Wild and Free in 2015

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful, fun, and safe New Years Eve and Christmas, or whatever holiday it is that you celebrate! I know the last couple of weeks have been wonderful for me and you can see my shenanigans on Instagram (some were posted to Facebook and Twitter too) so you don't have to go through one of those long holiday recap posts with an overload of pictures.

I will say though - I miss Vlogmas! It's exhausting posting a video every single day, but I've found I do love making vlogs and I made a ton of great friends on YouTube through VEDA and Vlogmas. So... when I saw that Amber of Mr. Thomas and Me and Annie of What She Saw were going to start hosting a monthly vlog link-up, I couldn't resist!

Speak Up will be the first Friday of every month and this month theme is "Wild and Free." They don't give any guidelines or layout for the vlog - just talk about what comes to your mind with the topic. They do give some inspiration though on their blogs in case you need to get started. 

You all should link up too! It's really easy to do and if you've always wanted to vlog but never have this would be an awesome way to start. Or if you do vlog you can add this to what you normally would do!

Here's mine for the month:

(If you are getting this through a feed or in your email and can't see the video, click here.)

So go ahead and link up, or share in the comments your thoughts about being wild and free!

Also, I referenced my "Let it Go" blog post from last year which you can find by clicking here.

10 Instagrams

I've done recomendations for blogs and websites before, but never Instagram. I think it's because I mainly follow people I know and other blog friends on Instagram simply because I know them or like their blog. Not necessarily because I just love their photography. So, it took me a little bit to dig through my Instagram account to see people who are genuinely good photographers to tell people about. However, I found some!

Andrew Kennan Blogger

Being a huge musical theatre nerd, and after seeing Newsies on Broadway a couple of years ago, I ended up following about 1/2 of the cast on Instagram. It turns out, the actor Andrew Kennan Blogger (he played Crutchie), is an amazing photographer. I always love looking at his photos and all of his NYC adventures.

http://instagram.com/keenanblogger

Beauty Edit Max

I have no idea who this guy is. All I know is that one day, forever ago, he followed my account for some reason and I followed back. Holy cow- he does amazing photos.

http://instagram.com/beauty_edit_max

Neil Patrick Harris

Um... who wouldn't want to see the world through his eyes?

http://instagram.com/instagranph

The Blog Baton

This is the coolest Instagram/Blogger idea ever. Basically, everyday a different blogger takes over the account. (I did it back in January.) It's fun to see everyone's lives and to get some more exposure for your own blog.

http://instagram.com/theblogbaton

Writers Atelier

This account is awesome for writers. They post different quotes, inspiration, words, writing prompts, etc. everyday. 

http://instagram.com/writersatelier

The Ugly Mug Cafe Chicago

You know that cafe sign you see on Pinterest all of the time with the best quotes ever? That's a cafe in Chicago called The Ugly Mug Cafe. They really do have the best signs ever.

http://instagram.com/uglymugcafechi

Humans of New York

This guy is all over social media. Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, etc. But I really love his stuff. I love how he takes pictures of random people in the city and shares their stories. 

http://instagram.com/humansofny

Pemberley Digital

Hello! Pictures from behind the scenes of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, Emma Approved, and now Frankenstein MD! 

http://instagram.com/pemberleydigital

Starbucks Olive and 6th

One of my closest friends who works for Starbucks runs this account. So everyone should follow it.

http://instagram.com/sbuxoliveand6th

Colin Wright

I kinda of want to be this guy. Colin Wright travels the world, writes books, and basically lives on the Internet. And gets paid to do it. Coolest life ever, right? Right now he's living in Prauge.

http://instagram.com/colinismyname

Who are some of your favorite Instagram accounts? You know... other than mine. ;-) Yes... this is a shameless plug. http://instagram.com/lovewokemeup

Happiness Is...

For people who are long time readers of this blog, along with my family and friends, they probably have a good idea of the things which  make me happy in life.

Coffee

This is pretty frequent on my Instagram

My dog, Bandit

Another frequent image on my Instagram

Books

Just a small handful of my book collection

Musicals

I saw Motown the musical a few weeks ago with some friends and WOW! It was incredible!

