Why Girls Are Weird

Happy Button Soap Co. Giveaway

2012-01-27T06:32:00.000-06:00

Ladies, if you're anything like me then the dry winter weather is doing a number on your skin. I'm having to lotion up daily to keep my poor skin from turning into a dry mess and I know that the products I use need to be heavy duty AND I want them to smell good!

Imagine my excitement when I discovered the Happy Button Soap Co. The bath treats that this shop offers are so decadent you'll forget all about that crummy, cold weather outside and your skin will be happy too! I have to say I'm in love with some of these products, like the lip butters, silky finish body lotion and decadent scrubs. I chatted with Bree to find out a little bit more about Happy Button Soap Co.

Where did you come up with the name for your shop? I decided to call the shop "Happy Button Soap Company" as sort of a funny spin off of the nickname my husband calls me. He calls me "Button" (aww!). One day I said to him when I was making scrubs for myself in my kitchen, "You know, I like making soaps...Making soaps makes me a Happy Button!" and it just seemed like the perfect fit for a store name! From then on, I set up the shop, and it was suitable called "Happy Button Soap Co."

What or who are your inspirations? My inspirations starting out, were definitely two major things: Growing up in New England, and specifically, FALL in New England. It's such a magical time of year, and there is always traditions, smells in the air, and feelings that just go so naturally with it. I wanted to capture these feelings and scents, as best I could with my first scent collection, called "Fall in New England Collection". The scents in this collection consist of: Autumn Harvest, which is the scent of falling leaves mingled with fresh baked pumpkin pie, County Fair, which is a carnival all wrapped up in a scrub; Buttery funnel cakes, cotton candy, and gooey caramel apples. There is also Vermont Pecan Pie, which is decadent pecan pie drizzled with rich Maple syrup as only Vermont can do, and finally Apple Butter & Caramel, which apple butter is something consistently found in just about any Country store in New England; homemade apple butter churned with warm delicious caramel.

I was also inspired by one of my favorite movies growing up as a child, The Labyrinth. I honestly don't know a single person my age (in my 30's! D'oh!) that hasn't seen this movie, and watched it when they were a kid. I created a collection of scents that are inspired by this movie. There is no affiliation to the Henson Company, just a fan! This collection is called the "Goblin City Collection", and features scents such as: The Missus, which was inspired by the little blue worm in the beginning of the labyrinth. This is the scent of Black Tea and White almond cake. The Next scent takes us down into the the Oubliette, which is a much more herbal scent; Oakmoss, Sage, Vanilla, and Sandalwood. Further on, we find ourselves lost in the Firey Forest (Fae Woods) which is scented with: Redwood, Cedar, Sage, and Blackberries. As Sarah continues on her journey to save her baby brother Toby, she falls prey to a poisoned peach and end up in a hallucination of a giant fantasy Masquerade ball. This is the scent of Juicy fresh peaches and sparkling pink sugar. At last, Sarah finally triumphs over the Evil Goblin King by saying the words, and wins back her baby brother just at the stroke of Thirteen O' Clock; this is the scent of victory, Fresh cut long-stem red roses, and bubbly champagne. For fans of this movie, this is a fun way to give it another sense of life!

What are 3 of your favorite items from your shop? The Decadent Sugar Scrubs - These were a creation borne from my original blend sugar scrubs, and the idea of combining chocolate, as some high-end spas are now offering chocolate body treatments. One thing that always drives me up the wall, is when I buy a chocolate scented bath product, and it smells so artificial. I actually bought one from the Hershey Chocolate factory once, it was awful! Very few people can make chocolate scented items which smell very realistic. I had aspired to wanting the most realistic chocolate scent for my product, and I realized the sure fire only way to do that, was to actually melt down real semi-sweet dark chocolate. These scrubs far exceeded my expectations in what I had hoped to achieve, and lend the perfect balance between aromatherapy in the form of rich delicious chocolate scent, and also the exfoliation and cleaning power of the whipped soap/sugar it is blended with. Scents in this collection include: Chocolate covered strawberry (Date Night), Chocolate Mint (Grasshopper), Chocolate Lavender (Land of Nod), Chocolate coconut (Coconut Bliss) and pure un-adultered chocolate for those chocolate purists out there (Chocolate Heaven).

I also really love the Lip Butters - I am very picky when it comes to lip balm. I don't particularly enjoy the types that leave you feeling like you have a waxy coating on your lips. Instead, I created a lip balm that is made with moisturizing butters, and glides on smooth and well..."like Buttah!". I made these in four fun flavors: Peppermint Frosting, Red Velvet Cake, Gingersnap, and Butter Toffee Crunch.

Lastly, I really enjoy the Solid Perfumes - I created solid perfumes specifically in a twist up tube for easy application. No more sticking your fingers into a pot. Blended for unique scents that have a variety of different notes that I felt would appeal to the masses; or, if you want a fun example, the 4 female archetypes aka the 'Sex in the city' characters: The Samantha, the Charlotte, the Miranda, and the Carrie - I see Nazarene as a Samantha type scent - very sultry, resinous, sexy. Sacred is a Carrie type scent it's soft, sexy and feminine all at the same time. Arctic Maiden is a softer very clean scent, definitely a Charlotte. Lastly, Dragon Lady is a powerful sexy scent that exudes confidence and authority...Just like Miranda.

Nazarene: The scent of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Patchouli mingled with Orange blossoms and musk in the night air

Sacred: Nag Chama incense burning amongst freshly scattered Rose petals

Arctic Maiden: Frigid ocean air touched with electrically charged Ozone, Eucalyptus, musk, and Sandalwood

Dragon Lady: Dried wind blown leaves, smoky sandalwood, cedar, Nag Champa incense entwined with the resinous depth of Dragon's Blood

Where do you see yourself and your shop at this time next year? I would like to think I will still be happily making and fulfilling orders for customers who have come to love my products. I am very thankful that I was able to embark on the journey of starting up my own bath and body business, and it warms my heart to imagine it growing far beyond where we are now. I have so many ideas - possibly new products, always new scents, contests, sales, etc! I was a consumer long before a shop owner, so I know how important it is to have solid customer service, and I love receiving customer feedback.

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring handmade shop owners? I would say that it is important, before you open your shop, to have a game plan as to how you are going to operate, create a budget, and create goals for yourself, and for your business. Plan ahead as much as you can, as far as how often you will rotate scents, what sorts of products you will offer, how long will you TAT (turn around time be) will you be offering sales/discounts, would you consider wholesale...these are all questions you need to be aware of, as even if they are not an immediate concern, you should be prepared when/if that topic comes up, and how you are planning to handle it. Also, There is a fine line with Pricing - you want to make a profit, but you want to also remain competitive, especially when starting out. research other companies in your area of business, and make sure you are presenting yourself appropriately. Lastly, find an edge for your business that makes your business unique. Most importantly, if you are dreaming it, DO IT! and have fun with it.

Today you can enter to win:

Foaming Sugar Scrub in Lemon Curd & Coconut Cream

Here's How To Win

(Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

Mandatory Entry:

You must be a follower of Why Girls Are Weird.

