Wednesday Workout Cosplay: Fa Mulan

Of all the Disney Princesses, Fa Mulan was the first bad-a$$! (yes, I too could argue the "princess" semantics but in the words of Captain Jack Sparrow "for what point and purpose" savvy?)

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The movie had this great animation style, and a great message about being true to you!!!

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I always thought the songs were great because "I'll Make a Man Out of You" was hilarious because there were all these preconceived notions of strength being something only a man could have, but Mulan (a young woman) aced all of these "manly requisites." Your strength, is your ability to persevere, and in turn, you succeed.
Also Reflection hit me on a pretty emotional level too. I digress...let me just end the feels here and...

heehee...see what I did there? (if you made the GIF lemme know!)

There are a few Disney Princess inspired shirts for working out in, and when I saw this one, I knew I had my muse!

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Since it's winter, I would put this long sleeve tee beneath it to keep a bit toasty:

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And to match her skirt were these gym shorts. I like that the band looks thick on these as, I like to have my shorts stay still when I work out, and don't have to worry about them slipping, or riding up (while running).

via For cold weather, check out these cool and fun printed thermal leggings!

Since the weather is about to be RAINY (huzzah!) I figure a hoodie is rather apt...and this looks like a good fit!

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I think these shoes are a good wrap up in the Mulan workout scheme! The red laces are the perfect touch (to me) in bringing things together!

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Like I said...I love the Mulan shirt because it reminds me of squats. But you know what?

I HATE squats. I really do. I don't ever do them correctly. I don't mind that they hurt, but I don't know what's wrong with me. Luckily, Nicole at Pumps and Iron puts some AWESOME workouts on her blog for free. And this one's only 25 minutes! You can do this at home, or  in a gym!

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And when you get back from the track/trail/weight room/etc.: relax with this Fa Mulan inspired candle. Because if you do squats, the above exercise: I promise you'll be sore!

from Walter and Rosie listed here

Finally, we wrap up with what I like to call: "Bad-A! Mulan Playlist" just so you know, its gunna hit you hard like a sword from a warrior princess! (Also, I feel like its a good pre-board meeting/school presentation/running hills/lifting weights type of playlist--I was a bit selfish this week :P)

Birthday Wish List!

This is my birthday week and I've seen some of my FAVORITE bloggers post birthday wishlists, and since I REALLY like the idea, I thought I would do the same! (Thank you ladies!)

Joie's Birthday Wishlist!!!

Birthday Wishes for 2014! by joie-fatale

1). Ok, so MAYBE I already got this for myself for my birthday. And MAYBE I'm a bit obsessed with of a CatBug fan. But can you blame me?!?!

2). I'm in need of a biker jacket to deck out, and purple or green are the colors I need!

3). If you haven't seen The Mighty Boosh...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. But you know what? It's ok, cause you can get the COMPLETE series and catch up! (just buy me a copy eh?)

4). This is out of my budget, but damn! This ring is wicked sweet! I have a costume Nana Osaki ring that's based on a previous Vivienne ring and I LOVE wearing it. But, this one is purple...so, I mean, I'm just saying.

5). I love the Island of Misfit Toys, and the little elephant (and King Moonracer) are my island faves. Since I've been collecting POP! Figures since my dad bought my first one a few years back, I've had an addiction to them. And I just can't say no to his little face!

6). I got a free sample of this for my birthday month from Sephora. It's Make Up Forever: Rouge Artist in "N9 Copper Pink" and I REALLY like it! Alas, they are perpetually out of stock on the darn thing!

7). Oh, sweet, sweet Disneyland pass...*sigh* you are what my dreams are not-so-secretly made of! If only petrol prices would decline; then, land of Disney; you would be mine!

8). Grape Docs = life goal/bucket list item fulfillment! I have two black pairs that I bought the moment I knew I was done growing. I just want my purple ones!

9). I am sorted Slytherin (like Merlin, and a wizard I won't talk about) and this swimsuit would TOTALLY be awesome to wear. School Spirit and junk you know!?

10). I love this bag! One day Vivienne...ONE DAAAAY! **shakes fist**


I'm excited for this week! I took my birthday off (my own personal holiday)! I honestly have NO IDEA what I'm going to do, but, I'm going to do something in my city I've never done before, so, yeah!