Various fandoms (Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Supernatural, Sherlock, etc.)

They're all here in one picture! Isn't it GLORIOUS?

However, there are other things in life which make me happy that I want to share with you today which you may or may not know about.

-Random mixes on 8tracks.com. This is the one I've been listening to this morning as I write, and it's one of my favorite mixes I've found. But there are a ton of other mixes I love too. I've found a ton of new songs I've fallen in love with by letting this app/website take over as I'm reading or blogging and checking emails.

Covers And Coffee from Mrigank Nath on 8tracks Radio.

- The Chicago skyline. Or any city skyline really, but I live in Chicago so I'm partial. I see the skyline every morning as I drive to work and of course when I drive into the city. But every time I'm always awestruck that I get to live in such a beautiful city. Even when I'm driving in the rain or crappy weather it's pretty. The way fog and clouds wrap around the skyscrapers makes you feel like you're in a movie.

We had some pretty scary storms the other night, but how cool is this photo of the clouds????? Source

- Shopping for clothes and makeup. It sounds ridiculous, and I used to not be a big fan of it. But now that I've gotten older and I've learned how to really pick out what looks good on me and what I like, it's so much more fun. (Even through college I had to have friends put my makeup on for me because I didn't know how.) I really enjoy putting together outfits and different looks for what I want to do that day or who I want to be. It's like creating little costumes for yourself. Like Lola does in the book Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. Although, Lola goes way more extreme than I do. But honestly, I'd rather wear a fun skirt than blue jeans because I like how I look and it's way more comfortable.

- Random snap chats from people. It's become one of my favorite ways to keep in touch with people, especially those who don't live near me. Their faces make me smile. Awhile ago one of my good friends who lives in Maryland got snapchat and sent me a picture. I was so excited because I had realized how long it had been since I had seen their face and there it was! I love how we can be ridiculous and crazy and look awful but see images of each other and our lives. (Seriously, I need more snapchat buddies. If you want my username just send me a message. FOR REALS.) Also, that dancing ghost thing is adorable.

- The fact that I'm hosting Vlog Every Day in August (VEDA) with my friend Kirsti. 

Kirsti and I with our friend Lor when we went to The Magical World of Harry Potter last year.
Yes, that is butterbeer in our hands.

Wait- what?

Yup. You read that right. For the last two years I have been participating in VEDA with a ton of other internet people on YouTube and it's been a blast. We create a calendar of topics and everyone posts their short videos and we all comment on them and become friends. The other day when Kirsti and I saw that the "captain" of VEDA was stepping down for this year, we kinda on a whim decided to team up and do it ourselves!

If you've ever thought about doing it, this is the year because it is SO MUCH FUN.

For more info you can follow us on Twitter (@WeBlogWeVlog). That way you can be up to date on everything going on! If you aren't on Twitter but want to participate just let me know and I can be sure to get you the information.

So, what makes you happy?

Today's Blog Everyday in July Topic: Five things that make you happy. Link up here!

What I Learned the Year I was 27

Birthdays.

Remember when you were a kid and your birthday was always so exciting because you were finally a year older and you got to have a party and lots of presents?

Yeah... those days are over.

It's not that I don't enjoy my birthday. It's just that whole getting older thing. I know 28 isn't old by any means. My head knows this. My logic knows this. But then there's the part of me who is freaking out and all "OMG I ONLY HAVE TWO YEARS UNTIL I'M 30! I HAVEN'T EVEN BACKPACKED THROUGH EUROPE OR GONE ON AN EPIC ROAD TRIP OR RANDOMLY MET A CELEBRITY OR ANYTHING PEOPLE IN THEIR 20s ARE SUPPOSED TO DO!"

No wonder my sister found my first "silver" hair last week.

Ugh.

Then I calm down (or my family and friends tranquilize me) and am reminded again that 30 isn't a scary age and 28 isn't old and I have my whole life to do things and learn and find myself. Also, last year on my birthday I was on a bus with 50 teenagers on the way back from Texas. This year my friends have helped me make plans to go to Dave and Busters tonight and I was able to meet up with some people for dinner and coffee through the week. So... not too shabby.