(comment telling me what your favorite item from Happy Button Soap Co. is)

Extra Entries:

Follow Why Girls Are Weird on Facebook and/or Twitter (1-2 entries)

Follow Happy Button Soap Co. on Facebook and/or Twitter (1-2 entries)

Tweet and/or Blog about this giveaway (1-2 entries)
Feel free to use this tweet: "Enter to win some delicious smelling sugar scrub from @HappyButtonSoap! Check out @WeirdGirlBlog's giveaway http://tinyurl.com/6tbmchj"

A winner will be announced

Friday February 3rd.

Stronger

2012-01-26T06:43:00.000-06:00

Officially in love with this song.

You know the bed feels warmer,
Sleeping here alone,
You know I dream in color,
And do the things I want.

You think you got the best of me
Think you had the last laugh
Bet you think that everything good is gone.

Think you left me broken down
Think that I'd come running back
Baby you don't know me, cause you're dead wrong.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.

What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, Myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.

You heard that I was starting over with someone new,
They told you I was moving on over you,
You didn't think that I'd come back, I'd come back swinging
You try to break me but you see

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.

What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

Thanks to you I got a new thing started
Thanks to you I'm not the broken hearted
Thanks to you I'm finally thinking 'bout me

You know in the end the day I left was just my beginning... in the end...

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone.

What doesnt kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

The 50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind - Part 4

2012-01-25T06:05:00.000-06:00

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16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy? Because we're all different, of course. Coffee makes me happy because I'm obsessed with it and worked in a coffee shop for 5 years. But someone who has never had coffee isn't going to say that coffee makes them happy. Different strokes for different folks.

17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back? I've always wanted to swim with dolphins. I don't even know why I haven't done it yet, I've been in situations in which I totally could. I just never have. I guess the next time I'm on vacation I just need to DO IT, right?

18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? Yes. I have so many anger in me. Anger with Dustin because I blame him for our divorce. Anger with my parents for the way they treat me. Anger with old friends that I feel treated me wrong. I want so much to let go of it all and just get over it. You can't decide how people treat you and feel about you. You can only change how YOU handle it. I just want to push the anger away and be happy with what I have. I guess I'm just not there yet.

19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why? I always say I am not made for Wisconsin (or the Midwest, for that matter) because I hate the snow and cold. I'd love to live somewhere in which it never gets colder than 40 degrees and never gets that kind of humid hot in which you feel you're going to melt the moment you step outside. So where is that? No idea. If someone would be kind enough to tell me that'd be great!

20. Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster? No, not with the elevator. But at work when I'm trying to send an order back to the cooks I press the send button a million times. And nope, it never gets the order sent back faster. But for some reason it does make me feel better!

Past Questions

Part One
Part Two

Part Three

Group Sponsor Spotlight

2012-01-24T06:58:00.000-06:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I have some really amazing sponsors! I'd like to introduce you all to some new sponsors as well as re-introduce you all to a few sponsors who have been around for a long time!

The Newbies

This Enchanted Pixie is a wonderful blog created by Polly. She fun and crafty and has three terribly cute little kiddos and her blog is full of pretty things and wonderful ideas. Polly also has an Etsy shop with the same name where she sells super cute jewelry, which I can attest to because I am the proud owner of a couple of her necklaces! So check out her blog, check out her shop and try not to swoon.

Olivia is the fabulous blogger behind Simply Sunshine and Daisies and from the moment you stop by her blog you'll see why it's hard to pull away. She loves cupcakes and nail polish (ha, don't we all?) but she's also fighting a hard battle with cancer. Her fight is something almost all of us can identify with, whether we've gone through it ourselves or with someone we love. You'll fall for her blog and watch out... it's addictive.

You all met Simona of Vivien Frank last week during her giveaway and once again I can't help but gush about her amazing jewelry designs. What's more, right now there is a sale going on at Vivien Frank that I know you all don't want to miss! Use coupon code 30off and don't complain to me when your bank account is empty and your jewelry box is full!

The Veterans

Kristi of Barn Owl Primitives has been with me a long time and I can promise you that you are going to LOVE her designs. I own one of her sweet signs and it puts a smile on my face every time I walk into my kitchen. Kristi also does custom work and her stuff makes great birthday presents or wedding gifts. If you haven't hear of this Etsy shop yet, you need to go check it out now. What are you waiting for? Hurry!

Erika of Rouge and Whimsy is one of my favorite bloggers. I'm not sure if it's because I want to move in with her (she lives in SEATTLE people) or the fact that her dog Nesby is a total cutie but I'm telling you, you'll love Erika too. She also has an Etsy shop with the same name with some of the cutest accessories around... believe me, you'll love her stuff. So go check out her blog and her shop and don't blame me with you buy something... or 12!

Steph Anne from Luxe Chandelier leads such a fun life and it's hard to spend only a few minutes of her blog. Don't forget to check out her house tour because her knack for decorating and designing is absolutely spot on. On top of her beautiful blog, Steph Anne also runs design shop Yellow & Savvy and she is the brains behind my blog layout! Looking for a new design for the new year? Go check out her shop!

So there you have it folks, my fabulous sponsors! Want to join the club? Feel free to email me for my affordable rates!

Weekend Off

2012-01-23T06:46:00.000-06:00

It is weekends like this that make me so excited to find a job in which I can have weekends off. It's so nice having time to not just get things done but also spend time with people I care about.

The boy came in on Thursday and we pretty much hung out at my place. We ordered pizza from one of my favorite pizza places and I proceeded to show him what a TV addicted couch potato I am. He was a good sport, sitting through Vampire Diaries, Grey's Anatomy and Jersey Shore.

Friday was TATTOO DAY. I've mentioned before that I wanted to cover the wedding date tattoo that I have right above my left wrist and I finally took the plunge and made the appointment. The design that I decided on is a Kurt Halsey design:

The tattoo was done at The Vault here in River Falls and Greg did an AMAZING job.

The ground she's on is where my previous tat is. And I am so in love with her. Is it weird that I've given her a name as well? Vivienne. I don't know why, she just kind of looks like a Vivienne to me. And hopefully she'll inspire me to write.

Saturday was Monte's birthday! Boyfriend and I drove over to Minnesota to look at an apartment for him, run a quick errand at Old Navy and finally take Monte to PetSmart to get him 10 NEW TOYS! I know, I spoil him lol. Actually 8 of those toys were part of a Christmas clearance but Monte doesn't seem to care.

On Sunday we made waffles for breakfast and lounged around most of the morning and afternoon. We went to see Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (which was good) and planned to go to a Caribbean barbecue place for dinner... however, when we got out of the movie the roads were so icy we opted to go home instead. We ate dinner in and rented Abduction and capped off our easy going weekend.

How was everyone else's weekend?

HP 30 Day Challenge ~ Day Six

2012-01-22T06:29:00.000-06:00

6. Which house would you want to be in? Which house do you think you would get?

Hm. I mean, who wouldn't want to be a Gryffindor? It's where all the cool, brave kids are, right?

Although that was my initial answer, I think that the sorting hat would either put me in Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. I've always been told I'm smart (despite my sometimes slacker attitude) but I also love that Hufflepuffs are described as loyal and true.

To be honest, I think the only house I would cringe to be in is Slytherin. I don't think I'd like to sleep in the dungeons.

Monte's Third Birthday

2012-01-21T06:41:00.000-06:00

Dear Monte,

A little less than 3 years ago Dustin and I were supposed to go to a movie and instead we ended up with a toy poodle puppy. You were so cute, with your big black nose and golden ears that we just could not resist!