What's something in your hometown that you've always wanted to give a shot, but haven't done so yet?

Interweb Discoveries

Let start out with double the dose of people-empowering-awesomosity!

First is the AMAZING blog Superheroesque that was put together by Mia & Liz who's mission is: "...to encourage every geek to become their own superhero through a happy community of self-love and pop culture." It's a place or EVERY geek to call home, and embrace our differences where we can think critically, make funny/punny references and joke, and more importantly encourage you to be comforable wit YOU!

Next, we have the tumblr Bettersupes where as Alexandria Law put it: "Kids are more impressionable than you, but kids can also be less restricted by cultural gender norms than you. Kids are more creative than you, and they're better at making superheroes than you...This is a mini art project where I draw superheroes based on the costumes worn by little girls..."

It's adorable & inspiring! I can't wait to go home and try and create my own character cause the one's on the tumblr are so rad!

And Danielle's AMAZING watercolor painting! It's such a beautiful piece, and it brings out so much emotion! Also check out her doodle Friday's!


this post

And this video about Ronald McNair made me so happy :')! (Though, I do feel like any librarian who won't allow someone to read, should be fired, and banished from Earth...I don't care WHAT time period it is, you're a librarian! Wear that title with pride!!!)



And, this tourist's advice to Japanese traveller's visiting America is funny!

This and this one post about changing dreams and goals!

The uber talented Luka Riot (her shop here) posted a link to these If-Tim-Burton-Animated-Doctor-Who : GIF's found here!

This 25-minute booty workout from Pumps and Iron, who--and I am stressing this to me more than anyone--I need to read more cause she posts FREE resources for body weight based exercises. I want to at least be strong enoug to move my body around for the impending zombie apocalypse!

This poor wittle Hawley (little voice) from SuperEmoFriends made me "awwww" out loud (is that "aol"?)

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I've kept post-poning, the inevitable that is Parks and Rec, I was trying not to Netflix it all at once and then this episode ruined it! All she needs to do is lather vaseline, throw on some Docs or Tims and she is ready to fight!!!



(sorry, I forgot where)

My birthday is next week, and I am so excited to take the day off! LOL a gift to myself! I'm exctied for this weekend cause I get to see my sister and am having a little get together at home! Excited!

What are your plans for the weekend?

Wednesday Workout Cosplay: DJ Pon-3

I apologize in advance as I know I'm complaining, but, this past weekend was warm, and not in a good way. It was summery warm.

Which left me with my realization...which I conveniently had at work:

"I'd rather be snowboarding!"

So, I had to change today's post to Snowboarding featuring  DJ Pon-3 (or, Vinyl Scratch, whichever you prefer)!

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Let's start with the outer garments as they are the first shield against the powder!
This coat by O'Neill (like April!) looks so warm and I love the different tones/shades of teal! It reminds me of DJ's hair! (*o*)  What I like most about this particular coat is the wrist gaiters and powder skirt which help to prevent snow from creeping up in your jacket. Hide yo' wrists, Hide yo' side...never mind. Anyway, I love it!

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And of course, you want some SWEET powder pants so your bum doesn't get soggy. The one thing I would add to these are patches of two bridged 8th notes on each side of the bum. Because "Gotta have your cutie mark!"

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And of course we need some warm clothes under the shells. I found that Compression Thermal Thingys (this is a legit title...trust me) are best. I like this duo from Spyder. They look like maybe they will make me faster...like, 20% faster and cooler.

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And some Snowboarding boots and goggles:

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The shiny blue is how they normally reflect! via

You will of course need a board. I found this one, that looks pretty awesome. But then I remembered "Bronies are pretty awesome at ponifieing (sp) all the the things! I bet someone has customized a board?" And what do you know, I found these beauties by idontruntoofast! Seriously: SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!

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And lest I forget, you need to keep your head warm! A lot of your body heat will escape from there. But, since we are keeping this DJ Pon-3 inspired, why not rock your brony/pegasister pride with this sweet cap! It even has ear flaps and ties so your ears stay toasty, and you cap stays on your head!