Looking back though, being 27 was interesting. I resigned from my job, traveled, moved to Chicago, got a brand new idea for a novel and have been working on that... so it's been a good year.

- While traveling in the deep south, picking up the accent is far easier than you'd think. Even if you are a native Chicagoan.

- Going to the courthouse which inspired LM Montgomery to write To Kill A Mockingbird and seeing a teenager walk into the world of her all time favorite book, and a jr. high boy see with his own eyes historic places of the civil rights movement and come to life for the first time, is an incredible experience.

- Love God. Love People. Do Stuff. -Bob Goff

- Choose your companions before you choose your roads. -Mark Burnett

- Nutella and banana crepes. You'll never be the same.

- Freshman girls can teach you more about beauty and self-esteem than you'd think.

- Why yes... I do still remember all of the colors of Joseph's coat and will never ever forget them. Ever.

- I used to not be a believer in theatre tabboos like saying the name of the Scottish play... until now. If you say the name I WILL HURT YOU.

- Having friends who are younger than you can actually be pretty amazing.

- It is entirely possible to survive being in an outdoor play when it's 20 outside. Not fun. But you'll survive.

- When celebrities are in town (like Neil Patrick Harris) to film a movie, go to Starbucks EVERY SINGLE DAY because the one day you don't go will be the day they are there.

- Having an awesome writing partner during NaNoWriMo makes all of the difference in the world.

- Buying a Tardis dress is always a good idea.

- Babies won't always cry when I hold them.

- When you are snowed in for a few days, get the idea to have a Harry Potter marathon on day one... not day three.

- Disney songs can totally define your life.

- It's okay to lock yourself up in your apartment and ugly cry all afternoon while watching the Glee episode to honor Cory.

- Even when leaving is the right choice, goodbyes really suck.

- Get the tattoo. In fact, get two.

- Get new tires on your car BEFORE the worst winter in the history of ever hits.

- A perk of working part-time is SO MUCH TIME TO READ.

- Preschool kids really do say the funniest things.

- When you say yes to one thing, that means you say goodbye to another. It's really hard.

- I'd probably die without my phone and social media to keep in touch with my Missouri friends.

- I need to learn how to live with other people again after being on my own for so long. Sharing the Netflix is hard yo!

- Being the sister of a bride means everything is about the wedding and nothing else. Ever. Also, weddings are hard.

- After some practice, driving around downtown Chicago isn't all that scary.

- When moving back after being gone for 5 1/2 years, your good friends are still there, but you still have to adjust to being in one anothers lives again.

- When even the guys at the Apple store think your iPad is possessed... it's time to get a new one.

- Visiting people after moving away six months ago is actually really fun.

- Not everyone is as judgy as you'd think when you're trying to figure life out.

- Neil Patrick Harris looks way better in a mini skirt and boots than I ever will.

- You don't always see what's coming next and everything might be cloudy... but it's okay.

What are some things you've learned this past year? How do you feel about getting older?

The Woes of Bandit

There have been a lot of changes since Mom and I moved to Chicago. I know she has told everyone about moving here. But now it's my turn. Mom was slow in writing on here today and didn't write at all on Friday! So I am taking over and let me tell you, some of the changes I am not very happy about. Nope nope nope.

First of all, this was the worst winter in my little doggie existence. (Other than the time before I met Mom and lived in a cardboard box outside. That was bad.) But it was so cold! I'm little and don't like that cold. Nope. Not one bit. But Mom still made me go outside AND made me wear a coat. It was really bad. I'm just glad Grandpa had the fireplace on a lot because the Bandito likes it warm. Yes he does.

And by he I mean me.

THEN there's the other doggy. Indy. I like having someone to play with, but she is so wild, and she steals my toys. She also always gets to the door first when Mom gets home and gets petted first. It's not my fault my legs are short and I can't go as fast. I should be petted by Mom first because she's MY mom, not hers.

Speaking of Mom, she works a lot. I think she's home for the day, and then she leaves again. It makes me sads.