To this day I stand by the fact that you are way better than any movie!

Today you are three years old and pup, you are my world. You are excited every day when I come home at work and you're my cuddle buddy at night. Your sweet poodle face is sometimes the one thing that makes me smile.

Monte you are the best poodle noodle face in the whole world. I love you to bits and pieces and I promise you're going to have a wonderful third birthday.

Happy Birthday to the BEST boy.

I love you Monte!

Love,

Mom

11 Facts

2012-01-20T06:48:00.000-06:00

So a few days ago one of my fav bloggers (and a wonderful friend as well) Meghan posted 11 facts about herself and basically tagged anyone who wanted to join in. So I decided today would be a great day to play!

When I get home for the day (or while I am getting ready for the day) I am in my PJs. I don't hang around my house in the clothes I wear out of the house because PJs are SO much more comfy. But don't worry, I don't wear my PJs out of the house!
I'm pretty sure my favorite smell is the way a bookstore smells. Fresh books waiting to be opened, read and enjoyed... there really is nothing better.
I can't imagine my life without Monte. Sometimes I cuddle up with him and just thank my lucky stars I have such a sweet pup.
I have no idea when the Superbowl is, who's playing in it (or if that's even been decided yet) and I don't even care about the commercials and food. I hope I work that day.
My beauty staple, as I've said before, is Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri topcoat. Without it I would probably never paint my fingernails.
I love politics. But I hate politics. I'm already so tired of the mud flinging and it's only the tip of the iceberg. And on top of that, I wish so much it can stop being about political parties and just be about GETTING THINGS DONE.
I rock out when I'm driving in the car. It's more than a little embarrassing.
The only fish that I like is from Long John Silver. Which is fast food fish. I'm classy.
Every Sunday I have to check out PostSecret. And on more than one occasion someone's secret has made me cry.
I'm almost done with school and have no idea how to go about search for a "real" job. Help!
It doesn't matter how sleepy I am, I have to read at least a page in the book I'm currently reading before I go to sleep.

So there you have it, 11 facts about yours truly! I'm not going to tag anyone in this, if you want to play along go for it!

P.S. The winner of the Vivien Frank giveaway is Ang of Football, Sushi and the Pursuit of Happiness! Ang, I'll forward your info along to Simona and you should hear from her shortly!

Anxiety

2012-01-19T06:28:00.000-06:00

This week is my abnormal psychology class we were asked to discuss a fear we have. And I decided it's time to let you all in on my secret.

I have social anxiety.

Mostly I joke about it, like it's a funny quirk. But I'm starting to realize that it's not really that funny and it's not just a quirk. How do I know? My social anxiety causes me to do things such as:

Skip classes when I was going to an actual campus vs. online. The reason I take online classes is because I HATED going to classes. I felt as if people constantly judged me and that I wasn't good enough to be in the classes. Ridiculous but this caused me to do horrible in school because of the amount of classes I skipped.
I will skip running errands because I don't want to be in a crowded store or I don't want to talk to the people working in the store/bank/gas station, etc. And if I am in a store and need help I refuse to ask for it for fear of looking dumb (despite the fact that I work in customer service and get people asking questions all the time).
If I have plans with friends I will sometimes cancel. On my FRIENDS. Sometimes my anxiety is enough that I don't even want to be around the people I love.
I have faked sick to skip out on family get togethers that involve large groups of people.
I text. I do not call on the phone. I used to love talking on the phone but now I will do whatever I can to avoid calling people.

It makes me sad to type this. I read these words and think "Wow, really?" And it's funny because I was telling a coworker this the other day and they didn't believe me because they see me as an outgoing person. A lot of people have no idea how much I push myself to seem outgoing.

I do recognize that this is a problem and in my life I've been really proud of some of the things I've done despite my phobia, such as:

Participating in Youth in Government in high school and even applying for an appointed position 3 of my 4 years there. This program caused me to interact with A LOT of people I didn't know and although I was scared I did it anyway and to this day YIG is one of my very favorite memories.
I've gone on several blog get togethers (and made some really great friends because of them).
I work in a RESTAURANT. And every time I get a large table I just take a deep breath and deal with it even though I want to find any of my coworkers to give it away to.

Not such a long list. But I'm trying, and that's what matters, right?

I have to say that this anxiety embarasses me and I hate that it causes me to miss out on things. I want to try to hold myself more accountable and force myself out of my comfort zone.

I just don't want anything holding me back anymore.

The 50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind Part 3

2012-01-18T06:17:00.000-06:00

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11. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do? In my junior year of high school I was away with my friends for YIG, one of my favorite things about high school. I was in an elevator with a bunch of people, a few of whom were these really cute, intelligent guys a year ahead of me that I absolutely wanted to impress. The elevator opened onto one of the floors and my best friend was there, doing something ridiculous, as my entire group of friends was prone to do back in those days. The door closed and those same cute, intelligent guys started making fun of her. I knew they were on floors above mine so I let them keep doing it until we reached my floor. I hit the door hold button, turned around and told the guys off for being such jerks. Then I sauntered out of the elevator, head held high.

You trash talk someone I care about and I will tell you off. Done deal.

12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be? Make mistakes and don't worry so much about them. For a lot of my life I worried so much about every little mistake I made. The thing is, we all make mistakes. As long as we learn from them though then it's all good. These days I figure mistakes are going to happen, I might as well just roll with them and let them take me where they may. Sometimes life's more fun that way.

13. Would you break the law to save a loved one? For me this would really depend on the circumstances. What law is being broken and whether or not it would hurt someone else. I do believe that sometimes rules are made to be broken but I'd also want to try to find a way around breaking the law first.

14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity? Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one of my FAVORITE movies. It's really trippy and takes a little getting used to. I suppose you would say it feels a little insane at first but it really is a gorgeous, though provoking movie.

15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people? Haha, well I'm left handed, so I certainly use a different hand than a lot of people. I honestly can't think of anything else that I do differently per say...

Past Questions

Part One
Part Two

Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

2012-01-17T06:33:00.000-06:00

Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to all the strange happenings in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that he has finally returned home with Lena, strange has taken a turn for the absolute impossible. There are swarms of lubbers, record breaking heat and storms ripping through Gatlin as Ethan and Lena are trying to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of Supernaturals is affected and their powers are dangerously misfiring. As they start to unravel what is happening only one questions remains - what, or who, needs to be sacrificed in order to save Gatlin.

This is the third book in the Caster Chronicles and these books just keep getting better and better. I adore Ethan Wate as a main character and as I've said before it's refreshing to have a male main character. Using the South as a backdrop is so interesting and, well, all the supernatural in the book doesn't hurt either. I've falling in love with the characters, especially Lena and Ethan's families, and these books are absolute page turners.

And if anyone caught my tweet to the authors, Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, you know that as I finished this book I was wiping away tears as I sat drinking a white mocha in Starbucks. Not very nice ladies and I am none too thrilled with the literal cliff-hanger!

Go read this saga, you will not be disappointed!

Life Update

2012-01-16T06:28:00.000-06:00

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Hmm... I think today deserves a life update.