From Daretodreamca (portfolio) listed here

And of course, some headphones to listen to your sweet powder-shredding-inspired grooves:

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I will leave you with a DJ Pon-3 inspired mix; it also features music from the "greatest snowboarding movie of all time" Johnny Tsunami! Head's up, its' pretty bass heavy, I find that for snowboarding, I like DJ type stuff (and punk and ska, but that's just my favorite stuff). Enjoy!

Liebster Award

Awesome sauce! I got nominated for a Liebster award from the amazingly cool Usagi from Usagi in Wonderland! 

"What is this Liebster Award?" you ask:
"Well, it is only an AWESOME award given to up and coming bloggers. Given by other up and coming bloggers. It's a cool way to find other blogs and feel like you are getting into the blogging stratosphere. It is simple, you get nominated by someone else, mention their page and a link to their blog in your Liebster Award Post, answer the 11 questions they give you, then tag 11 other nominees and give them a new set of 11 questions to answer."

So with that, let's get this started!!

1. What is your favorite quote? Both are from Lucas in Empire Records. The first: "Who knows where thoughts come from. They just appear." And of course:

via (Lucas...so hot!)

2. What is on your bucket list that you want to cross off this year? There are a few, but number one, is to cosplay, second is to go completely platinum blonde (a la Storm, Elsa and Daenerys), third: ROAD TRIP with the Tenor.

I need to make one that has all three of my favorite platinum ladies. Found on Pinterest. Wish to credit.

3. If you were a pizza, what toppings would you be? LOL! This is a good one! Cheesy, cause I’m pretty dorky and tell cheesy jokes. Garlic because I HATE mosquitos. Mosquitos tend to avoid you if you’ve eaten garlic I've been told, so, win! Artichoke cause I have layers (and it’s REALLY good on pizza); shrimp cause…well, I’m short (and it’s delicious).
Ok, I officially want pizza now.

pizza via (Does anyone else remember this song? LOL)

4. Which TV show are you loving so much right now and hope it doesn't get cancelled? GOSH! I feel like I might jinx it, but Sleepy Hollow has some great potential (but, it is on Fox, and i don't trust those bastards). Arrow, S.H.I.E.L.D., Grimm and Sherlock (there BETTER be a fourth season...

I almost: Laughed my head off! (pun 100% intended!) via

5. Which film(s) are you looking forward to this year? Captain America: Winter Soldier; Mr. Peabody and Sherman (HUGE Rocky and Bullwinkle fan, and I LOVED their shorts on the show). But VERONICA MARS has to be the big one!

How I feel as the date gets nearer! via

6. Have you see The Lego Movie yet? (BECAUSE IT IS AWESOME!!) Alas, not yet. **hangs head in shame**


7. Who is your current celebrity crush? Benedict Cumberbatch, Christian Bale, and Billie Joe Armstrong (always).

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8. Are you a Zombie, Vampire, or Werewolf fan? Vampires! Totally! I like werewolves too. And, I will admit I have an irrational fear of zombies. I hate it because I know it's irrational, but I am scared of the zombie runs and it's on the "no fly list" for pranks to pull on me (I don't trust what my reaction would be...just saying. 'Tis a warning). But I'm a bit self-torturing in this regard as I am always curious about zombie films/shows, and I do like The Walking Dead.

But yeah, Vampires...gotta love 'em.

And there goes my weekend...probably going to binge-watch this...again. via

9. Why do you blog? Honestly: the people. It's going to sound cheesy (see question 3) but its so awesome to meet and read everyone's blogs and see how we are all similar and different. Learning about people's different perspectives, and, challenging my own ways of thinking and rational. 
Also, it's very much a release for me. I get to have fun, be creative and still I need a deadline. Since I am trying to be healthy, I also like how a blog "holds me accountable" and that's REALLY motivating.

10. What do you hope to accomplish with blogging? Meet new friends and people; get healthy; self-discovery. Most importantly: I'm having fun with it! Meeting like-minded and yet, still different-minded people so we can bounce ideas off of one another, and still learn from, and offer perspectives we might not otherwise hear.

Gangsta'! via

11. What do you want to improve in 2014? (Photography skills, write some more, travel, etc.) 
I would like to improve a lot, but I am most definitely working on physical fitness and being healthy and COSPLAY!

