder Woman after the first week of classes, thank you very much....
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<br />(nerd)
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<br />Well here it is folks, the beginning to a new school year. A fresh slate. Full to the brim of Northface jackets, UGG boots, fake tans, and scandalously tight clothing accompanied by high heels you shudder to walk in.
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<br />Campus is alive and well, teaming with students from all over sporting as many fashions as there are blades of grass. I am proud to admit that I am not including myself in the popular phenomenon of “what is totally hip right now”. I’m that common, everyday person you don’t think twice about. Yet I think about you. Yeah…that sounded creepy.
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<br />But just as I state in this blog’s description, I notice the tiny details and see what other’s don’t usually see, thus the flashes of inspiration. And this year, ladies and gents, will be full of flashes of inspiration, I can feel it!
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<br />Updates on this year overall, the living situation this year goes splendidly. I enjoy living with my lady friends and cooking and baking while listening to old pop music such as Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and NSYNC.
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<br />Last night I went to the grocery store with two of my roommates and bought some gorgeously ripe strawberries that gleamed like rubies.
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<br />I couldn’t resist.
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<br />I sliced those jewels up, put them into a bowl, sprinkled some sugar, and dove right in to pure bliss. I then cooked up a batch of macaroni and cheese and completely stuffed my face. As is the way it should be! I have also fallen madly in love with hummus. Is that odd? To fall madly in love with ground up chic peas seems a tad odd….but I was introduced to a certain brand of hummus recently and it was DIVINE. So I had to pick some up along with whole wheat pita bread and baby carrot sticks for dunking. So good my friends, so good….
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<br />Ahem.
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<br />As a side-note, I am proud to announce that Castle is doing better. His belly is a little less noticeable and seems to have gone down in terms of size. Hopefully it will continue to progress so that he returns to his normal self. So let us all cross our fingers, click our heels three times, spin around, make a wish, and hope that Castle is on the road to recovery and that his new diet will serve him well.
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<br />Other than that, he is a happy and wiggly fish that never ceases to make me smile when I enter my room. The moment he sees me, he becomes the epitome of excitement. Who knew that beta fish could have such wonderful personalities and be so awesome at cheering you up?
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<br />Enough of fish tales (get it? hehe) for now, let us continue this journey which I have been putting off for far too long….
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<br />My short story blog.
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<br />Yes, yes, I know I haven’t updated in a while….it is quite sad. Well, I intend to post a new story up there tonight, so keep an eye out for that here: http://short--flashes.blogspot.com/
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<br />As for right now, that is all I have to say really. I hope you are all doing splendidly and smiling often!
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<br />Love you bunches,
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<br />~Piper
<br />Piperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-74384024812589935342011-08-28T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-28T06:11:55.910-07:00The Belly of a Fish<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://missgallo.wikispaces.com/file/view/rainbow-fish.jpeg/163777899/rainbow-fish.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 435px; height: 423px;" src="http://missgallo.wikispaces.com/file/view/rainbow-fish.jpeg/163777899/rainbow-fish.jpeg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
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<br />...rather, the belly of my beta fish.
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<br />Rick Castle is my dorm fish, as you know from previous journal entries. And this morning I discovered he has grown a bit of a belly. Nothing too outrageous, but just a tad noticeable. He lives by himself, and is a HE no less, therefore he is not pregnant unless the store managers forgot to tell me something....
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<br />I have to preface this by saying that he is by far the cutest thing since sliced bread, especially when I get up in the morning and his fins flap extra quickly and he is wiggling all over the tank. So....with such a wonderful greeting to the day, I feel compelled to reward him for such behavior. I feed him just a tiny pinch of food. No biggie.
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<br />Well over the course of the summer, his tank was stationed in the kitchen. And because my family is going through some serious pet withdrawl, Castle was as close as they came to having a pet. So both my mother and my sister would feed him, and then I would feed him, unknowing of their already having fed him.
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<br />He has become a little piggy. Guess who is going on a diet pronto!
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<br />You can definitely hold me to this, because I am only feeding him ONCE a day from now on.
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<br />Castle, prepare yourself. You are about to trim down and become a slim swimming machine rather than a pudgy little fish.
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<br />For those of you who have fish, do not be sucked in by their cute little wiggling and extra speedy fin flapping and big shiny eyes! Take control and say no to the cuteness and deny them that extra pinch of food.
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<br />Hope you all are happy, healthy, wealthy, and wise!
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<br />I'll update on more college-ness in a future post. In the meantime, smile!
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<br />~Piper
<br />Piperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5205108173640401423.post-12997641718151246212011-08-19T17:43:00.000-07:002011-08-19T17:53:58.078-07:00A New Beginning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://us.123rf.com/400wm/240/209/stellar60/stellar600803/stellar60080300138/2684235-a-picture-of-a-cardinal-just-after-leaving-the-nest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://us.123rf.com/400wm/240/209/stellar60/stellar600803/stellar60080300138/2684235-a-picture-of-a-cardinal-just-after-leaving-the-nest.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
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<br />A fresh slate.
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<br />No one could ask for a better thing.
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<br />To begin on a completely new foot that is both curious, cautious, as well as rearin' to go. You don't know what lies ahead, but you sure as heck are ready to take a peak and see!
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<br />As I look out of my new window watching the sunset, I see that the fountain is still running and each and every drop is illuminated like a tiny facet. Each and every bedroom light in the surrounding apartments are on, showing that their inhabitants are also settling in to their new and temporary nest.
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<br />It's a nest away from home and I already feel strange and just a tad lonely despite my being surrounded by lovely roommates. I am ready. But there is always that hesitancy of having to spread your wings and count on a good wind to take you away from the nest, and keep you in the air rather than plummeting to the forest floor.
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<br />We all have to learn how to fly at some point in our lives, and sometimes, we need more than a nudge. We literally have to be pushed from the nest and rely on pure instinct. This method is not always encouraged, but the end result is definitely worth it!
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<br />To all you new "flyers", be glad that you left the nest even if it's for a short time. You were kicked out of it for a reason and you might as well not make that reason half-assed. Put all your energy into it and make sure you succeed.
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<br />I believe in you.
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<br />In fact, I am the one encouraging you to keep flying.
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<br />Fly until those little wings cannot keep up with you anymore, then take a rest, and then give it all you got again and again.
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<br />I'm with you all the way!
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<br />~PiperPiperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08370128498979222492noreply@blogger.com0