Work: Work this weekend was actually pretty good. In fact, the only time that I found myself annoyed was Friday night when we got a spurt of teenagers about an hour and a half before close and one of my tables stiffed me. Frustrating. Even as a teenage I never would have done that. Makes me wish I could have gone after them, sometimes I feel like teens need to be lectured to be more respectful. I don't see a lot of respect from them (and wow, this rant makes me sound so old).

School: My classes just started last week and I already hate two out of three of them. One of them is a one credit career development class and it's frustrating because I have more work to do in that class than my four credit, 300 level internet marketing class. The other class is abnormal psychology and we have to CITE on our DISCUSSION BOARD. Ridiculous. I feel like it's just busy work. Frustrating.

Family: Um, I don't have a lot to say about family right now. My folks are in Florida till late spring/early summer so that's kind of nice. I honestly have been keeping to myself (aside from my weekly calls to my grandma) and I guess that's a good thing.

Boyfriend: Lol, that still seems weird to be typing boyfriend on here! Anyway, right now he lives in Milwaukee, which is about 5 hours from me. We see each other when we can - he'll be out here this coming weekend and then I'm going out to Milwaukee for a few days in February. The plan is that he's moving out here in either March or April (not JUST for me and yes, that's why I've been excited for March) so it's only a little longer. I'm counting the days!

Tattoo: I have an appointment on FRIDAY to get my wedding date tattoo covered. I'm going with something different than I previously talked about and I promise I'll have pictures soon! I am so excited and can't wait to get inked again!

Divorce: Right now our papers have gone through and we're waiting for them to be mailed to us. The next step is then setting a court date. It's happening slowly but surely. I don't feel sad as often. Every now and again it will hit me but each time I then remind myself that I did what needed to be done and what is best for me. It's a sad situation and it's okay to be sad. But I need to move on.

So that's what's up. How's life for everyone else?

P.S. You all MUST see the movie One Day. MUST.

HP 30 Day Challenge ~ Day Five

2012-01-15T06:20:00.000-06:00

5. Your favorite male character and why.

What can I say, I love me some Sirius Black. I'm not even totally sure what it is about him I love so much. I think maybe it has something to do with the fact that he was the father figure to Harry that I think James Potter would have been had he lived. It's obvious from the books that James would not have been the perfect father. He and Harry probably would have been the kind of father/son team that caused a bit of mischief. And I think that once Sirius came on the scene that that's how he treated Harry. He loved Harry like his own son and that always made him a very special character to me.

Happy Saturday V8.7

2012-01-14T06:54:00.000-06:00

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. A freshly groomed Monte

2. White chocolate mochas

3. Finishing a good book

4. Wearing lots of colors

5. Being tweeted at by 2 awesome authors

6. Hot chocolate with Rum Chata

7. The smell of espresso

8. One Tree Hill

9. Glitter nail polish

10. NOT having an alarm wake me up

Vivien Frank Giveaway

2012-01-13T06:44:00.000-06:00

I don't know about all of you but I am a jewelry girl. I have 3, count them THREE, different jewelry "boxes". I'm one of those people that when I buy a new outfit I have to buy new accessories with it because, well, isn't it fun to have all new things?

Which is why when I discovered Vivien Frank I fell in love. I mean for real this shop has a little something for everyone - whether you're into leather, gemstones or friendship bracelets. I wanted to know more about this delicious shop so I asked Simona, the brains behind Vivien Frank, a few questions:

Where did you come up with the name for your shop? It is an homage to my children who are named Vivien and Frank.
What or who are your inspirations? I love the bohemian philosophy, early seventies music and the clothes that inspire colors, pattern and lots of fringes. The idea behind being free and adventurous and fighting for one's rights has inspires my work. All forms of art and fashion is an inspiration.
What are 3 of your favorite items from your shop? My favorite items are the Karma bracelets, the triple one after the other wraps, the Essential stacking bracelet and not to forget the TINY initial necklace! That one is too so pretty!
Where do you see yourself and your shop at this time next year? I hope to continue creating my pieces by hand. Each detail is checked before a piece is shipped out. I am enjoying my small studio in Zurich.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring handmade shop owners? Create what you love. I wear every single piece that I design. I couldn't make something that I wouldn't wear myself. Spend a little more on good quality material. It is always worth it :)

Today you can enter to win:

Prettiest Feather Wish Bracelet

Here's How To Win

(Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

Mandatory Entry:

You must be a follower of Why Girls Are Weird.

(comment telling me what your favorite item from Vivien Frank is)

Extra Entries:

Follow Why Girls Are Weird on Facebook and/or Twitter (1-2 entries)

Follow Vivien Frank on Facebook and/or Twitter (1-2 entries)

Tweet and/or Blog about this giveaway (1-2 entries)
Use this tweet if you'd like: "Want to win a sweet wish bracelet? Head over to @WeirdGirlBlog to check out what @vivienfrank is giving away! http://tinyurl.com/7jj2gw5"

The giveaway winner will be announced

Friday January 20th.

Want

2012-01-12T06:38:00.000-06:00

I totally want this necklace!

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Wouldn't it look sweet around my neck?

Someone totally needs to get it for me!

The 50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind Part 2

2012-01-11T06:52:00.000-06:00

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6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich? Writing would make me rich. I feel like there would be no better "work" in the world than to be paid to create a world and write it down for others to enjoy. I think being a published author will always be my dream but whether or not I get paid to write I will always feel a NEED to do it.

7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing? Right now I'm settling. But that's because I'm trying to work towards being able to do what I believe in. I remember when I was young and I thought being an adult would be so easy and fun. It's not. Some days it downright sucks. So sometimes you have to give up doing what you believe in so you can settle for paying the bills. For me, though, the settling right now will hopefully get me to being able to do what I believe in. So it's worth it.

8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently? I'm not sure. Although mortality is something that I recognize more than I used to I think I still have a hard time comprehending the fact that one day I too will die. Maybe if the human life span was 40 years I would already have a grasp on my own mortality and maybe then I would be living my life differently. I think until I can fully grasp the fact that one day this all will end I won't really be able to live every single day to the fullest.

9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken? In every degree. I am the only one responsible for my actions and I believe that I am at the place that I'm in because of the choices that have made. Maybe they weren't all good choices. But I believe that things happen for a reason and there's a reason that I'm here right now. I also think that we make mistakes to learn from them and so each mistake I've made has happened to teach me a lesson. In the end, I am in control of my life and where it goes.

10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things? I'm staring at this question unsure of how to answer it. I think a lot of times I worry about doing things right because I want them to be right. If I'm asked to do something I am a perfectionist so I will do what I'm asked the right way. I would hope that those things would be the right things as well. I don't think I would do something if, in my mind, it wasn't the right thing. So I guess I would hope those two would go hand in hand.

Past Questions

Part One

Accent Vlog

2012-01-10T06:16:00.000-06:00

Hello all. Okay PLEASE be kind, I HATE myself on video but I'm doing this anyway! Enjoy!

Untitled from Krysten Hartenstein on Vimeo.

Say this:
Aunt, route, wash, oil, theater, iron, salmon, caramel, fire, water, sure, data, ruin, crayon, toilet, New Orleans, pecan, both, again, probably, spitting image, Alabama, lawyer, coupon, mayonnaise, syrup, pajamas, caught

Answer these:
What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?
What is the bug that curls into a ball when you touch it?
What is the bubbly carbonated drink called?
What do you call gym shoes?
What do you say to address a group of people?
What do you call the kind of spider that has an oval-shaped body and extremely long legs?
What do you call your grandparents?
What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you carry groceries at the supermarket?
What do you call it when rain falls while the sun is shining?
What is the thing you use to change the TV channel?