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And here are my nominees:

Kim @ A Very Sweet Blog
Brooke @ The Adventure is Afoot
Danielle @ Condensed Star Stuff
Dany @ It's Suteki 
Victoria @ Pho Across America 
Desiree @ Finding the Skinny Geek Within
The Duo of Liz and  Mia @ Superheroesque
Mariko @ GamerWife


Your questions (which are TOTALLY open to anyone to answer):
1). Why did you start blogging? What have you learned so far?
2).If you could have one person narrate your life, who would it be, and why?
3). You get to have lunch with three people: one historical, one fictional book character, and one fictional film/television character. Who are they, and how do you think it would go?
4). What book best describes your adolescence?
5). You have 4 albums: one each to describe childhood; adolescence; current "adulthood" and the last to describe what you see your future as. GO!
6). What is your favorite quote from your favorite 80's Movie?
7). What is your least favorite exercise?
8). Who is your favorite comic book character and why?
9). Remember the Twilight Zone episode "Time Enough at Last" (the library one where he breaks his glasses & is blind without them)? What would your version Mr. Bemis' nightmare be?
10). What is on your bucket list, that you're hoping to cross off this year? (stolen from Usagi!)
11). Are you Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, or Hufflepuff? If you were sorted by Pottermore, do you agree with what you were sorted as?

Be sure to check out the blogs I tagged! I love reading each of them!
Cheers!

Wednesday Workout Cosplay: Annie from Being Human

Ok, small confession:
I LOVE Being Human! I love both the US and UK versions. The UK version I watched first, and I like their werewolf concept better, and **sigh**the vampire Mitchell (whom you may know as Kili in The Hobbit films).

But we're here to talk about the UK's Annie!

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One of my goals last week--and all year for that matter, was to try 3 new exercises. One of those is yoga. I've been having a lot of work and SDCC related stress. Luckily the latter is no longer an issue (queue fan fare!). I have a yoga DVD that is supposed to help calm your nerves, and so for that reason, I thought I'd focus on a yoga inspired outfit via this ghost girlie!

Let's start with that cozy-of-coziest sweaters shall we? This sweater I actually saw at my local Target, And it looks so comfy! Perfect for bundling up and keeping yourself warm after a hot yoga session and heading out into the cold!

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While Annie seems to prefer the quintessential white tank, I veered to a more athletically friendly top (in case one wants to switch things up, and go running?).

This tank has some cool pixelated print too, so, win-win-win!

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Additionally, yoga pants...so, here's the thing: I looked for some, but for some reason, I couldn't find a single pair I liked, that would also transition to a cardio based workout. And then I remembered: ZUMBA! And I found these little leggings and they looked pretty comfy too!

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If you do some yoga, and want to keep those toes warm, try these gripped toe socks:

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And after yoga, or swim, or an activity you want to keep comfy and warm. I'm not usually a fan of shoes like this, except to keep warm. But to each her own eh? Also, these remind me a little of Annie's boots, but a post-Workout friendly version!

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And in case you want to do some Zumba, running, or weights:

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Like I said stress reduction yoga! And you know what I like about YouTube? FREE exercise videos! It's also, a good cool down stretch!


Also! Check out this video inspired by Robsen Green who plays the werewolf McNair!

I will leave you now with a ghostly-HIIT/ moderate-jog inspired playlist:

Weekly Intentions #13

1). Cleaning & Organizing- On the 22nd we will be having guests and I want to clean, clean, CLEAN!!! And my husband is more of an organizer (confession: I'm a "hide-it-under-the-bed" cleaner). So I want to clean and organize. But as you may have noticed I get stressed/over-whelmed quite easily. So, I'll start now, and take it slow!

SOOO true!!! via

2). Paperwork - I have some paper work to fill, shred, and file. I guess that goes with number one, but...ugh! No one likes this. But...responsability, am-I-right?!

3). Valentine's - Not really into it, but I want to get my mom, dad, and, the Tenor a little something just to say I consider them special on this day for loving others (I don't thing it has to be a day for loving your lover, I think it's a great day to let your friends and family know they matter to you...otherwise...I have mixed emotions about the day).