Another thing is, there's a cat. Yup. A cat. Peanut. She lives in the basement and lurks by its door all of the time. Mom and I lived with two really mean cats a long time ago, and I learned a valuable lesson. Cats cannot be trusted and are not friends of Bandits. Nope nope nope. Sometimes I see Mom petting Peanut and I watch very carefully. Mom says Peanut is nice, but I see her claws and I know better. So I always watch to be sure Mom doesn't get scratched (cat scratches hurt!) and whenever I see Peanut trying to leave her territory I make sure she goes back in her place. Mom says I'm being mean when I do that and I need to go to cat trauma counseling, but I don't know what that means.

I can almost sense her now as I type. I haven't seen her scratch anything yet, but I know she will someday and I think she's plotting against me. I must keep careful watch. Just writing this is dangerous enough, but I must take care of Moms blog because she loves it and have to put the story straight.

Although... Grandma does have better food. She puts soft food in your bowls every morning and not just the icky dry stuff. She also likes to pet me and always calls me "big boy". It's about time someone understood me. 

And there are a lot of comfy chairs to sit on. I love sits. And Grandpa is very nice and let's me lay next to him when Indy is too wild and Mom isn't home. We watch The Chew, Jeopardy, and Katie Couric everyday. 

I guess Indy isn't THAT BAD either. She steals my toys, but I plays with hers too and she gives me a lot of exercise.

Okay.... And winter is over. Now that it's warmer I can sit in the sun and run in the big yard as long as I want. Mom and I never had a yard before. We don't have a fence, but Mom lets me outside by myself if I have a leash. I've never been able to go out on my own before. 

Fine. I guess moving to Chicago hasn't been too bad. 

But there's still the cat. I must leave now to keep watch until Mom gets home. Then when she's back I can guard her by sitting on her lap during Dancing With the Stars. Even if she does make me dance sometimes. 

My Kind of Town

 

I have been in Chicago for almost four months now.

The entire time I lived in Missouri I missed living near the city and experiencing all it had to offer. Want to know how much I've done since moving back?

NOTHING.

Granted - this was the most miserable winter ever and it has only been recently anyone has wanted to leave their homes. However, I still feel like this is pathetic. I forgot how easy it is to become complacent when you live here all of the time. You forget sometimes when you're bored, you can simply hop on the train into downtown and have a pluthera of things to do. I want this to change.

Now spring has finally arrived (although it doesn't feel like it today) I've decided I'm going to go out into the city more often. As a bonus - since I'm basically broke- I'm going to try and do as many free things as possible. In a city like Chicago, there are a ton of things to experience.

Who cares that I grew up here? I'm going to be a local tourist this spring and summer.

Here are some of my ideas so far:

- Go to a White Sox game (ok... more expensive, but it has to happen).

- Go to the Art Institute. They have free days on Thursdays and it's awesome.

- Visit a museum other than the Art Institute. That one is my favorite, so I easily just get into the habit of going there all of the time. But there are so many others in the city I haven't been to in years which are just as awesome.

- Listen to the Symphony Orchestra rehearse at Millennium Park

- Attend the outdoor classic film festival on Tuesday nights. (See classic movies for free in Grant Park!)

- Go to the Taste of Chicago. Can you believe I've never gone? It's usually so packed with people, my family and friends usually avoid downtown at all costs. However, I feel like I should go at least once in my life.

- Go to open mic night at the Comedy Bar

- See a play or musical. Because... have you met me?

- Research different festivals and events in some of the suburbs

- Visit a zoo (Lincoln Park is free, but Brookfeild is closer to where I live...)

Native Chicagoans, any other suggestions? Maybe some stuff that isn't quite as "touristy?" Or if you haven't been to Chicago, what's something you've always wanted to do and would like to see pictures of/read about?

Linking up with Meg for Mingle Monday!

Throwback Thursday- Pucker Up!

So today's post accidentally went up before I had written anything.

Oops. Sorry guys. 

But anyways. It's Throwback Thursday with Bonnie's blog and the topic is.... first kiss.

Nothing like a good embarrassing first kiss story to make your day, right?

How about three?