Write On

2012-01-09T06:35:00.000-06:00

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Oh goodness.

So I'll admit that I, for lack of better words, sucked it up at NaNoWriMo this year. I got maybe a 3rd of the way through and then the creative juices just ran dry. It was a bummer considering that I've done it 3 years in a row but sometimes that happens I suppose.

But I have all the ideas right now. So I'm going to get writing. Maybe something amazing will come of it?

Wish me luck!

HP 30 Day Challenge ~ Day Four

2012-01-08T06:28:00.000-06:00

4. Your least favorite female character and why.

There is one HUGE reason that Bellatrix Lestrange is my least favorite female character and the reason is that she killed Sirius Black. When Bellatrix was first introduced I didn't think much of her. She was just another crazy Death Eater. No biggie, there are lots of crazy Death Eaters. But then the battle in the Department of Mysteries happened. And Sirius died. Because of Bellatrix. Sirirus Black is one of my all time favorite characters and his death made me so angry.

Which is why I'm sure you all will understand when I cheered at Bellatrix Lestrange's death at Molly Weasley's hand.

Happy Saturday V8.6

2012-01-07T06:29:00.000-06:00

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. Practical jokes

2. Zoya Nail Polish

3. Tacos

4. Grey's Anatomy

5. Thinking about March

6. Texting blog besties

7. Getting one step closer to truly starting over

8. Markers

9. Singing along to Jack's Mannequin

10. Operation Beautiful

Operation Beautiful

2012-01-06T06:17:00.000-06:00

How many times have you looked in the mirror and thought "God, I look fat." Or "Ugh, my face is so broken out, I look gross." Or "What is up with my hair, it looks awful!" We've all done it - I'll admit that I've definitely done it.

The problem is that when you're having a bad day the last thing you need is negativity, even from yourself. Negativity does absolutely nothing except bring you down, and who needs that?

One of the things I want to accomplish on my 101 in 1001 list is to use an entire pad of post-its for Operation Beautiful. Operation Beautiful is a website dedicated to posting anonymous notes in public places for other women to find. The point is we're ALL beautiful and maybe if we took two seconds to tell each other that maybe we could all walk with our heads a little higher.

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So today I bought a pad of post-its. And I plan on leaving little notes in places to let other women know they're beautiful - library books, maybe a bathroom mirror, on the windshield of someone's car.

Here's where I need your help: where are so good places to leave a pick me up post-it?

And here is my challenge: take part in Operation Beautiful with me. Lets make this world a more beautiful place.

Anonymous

2012-01-05T06:54:00.000-06:00

I have thought hard about what I want to say. So here it is.

People who leave anonymous comments on blogs in order to be hurtful are stupid, childish little brats that need to grow up and get a life.

To the rest of you mature, sweet, kind adults I hope you have a wonderful day!

P.S. Hey anonymous, while I'm at it I DARE YOU to grow a pair and tell me who you are. I bet you anything you can't woman up and actually back up your comment. Grow a spine.

The 50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind Part 1

2012-01-04T06:24:00.000-06:00

One of the things on my 101 in 1001 list is to answer the 50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind. I've been putting a few things on my list off simply because I've been lazy but with less than a year left and only 40% completed I know I need to get myself in gear.

So each Wednesday I'm going to answer 5 questions off the list until I've done all 50! So here we go!

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1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? Some days I feel like I would be really old. Others I feel like I would be really young. I remember when I was younger I thought I'd have everything figured out by now. Heck, my mom had 2 kids by the time she was my age! And yet I am nowhere near that. So I guess my answer is either 72 or 15 depending on the day!

2. Which is worse, failing or never trying? I would like to answer never trying because I know you never know until you try. But I'm one of those people that doesn't like to try something unless I know that I'm going to succeed. You wouldn't know that based on all the mistakes I've made but what can I say? I hope one day I can answer never trying instead of failing.

3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do? I think it's because even though we rationally know that life is short sometimes it's hard to remember that. At 28 I know that I'm getting older and yet it's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that one day I won't be able to do everything I once set out to do. I put off till tomorrow what I could do today, telling myself that there will always be time. I guess maybe it's time to start doing everything I want to, right?

4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done? Unfortunately yes. This is something I'm trying to work on. I have so much I want to do but I haven't done a whole lot of it. Once again I say maybe it's time to make a change.

5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world? Intolerance. It makes me so sad. People are killing themselves because other people hate them, even though those other people don't even know them. School shootings happen because of intolerance. Gang violence - intolerance. Wars because of intolerance. I seriously feel like if people could just be more tolerant of others that are different then maybe the world could be that much better. It seems so SIMPLE and yet... so hard. Why is that?

There you have it, the first 5 questions! More next week!

NYE In Pictures

2012-01-03T06:36:00.000-06:00

Okay okay, like I said, I had a really amazing New Year's weekend. It was low key, filled with board games and movies and doing not a whole lot but just enjoying myself. It was perfect. In fact, I'm having a hard time remembering that my classes started yesterday and I work tomorrow night. Why can't life just be all fun and games?

As promised, here are some pictures from my weekend!

Two bottles of chocolate wine, a bottle of champagne and a bottle of non-alcoholic champagne

A little too much alcohol for 2 people. Don't worry, we didn't drink it all

Mmm mini cupcake (eventually a few of these were involved in a cupcake fight on New Year's Day)

All dressed up

Coffee with Rum Chata - a must have

More posing

What!?

Monte and his new friend Roscoe

Cupcakes and Rum Chata, mmm

It SNOWED! For once I was happy to have some snow

PINK champagne, yes please


New Year's Day breakfast - homemade waffles, sausage and mimosas

So there you have it, a simple and carefree New Year's weekend! I have to say it was one of the best New Year's Eves that I've had in quite a few years. Couldn't ask for anything better!

Happy Weekend

2012-01-02T06:36:00.000-06:00

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Good morning all and happy Monday!

I meant for this post to be filled with pictures from my weekend. Unfortunately, I'm still exhausted from all the fun I had this weekend. So that post will have to happen tomorrow!

In the meantime, I will say I had an amazing weekend involving the following:

Champagne

Puppies

Rum Chata (if you don't know what that is you need to find out)

Dressing Up

Board Games

Movies (Super 8, Straw Dogs, Friends With Benefits and Crazy Stupid Love)

Staying Up Late

Sleeping In

Cupcake Fights

Waffles and Mimosas

Having A Quiet New Year's Eve

It was the best New Year's Eve and weekend I have had in a long time.

More soon!

2012

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

I hope you all had an amazing and happy New Year's Eve.

Happy first day of 2012!

(I'll be spending today in jammies watching movies.

What are you up to?)

New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T06:11:00.002-06:00

I'm not really one to make resolutions for the new year because I never seem to keep them. However, I do have hopes for what 2012 will bring me.

I wrote this on Facebook the other day and I truly hope to make this my mantra in 2012: "In 2012 I plan to do things MY way. It's time to be happy. Which means I'm doing what I want to do. Don't like it? Don't be in my life. Life is WAY too short to spend time with people who bring you down. So bring on the good friends and adios to the ones that make me cry. 2012 is going to be a GOOD year and I want to make memories with the people who count."