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4). Craft project - I have a craft that I started over the summer. I just need to work on it. It's almost done. It's simple. I just need to finish it. I'm so ashamed...

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5). Puella Magi Madoka Magica - I REALLY need to just finish this. I keep post poning it, to make it last longer.

via Wikipedia

All right! Let's get this week started!!!

What's a goal of your's for this week?

Your First Time...

What is/was your first FANDOM memory?
My first memory is watching Star Wars with my family.
A little bit of history:

My dad grew up during the 60's, and collected a lot of comics. He even had a Spider-Man number one!

That is until his mom's--my Big Mama's--house caught fire. All the comics were gone, but thank God she made it out!

He also watched the old Batman series with Adam West. He loved the adventures, the utility belt, and of course the boss-est car to ever roam the earth: the Batmobile!

Later, he saw the premiere of Star Trek! He like many people  loved the stories! The writing spoke to, and continues to speak to people. Also, he loved Roddenberry and crew's vision of the future which included ALL people of all backgrounds! AND a future where it wasn't just us Earthlings, but some aliens as well.

In his late 20's Star Wars A New Hope came out. Light sabers, space saga, and DARTH-frakking-VADER! How could he not like it? and then, in 1980, The Empire Strikes Back came out, and we met Lando Calrissian, Jedi Master Yoda, saw the ice planet Hoth, and learned one of the greatest shockers of all time:

And with the Return of the Jedi helped signal a new era for my dad: fatherhood! Via your's truly!

With this change my father became a Jedi master in his own right and we--my siblings and I--his young padawans.

Which comes down to me.

Growing up, I know we watched Star Trek, and my dad got us into action figures pretty early on. And the old Batman show?

KUSI 9/51 used to play it all the time (I've kept my old KUSI Kids Club Card all these years). We even have a VHS tape full of episodes including Black Widow (not the Marvel assassin, but an older bank robber). Like my dad, I loved the Batmobile and wanted my own utility belt.

 My dad would watch these shows with us, and my mom would watch us all play together. We all had
I'll admit, I'm blessed to have parents that let us play cool games, and read awesome books, rather than being the superstitious kind.

But Star Wars? I LOVED Star Wars!!! I wanted a light saber more than anything in the world. And I definitely wanted to be able to wield the force. The Millenium Falcon; Han Solo; Leia; Luke; Yoda; Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi!

To me, Star Wars was brilliant because it can be enjoyed at any age. Leia was a smart diplomat with a warrior streak. Luke was a sincere kid trying to make his way; Han was the quintessential bad boy with a heart of gold! It was awesome! I liked how at the end of the trilogy Vader redeemed himself and did the right thing in the end and gets to be with Obi-Wan and Yoda (sorry, but I do have the original theatrical versions, and I prefer it...can't help it).

To go back to the opening question:
What is/was your first FANDOM memory?
Was it a video game? The star who played your favorite hero? Something you watched with one of your favorite people?

Please share in the comments! And if you want to write, or have written a post, share a bit about it AND link to your post in the comment box yo'! I would love to read it!

Pre Preregistration Jitters

Let me just say I've watched this twice already.

I am so scared, and excited about tomorrow.

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you feel really stressed? That's been mine!
Because my week has been my thoughts about tomorrow are much like a tennis ball, bouncing between two opponents named: "Will-the-bad-week-continue-to-tomorrow?" and, "Surely-this-bad-week-will-lead-to-good-things-tomorrow"

I am worried and hopeful about badge sales tomorrow morning.

Things tend to work out ok...but I don't want to get too cocky. I keep reading The Nerdy Girlie's SDCC info, and trying to remind myself not to worry.

But putting this into practice? Oi Vey!

And the Starbucks Double shot I just had isn't helping LOL

So what to do? Here's some things to re-happy before tomorrow morning:

• Check this 24 Hour Music Video! It's by Pharrell, but the song is really chipper, and I like the idea of a 24 hour video, mostly because I want to know if this is legitimately 24 hours.
• Naruto! Sasuke! Goku!...Goku?! :D
• Saban's opening theme and version for Sailor Moon (this makes me feel good because it DIDN'T happen!...Though at that time I was in elementary, and probably would have watched it anyway. Still glad). 
• How adorable is Sandy?