Yup. I can never tell which story "counts" as my first kiss because I have three which could potentially be "the first one." So I'll let you decide! I'll share with you all each of my stories, and in the comments tell me which one you think is the real one. 

Currently

After a 6 hour drive through boring Illinois and switching back and forth between musical soundtracks and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and quickly doing a video for VEDA today, it's nice to finally be at my parents house. Sitting in the kitchen while Mom cooks (I offered to help, but she wisely said she was fine as long as I brought my laptop out so I can sit with her and chat as she worked and I blogged. No one really wants me to help in the kitchen!) I can hear the news playing from the living room where my dad sits and feel a nice breeze coming through the back screen door.

I'm jealous of Chicago's weather this week and wish I could take it back with me to Missouri in a few days. Sunny and today's high was 70. I know some people love the heat, but 60s and 70s (and sometimes upper 50s!) are my absolute favorite temperature ranges! It makes me wish fall would get here already.

Some things that are happening currently in my life....

I am currently...

Sigh... Monday

Oh Monday morning, we meet again.

Even though I'm heading up to Chicago tomorrow for a quick vacation, in a way today is my "Friday," I still have the daunting feeling of "UGH... it's Monday." My latest VEDA (Vlog Every Day August) is loading because YouTube takes forever, my to-do list keeps getting longer, my coffee hasn't kicked in, and I've been running late because I hit my snooze button about three times this morning.

It's Monday.

Links Links Links!

If you're friends with me on Facebook... you probably get an overload of links to articles and blog posts I've been reading.

Sorry about that.

I know most of you probably don't read them.

So, when I saw that the blog prompt for today was "Something You Read Online. Leave a link and discuss, if you'd like." I was really excited!

Someone is actually TELLING me to share links!!!!!

Cold and Creepy

From 2006-2010, TBS ran a TV show called "My Boys."

It was about a female sports reporter (Andi) and the guys she hangs out with. I loved the premise of the show for two reasons.

1) It took place in Chicago. Yes... they were Cubs fans. However, with so many TV shows taking place in NYC I was able to forgive that detail and just enjoy the setting of my hometown.

2) As a female with several male friends, it was refreshing to see something were men and women could be friends and not have that "what are we" conversation, simply because it wasn't needed. Men and women could be friends, and only friends. (Who knew?)

Source

I'm Falling Baby Through the Sky

A few weeks ago, I finally read the book Divergent by Veronica Roth.

I don't know why it took me so long to get to it. Too many books, not enough time I guess.

Anyways. I loved it. As far as young adult novels about a future dystopian society books go, Hunger Games is still my favorite. However, this is a close second. It also takes place in Chicago, which is awesome. There were moments I would look at the cover to see the Chicago skyline and I would get really homesick but also super happy at the same time. Apparently that's possible.

Hi New Friends!

Happy Friday everyone!

I don't know about you, but I'm super excited that it's Friday. Last weekend I was on a retreat with a kazillion Jr. Highers, and coming back to work and sitting in the office was a drag. So the weekend is a welcome change of pace. A friend of mine might be visiting and I have an audition for a play tomorrow! (Speaking of... I need to track down my old copy of Romeo and Juliet so I can study...)

Anyways. Now for something completely different.

I'm sponsoring the blog The Life of Bon this month! (Commence happy dance and cheering.) I find it pretty exciting because she's one of those "cool" bloggers. You know, blog every day, has more than three digits in her follower count, and is generally awesome in every way. She's a high school English teacher - which is awesome because we can swap teenager stories and talk abotu books. She also hosts a book club every month. This month we're reading The Great Gatsby if you want to join us.

Anyways.

Points of Impact

"The moment of impact. The moment of impact proves potential for change. Has ripple effects far beyond what we can predict.Sending some particles crashing together. Making them closer than before. While sending others spinning off into great ventures. Landing them where you've never thought you've found them. That's the big thing about moments like these. You can't, no matter how hard you try, controlling how it's gonna affect you. You just gotta let the colliding parts go where they may. And wait. For the next collision."