In 2012...

I hope that this blog will continue to flourish and that you all will continue to read!
I hope that my current friendships will grow and that I'll make new friends as well.
I hope that I will finally graduate.
I hope that I can rise above the drama and live my life for me.
I hope that the love I have in my life will continue to flourish and grow.
I hope that 2012 will be my year.

And for all of you

I hope that 2012 will be an amazing year as well.

Happy New Year!

Looking Back On 2011

2011-12-30T06:36:00.003-06:00

Each year I like to look back and think about the things that I've gone through, both good and bad. This year is no different. 2011 was a very different year for me but I feel as if it has brought me to figuring out more about who I am and what I want. Without further ado, a look back at

Those of you that have been around for awhile know that I had my share of bumps. Over the last year...

I found myself on the outs with my family. This has been recently but nonetheless it has been hard for me. I still feel a bit like the "black sheep." It's a hard way to feel. I'm taking it day by day I suppose.
I've sometimes struggled with work, especially when feeling as if certain people are treated differently than others. I was even sent home early once for mouthing off (and although my boss later apologized I still felt like a jerk for acting not so adult).
I struggled in my marriage. A lot. I struggled with the way I was being treated and how unhappy and trapped I felt.
Because of these struggles, Dustin, my soon to be ex, and I decided to split.
This decision will probably follow me for the rest of my life.

Like 2010, 2011 felt like a year of struggles and rebuilding. However, some really wonderful things happened this year too...

School has remained very important to me and after just 2 more quarters I will finally be graduating.
I received a promotion at work, which felt amazing and told me that despite my not so adult moments that I am respected at my job.
Although I've read a little less this year, my love for reading has continued. I've read some really amazing books this year, books that have made me laugh and cry and books that will remain in my heart.
I tried new things, such as driving all by myself several hours and doing a boudoir shoot.
My friendships have flourished and I no longer feel as if I'm the girl with no girlfriends. Special thanks to my amazing blog friends, I love you all!
I have found someone that treats me with the respect and love that I know I deserve. I no longer have to distrust what I'm told and it feels good to be at a point in which I feel secure.
Blogging has continued to be a rock for me. This community has been there for me through all these highs and lows. It has brought me good friends and so much support. I feel blessed to be part of such an amazing community and I thank each and every one of you for being part of my life.

This year has certainly been a year of rebuilding for me, one filled with good and bad things.

I have to say I'm ready to say goodbye to 2011. I can only hope that 2012 will bring lots of good things - and I wish you all a new year full of good things as well!

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

2011-12-29T06:16:00.000-06:00

When she awakes in a cemetery, Nora Grey isn't sure what to make of her situation. She soon finds out that she's been missing for weeks - with no one knowing where she was or who she was with - and she can't remember the past 5 months of her life. She wants to get her life back on track but she quickly finds that there's a nagging voice in the back of her head telling her that something isn't right. She has visions of angel wings and she meets people that aren't who they seem. Nora knows something's up and she begins to wonder if all of it has to do with her disappearance.

Then Nora meets a dark, sexy stranger that she feels an incredible pull towards. She can't help but think she's met him before and slowly but surely she finds herself falling in love... all over again.

This is the third book in Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush series and I think it might just be my favorite book in the series thus far. It almost makes you ache knowing who the mysterious Jev is and wanting so much for Nora to get her memory back so she knows exactly what's going on. This is also the book that basically leads to a war between two different races; it's that point where you go to flip a coin and it's spinning in the air and you're anxiously waiting for it to drop. I cannot wait to see what happens next so Becca Fitzpatrick better get writing!

Weekend Plans

2011-12-28T06:47:00.000-06:00

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As I mentioned in yesterday's post, my New Year's weekend is going to be very low key. In fact, I don't plan on leaving my apartment the entire weekend (yep, I'm getting all dressed up and staying in... that's how I roll).

And even though it's going to be very chill, I'm so excited. Here are some things I'll be doing this weekend:

Lighting lots of candles to set a fun mood.
Watching a ton of movies, including the two that I got for Christmas (Crazy, Stupid Love and Friends With Benefits).
Drinking chocolate wine (I swear to you, if you haven't tried it yet you really should).
Drinking non-alcoholic champagne (because it's DELICIOUS).
Drinking champagne (I can have both).
Waffles and mimosas on New Year's Day morning.
Staying in my PJs all day on New Year's Day.
Board games.

Who needs crazy parties when you have all that planned? Certainly not this girl!

New Year's Eve Outfit

2011-12-27T06:14:00.000-06:00

Now that Christmas is over I am SO ready for New Year's Eve. My New Year's Eve is actually going to be really chill this year, which I'm okay with considering the over-dramatic NYE's I've had the last couple of years. However, despite the fact that I don't have a lot planned, I still intend to dress cute. I'll be wearing this on Saturday:

The dress is from eShakti, an awesome website that offers adorable clothes for women size 0 to 26w. eShakti also allows you to customize your clothes, letting you change length and neckline or allowing you to enter in all your measurements for a dress that fits you perfectly.

The dress I got is called the Grecian Grape Dress and it's actually far more purple than the picture. I'm pairing it with a cute black belt (not the one pictured but you get the point), flat boots (the ones pictured), and sparkly black tights. Of course I plan to add cute accessories too and I promise pictures!

What are your plans for NYE and what will you be wearing?

Love Actually

2011-12-26T06:43:00.000-06:00

Last night after dinner was eaten I went back down to my apartment to watch one of my favorite Christmas movies, Love Actually. I don't know what it is about this offbeat, sometimes crass movie that just fills me with the Christmas spirit.

I adore the story of Daniel and Sam. It is so sad when Daniel loses his wife, especially having to raise his wife's son And the way they bond over Sam's first love is just so darn sweet. The airport scene just makes my heart leap.

And there's Jamie and Aurelia. Oh my goodness, from the minute they meet you just know their story is going to have a happy ending. And when Jamie learns Portuguese and goes to find her it's just so darn cute.

I think my favorite couple from the movie is The Prime Minister (I looked him up on IMDB, he doesn't have a name in the movie!) and Natalie (who, by the way, I can't figure out why they call her fat throughout the movie. I think she's gorgeous). I just love how nervous they both are around each other when it's obvious that they're so meant to be.

But of course this scene is the one that both makes my heart melt and break all at the same time. Every time I watch it I wish that things would be different for this couple. But this movie isn't all perfect happy endings and you can't deny the sweetness of this.

Oh this movie. It's a wonderful Christmas movie.

What are your favorite moments from this movie?

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:56:00.000-06:00

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas.

Thank you all so much for your love and support.

Happy holidays to you and yours!

With love,

Krysten

Happy Saturday V8.5 ~ Christmas Edition

2011-12-24T06:50:00.000-06:00

{via}

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. Peppermint ice cream

2. Wrapped presents

3.Candy canes

4. Nuts

5. Santa

6. New PJ pants

7. Presents from good friends

8. Christmas lights

9. Reese's peanut butter cups

10. Eggnog

Shopping Is DONE

2011-12-23T06:25:00.000-06:00

Welp, I am FINALLY done with all my Christmas shopping! I honestly can't believe I waited as long as I did and it sure does feel good to get done. No matter what I do, I can't seem to not procrastinate when it comes to Christmas shopping.