Alright...see you in an hour or two!

Send me you prayers, good thoughts, and luck! 

I'm going for my Comic Con badge!

EXCELSIOR!!

Work and Workouts Playlist!

To be honest, since Monday, this week has been productive, but INTENSE!
I'm kicking butt and taking names, but I'm really tired. I haven't even had a chance to read.

I am REALLY proud though! I caught up, and SHREDDED through some work these last three days. So much so in fact, that by the end of this week, I am hoping our team will be ahead of the curve!!!

I will resume Wednesday workout cosplays next week.

I work in an office environment. Sometimes the best way to just kick tail at work, is to listen to music that make you wanna kick tail. The tail I want to kick? Mine! I want to kick it in to shape. I've been failing at it a bit.

But I thought I'd share a playlist that, while not necessarily #CK4C inspired, has been getting me through most of this week, and is run/cardio friendly.

In other words, a bit drum and guitar heavy with some great timing/syncopation for one's pace! Well, at least I think so! (I can NEVER not run to The Donna's cover of Billy Idol's Dancin With Myself. It's PERFECT for my pace, and has the right kind of Grrrl growl to keep me all: "frak yeah! I can do this!" And well, I LOVE Newsies...so I apologize for it's lack of flow, but I'm not sorry it's a great movie! :-P ).

Admittedly, I also listen to musicals, scores, and classical at work. But these songs were on heavy rotation this week, and it's been awesome!

Each of these songs are feel good one's for me when I'm at work. I'm totally working for the weekend this week!

My brother will be in town from Northern California for his birthday (we share this month! Joint birthday party? I think so!). I'm really excited to see him as I haven't seen him since Comic Con last year!

What are your go to motivating songs? What are your plans this weekend?

Weekly Intentions #12

1). Swim- Got to swim twice last week. Not bad, but not my ideal from last week, so this puppy is back up here! I want to improve my times too! Also, I feel really happy when I’m done.

2). Buttons- some for me, some for friends. Photoshop Extracurricular Activities!!! Also, practice for it too!

3). Learn Three NEW Words- This will be on these Intentions more than once. I want to both learn new words, and refresh my memory on others. Pretty excited to start doing this!

4). Do Three New Exercises- Whether they are brand new, or, new to routine, I’d like to try and do three new ones each month. No Plateau!

5). Listen More, Speak Less- difficult, because when I get really excited, or passionate…I pretty much turn into a puppy. I wiggle in my seat, even. But I do listen, but I want to listen more intentionally. And maybe work on being less of a puppy LOL. Seriously though, I like meeting people, and when I do I either clam up, or, I get really excited.

This week I will post a recap of the AWESOME time I had with some fellow geeky San Diego gals! It was so, so, SOOOOO fun!

I can without a doubt, and with all sincerity say: this is something I have been truly missing from my life! Thank God for the internet! LOL

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Fun Finds

Have you seen this trailer for Maleficent?! Lana del Rey's cover of Once Upon a Dream is PERFECT for the darkness of the fairy tale. It's haunting, luring, and beautiful! I can't wait to see this and I apologize in advance should my excitement become...repetitive.

Cait at Kitsch Vixen posted a link to this AMAZING post about Smash[ing] the Scale (Please read it and SHARE it!). She also shared the below video featuring styles throughout the last century, and both of them make me smile!

I want this wallet and bag from Loungefly! They are simple enough for dressing up, but they have a cute Tinkerbell print on them!

via LoungeFly

via LoungeFly

Think Geek has this Dalek watch (and this amazing T.A.R.D.I.S. watch...but it's already sold out) and I feel as though I could use this timepiece:

via ThinkGeek

And for something completely unique for valentines day--especially if you're like me and not really a roses person--Think Geek has a bouquet of plush kittens, or this plush of UNICORNS!!!

via ThinkGeek

be sure to check out this post about Moffet -era companions by Amber West of A Day Without Sushi wrote. She makes some great points so check them out!

Last but not least, a friend shared this with me, and yeah...I cried along with the girl at 8:46!

"Great job" I say to their parents! 

It's my Birthday month, and it's going to be so busy! I'm super excited! Have a great weekend, and welcome to February!