Leo and Paige's Wedding, and, Source

This past weekend I received in my mailbox The Vow from the glorious Netflix. (Don't judge. I like sappy movies. Get over it. Also, Channing Tatum is in it.) One of the big themes in this movie is "points of impact."

Bye Bye August

So... tomorrow is September.

That's crazy talk!

I have seriously been neglecting the blog this month.

Okay, maybe not seriously, but I feel as though I haven't been posting much. This is for two reasons.

1) I simply don't have a whole lot to blog about. Now that summer is over and school has started up again, my life is pretty boring. I go to work, play practice, come home, sleep. Repeat. Eating, researching steampunk, and watching Netflix is thrown in there as well. (Anyone else completely addicted to Vampire Diaries? Cause I totally am.) I could write random stupid stuff, but you lovely readers deserve better than that.

2) I've been busy doing VEDA (Vlog Every Day August). If you haven't seen my videos, check out my YouTube channel here. Even though the videos are short, it takes a lot of time to make them. I'm getting the hang of it and it's been pretty fun. Although I'll be glad to not do this every single day. While I've been enjoying VEDA - it's a lot of work and I don't have time to make every single video awesome. BUT, if anyone has tips or knows how to do certain effects (like showing recaps of your previous video...), let me know! I want to learn more.

That's been my August.

Which means it's time to share with you the songs I've been listening to all month!

Also, in September I am taking a break from sponsors. I feel like I haven't been the best sponsor host and need to rethink some things. Maybe in October I'll it up again and it will be even better! In the meantime, check out my sponsor from August and September - Angie! She's outrageously awesome and I think you will love love love her! Her blog is: http://www.lariatsandlavender.com/ She's one of the sweetest people you will find on the internet. I promise.

One of my favorite pictures of Angie!

I will still continue monthly themes for anyone who wants to guest blog. September's theme is "All God's Creatures." Which means... ANIMALS!!!!

Anyways. Back to the music I've been listening to.

Fridays Letters

Dear Teenagers- How is it that after spending 24/7 with you all last week that I'm still not tired of you? Seriously. You were the best group I've ever taken on a trip and I'm loving seeing how your friendships have grown with each other and how they are lasting even beyond Chicago. God did amazing things through you last week!

July Soundtrack

Is it seriously the end of July already? How does each month always pass me by like this? Seriously.

It's been a crazy month, but a good one. Don't worry - I'll have posts about the two amazing weeks I've had recently!

But for now - here are the top 10 songs that I've been playing this month. Again, summer is my busiest time at work so it is spent with teenagers pretty much 24/7. Which means they control the music in my car.

The Bells of New York City Tell Me Not to Go

After all of my talk about songs, packing, places I want to go, etc. You're probably all wondering -

How was New York????

AMAZING.

Many of you probably read my tweets (many of them were "check-ins" on FourSquare):

The city is simply - amazing. If there was any doubt if I was a city girl is gone.

I am 100% a city girl.

The Bronx is Up and the Battery's Down

AHHHHH!!!!!!!

I leave for NYC in 4 DAYS!

If you can't tell... I'm a little bit excited.

The other day though, I had a major freak out.

We don't really have a whole plan put together yet.

This entire time I've been sitting here thinking "It'll be like Chicago - just bigger. If we get a bit lost, it'll be a fun adventure."

Then I started to study maps of NYC and got COMPLETELY INTIMIDATED.

As I was freaking out I was tweeting with a friend (@Melbourneonm Mind, who has been to NYC before) and shared how she used the song "New York, New York, It's a Wonderful Town" to help her find her way around.

Showtunes to help with directions?

Um... YES! Why didn't I think of it before!

So... here you go. Featuring two of my favorite singers/dancers/actors, Gene Kelley and Frank Sinatra. <3

Anyone who says that musicals are pointless CLEARLY don't know what they are talking about.

Life Update

Life here has been pretty...

Insane.

It really has been a crazy few weeks, so I felt like it would be a good idea to give you a quick update on my life. Especially since I don't actually talk about my life all that often on here.

I feel as though a lot is changing, yet staying the same. It's as though things around me are changing, but I'm still right where I was before. It's strange.