I must say, it's pretty satisfying checking out my little tree.

And all the presents waiting to be unwrapped!

To be honest, I've been very "bah humbug" this holiday season. I'm not sure what it is. But I do know that I'm going to be making some changes come 2012. So hopefully I won't feel grumpy for much longer.

Are you done with your Christmas shopping yet?

Christmas Questions

2011-12-22T06:55:00.001-06:00

Okay, this little survey has been making its way around the blog world and I can't help but fill it out too! Enjoy!

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1. egg nog or hot chocolate?
What about hot chocolate with a little egg nog in it? I like both!

2. does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Santa wraps them, duh.

3. multi-colored or white lights on tree/house?
Multi-colored. I love the look of white lights but I just love the colors!

4. do you hang mistletoe?
I never have but it would be fun!

5. when do you put up decorations?
This year it was the middle of December, although usually I like to do it before then.

6. what is your favorite holiday dish?
Turkey!

7. favorite holiday memory as a child.
Getting a diary from Santa!

8. when did you learn the truth about Santa?
I think around 10? I saw my dad carrying a big present downstairs when I should have been sleeping. The next morning that same present had a tag from Santa.

9. do you open a gift on Christmas eve?
In my family we open ALL the presents on Christmas Eve.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
With colored lights, candy canes and lots of sentimental ornaments.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
I dread it but I am sad there won't be any for Christmas.

12. Can you ice skate?
Well, I can rollerblade so... I suppose I can ice skate too.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
To be honest... not really? Is that sad?

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?

The holidays are hard for me this year. I suppose remember the good times.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Cheesecake!

16. what is your favorite holiday tradition?
Watching Christmas movies and drinking hot chocolate while decorating the tree.

17. what tops your tree?
A silver star.

18. which do you prefer: giving or receiving?
I like both!

19. candy canes. yucky or yummy?
Delish!

20. favorite Christmas show?
Elf, Love Actually, The Holiday.

21. saddest Christmas song?
Gosh we were JUST discussing this at work. Blue Christmas is kind of depressing.

22. favorite Christmas song?
I'll Be Home For Christmas, Baby It's Cold Outside and All I Want For Christmas Is You.

Merry Christmas all!

P.S. Thanks to everyone that helped me reach my goal - I'm not at 1,002 followers with over a week left until 2012! Thank you all for reading!

Damage Control by Denise Hamilton

2011-12-21T06:09:00.000-06:00

Maggie Silver is trying to climb up the ladder at an elite PR firm in Southern California whose clients include a slew of actors, athletes and politician. But this time Maggie's got to tackle her toughest client ever: Senator Henry Paxton, an easy to like, distinguished statesman who also happens to be the father of Maggie's estranged best friend from high school.

Bur Maggie's got more problem than possibly running into her old bst friend, because her PR firm is doing damage control for Senator Paxton when he is found to be a suspect in the murder of a young female aide. Maggie is throw back into the glamorous world of the Paxtons and memories begin to flood back from the stormy years in high school when Anabelle Paxton was her best friend. As Maggie delves further into the murder she also begins to realize that the ties of old friendship are stronger than she ever imagined.

I won this book from the amazing site Free Book Friday and was so excited to dig into it. I liked Maggie Silver's character and I loved the way that the book jumped back and forth between the present day and Maggie's past. The mystery surrounding the death of Senator Paxton's aide kept me turning pages and the end was definitely a bit of a shock! Definitely a good read, I'd totally recommend it!

So Close

2011-12-20T06:53:00.001-06:00

I am 10 away from 1,000 followers!

Want to help me reach my goal?

Grab my button and display it proudly on your page.

I'd love to see a Why Girls Are Weird button when I read your amazing blogs.

Also, you all should think about this

Want to know about sponsorship with Why Girls Are Weird?

Email me for more info!

Thank you all for being such amazing readers!

Happy Tuesday!

"Merry Christmas"

2011-12-19T06:20:00.000-06:00

{via}

I saw this picture on Post Secret yesterday and had to post about it.

Yesterday at work I had a table with an older lady, a lady even older than her and an old man. The youngest of the three asked for the bill at the end and while I was standing at our computers she came up to pay. I cashed her out and thanked her and as she walked away she wished me a merry Christmas.

I don't know where the stigma came with those words. And if someone said "happy Hanukkah" or "joyous Kwanzaa" it would still make me smile. It's the kindness behind the words that really mean something. So when did people get to uppity?

I challenge you all to go out today and wish people whatever it is that you celebrate. Say it with an open heart and a smile. I guarantee you that it'll make you feel good and it'll make them feel good too.

Merry Christmas all and happy holidays.

HP 30 Day Challenge ~ Day Three

2011-12-18T06:54:00.000-06:00

3. Which (if any) of the films make you angry because they ignored important parts in the book?

Wait, what? Wasn't this my favorite film from last week? Yep, sure is. It's my favorite because of the Department of Mysteries fight scene. However, it made me angry because SO much was cut out from the beginning of the book, I felt that Kreacher should have been featured as being more important and a lot from the Department of Mysteries was cut out as well. I get it, the 5th book was LONG. But it still bummed me out nonetheless.

P.S. Did you know J.K. Rowling was up in the air as to weather to kill Arthur Weasley or Sirius Black off? As much as I love Sirius (he's one of my favorite characters) I'm glad she left Arthur. His family needed him.

Happy Saturday V8.4

2011-12-17T06:41:00.000-06:00

{via}

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. Candy canes

2. Dressing up at work

3. Chocolate fondue

4. Once Upon A Time

5. Puppies

6. Pretty dresses

7. Christmas lights

8. White tortilla chowder

9. Giving the perfect present

10. Tights

What Day Is It?

2011-12-16T06:26:00.003-06:00

Happy Friday everyone! Can you believe we now officially are in single digits till Christmas? It's absolutely freaking me out because I suddenly just realized how close Christmas is and I still have shopping to do, eek.

Today is technically either my Monday or Tuesday, depending on how you look at it. It's my Monday because I still have 4 days left of work after today. But it's also my Tuesday because I worked yesterday. Yup, 6 day work week, oh joy. I'm hoping we get at least a somewhat good rush this weekend, we've been slow lately and that means not so hot tips. So fingers crossed please!

Finally before a little fill in the blanks (brought to you by the little things we do) I'd like to ask you all for some more good thoughts and prayers. My co-worker, who I mentioned before, found out that his cancer has spread and that chemo is not an option. He's 43 years old. It just kills me to think about. So please keep him and his family in your thoughts. It would be very much appreciated.

Without further ado...

1. My most favorite "little thing" is driving in my car with the music turned up, singing along and not having to think about anything.

2. I'd give anything to have my coworker be healthy again. The look on his face on Monday just about broke my heart.

3. I can't believe that it's almost 2012. I am SO ready for this year to be over!

4. The one thing I'd like to achieve today is to get my marketing project done so that all I have to worry about is finals.

5. The last thing I want to do today is go to work. But alas, I have to make money.

6. If I were writing my own blank today, it would say: What are you looking forward to most? And I would answer by saying "New Year's Eve!"

7. My favorite candle scent is currently the candle that my Cold Hands, Warm Hearts swap partner sent me. It's called Coral Hibiscus.

Happy Friday (or Monday or Tuesday) all!

P.S. A super happy 30th birthday to Ang! Please drop by her blog and give her some birthday love!

Time Is Ticking

2011-12-15T06:52:00.000-06:00

With 2012 coming up VERY fast I decided to look over my 101 in 1001 list and made a very horrible discovery. I've only completed 38% of my list and I have the rest of it to complete by October 4th, 2012.

Taking out everything I've already completed, here is everything I still want to do:

Send a secret to PostSecret
Get another tattoo
Learn to knit or crochet
Stop Swearing for one month
Build a fort
Have a tea party
Go bowling
Go to a Saints game
Host a murder mystery party
Go to a restaurant by myself
Do something nice for a stranger
Pay off credit card debt
Spend a weekend in Chicago
Make a vision board
Do something with the corks I've been saving
Wear more skirts/dresses (Started 5/27/10)
Leave someone a really big tip
Write letters to 5 people I care about
Eat more fruits/veggies
Write a love letter
Take Monte on more walks (Started 4/2/11)
Go to the drive in at least 3 times in a summer
Do the 30 Day Shred
Do a "Wreck This Journal" (Started 4/16/10)
Use a whole pad of post-its for Operation Beautiful
Cover up the tattoo on my wrist
Save $5 for every goal achieved on this list
Go to Ren Fest
Make a "Soundtrack of my Life" for my iPod
Get Monte fixed
Take 48 pictures in one day - day in the life of me
Do Minnesota AIDS Walk again
Donate $5 for every item not completed
Put $1200 into savings
Go on a picnic
Spend 24 hours without the computer, TV and cellphone
Answer the "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind"
Have a "girls day" with Mom
Get something to put over the bed
Have a couples weekend
Go on an overnight or weekend by myself
Paint the bedroom
Carve or write my name somewhere permanent
Write letters to 5 people that "did me wrong" and then burn them
Submit a novel to a publisher
Find a "real" job
Write the first draft of a novel before NaNoWriMo
Do a vlog
Kiss in the rain
Make the backyard look nice
Keep a diary of letters to my unborn child
Make the bedroom MINE
Make or buy a jewelry holder
Christmas shop on Etsy
Send someone flowers for no reason
Get new glasses
Go to a chiropractor
See a show at the Ordway
Write a letter to an author I love
Go to Duluth in the summer
Try 5 new foods
Visit a new state
Spend a whole day at a coffee shop

I have 63 more items to get through by October 2012. I'm not sure if I'll complete them all but I'd like to complete as many as possible. I'm terrible at setting goals and sticking to them and I'd love to be able to say I completed as much as I possibly could.

So help me out all! Hold me accountable. Help me stick with this!

Do you set goals for yourself? Do you stick to them?

Cold Hands, Warm Hearts Swap

2011-12-14T06:43:00.000-06:00

Last year I didn't get a chance to participate in the Cold Hands, Warm Hearts swap, an amazing idea put together by Sandy of Sandy a la Mode and Ilene of Much Love, Illy. This year, though, I couldn't wait to find out who my partner was.

I was super excited to be introduced to Stephanie of Femmena Mala. One of the questions asked of us when filling out our swap forms what are top 3 favorite things in the whole wide world were. Upon reading and finding out that one of Stephanie's was Harry Potter I knew we were a perfect match!

And so Stephanie and I not only became swap partners but we became friends as well, which I think is the best part of being in a swap. So when I got Stephanie's package in the mail, I could barely stop to take pictures I was so excited!

The pretty box

Stephanie's note to me

The prettily wrapped packages

Pretty presents

A necklace and ring from Stephanie's Etsy shop

A Christmas ornament (the K)

A teal colored mug

A candle that smells so delicious I could eat it

A scarf and, of course, matching gloves!

Stephanie, thanks so much for the sweet gifts! And also thanks to Sandy and Ilene for introducing me to Stephanie!

HIMYM

2011-12-13T06:02:00.000-06:00

I finally gave in.

How I Met Your Mother is currently on the Netflix instant queue.

So I started watching.

And I can't stop!

What's your favorite sitcom?

The Weekend... With Chocolate Wine!

2011-12-12T06:05:00.000-06:00

Hello all! How's everyone doing today? Me? I'm good. I'm really good.

The only really BAD thing that happened this weekend is my car not wanting to start on Sunday. So I get to go get the battery tested. I'm hoping they'll tell me that it was just a case of how cold it was and the fact that I shut it off and turned in on three times in the span of about 10 minutes. We shall see I guess.

However, lots of good things happened this weekend. Such as:

Chocolate wine (yes, chocolate wine, I am not kidding)
Christmas decorations
Cupcakes
Tacos
Board games
Watching Elf (one of my all time favorite Christmas movies)
Cuddling
Candy canes
Steve's Pizza
Celebrating a special someone's birthday

Today I am super busy so I'm going to leave you all by saying that I'm pretty darn happy right now. And it feels fantastic.

HP 30 Day Challenge ~ Day Two

2011-12-11T06:04:00.000-06:00

2. Your favorite of the 7 movies.

The reason I like this movie so much is because it helped me to picture the fight scene from the Department of Mysteries. So much happened in that scene that I had a hard time picturing and I felt like seeing the movie really helped. At the same time, they also cut A LOT of stuff out in this movie that was in the book. But we'll discuss this another time, promise.

Happy Saturday V8.3

2011-12-10T06:11:00.000-06:00

{via}

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. Apple pie

2. Christmas shopping

3. Swap goodies

4. How I Met Your Mother

5. Ordering new curtains for my bedroom

6. Putting up Christmas decorations

7. Steve's Pizza

8. Drops of Jupiter by Train

9. Candles

10. Getting excited for a certain someone's birthday

The Holidays FITBF

2011-12-09T06:09:00.001-06:00

Okay, so I'm participating in LAST week's Fill in the Blank Friday, brought to you by the little things we do. Enjoy!

1. The holiday season is a time to be thankful for what we have and to spend time with the ones we love.

2. Snow makes me angry. The only time I like it is between 12/24 and 1/1. Before and after that I highly dislike it.

3. The best comfort food to eat when it's cold out is soups and stews! Mmm, makes you feel all warm and happy.

4. Winter is the best time for wearing cute sweaters, drinking yummy, warm drinks and cozying up with that special someone.

5. I can hardly wait for this weekend, putting up Christmas decorations, Christmas and New Year's Eve!

6. When it comes to holiday gifts I prefer to receive. What? I'm being honest! I like getting presents! I do also like to give them as well. I love finding the perfect present and watching the person I got it for open it and get all excited. But... I just like to get presents too.

7. If I were to rate my excitement about the holiday season on a scale from 1-10, I would say I am at about a 8 or 9. I don't want to be beyond excited because, well, then expectations are too high and you get disappointed. But I'm still pretty excited.

Happy Friday everyone!

P.S. The winner of the Mystery Box Giveaway is Annie! Annie, please email me with your shipping info. And I promise I'll tell you all what's in the box once Annie receives it.

Tattoo Me

2011-12-08T06:17:00.000-06:00

Tattoos.

I started with one, telling myself that was all I'd get. It's a butterfly with a vine around it in the shape of a heart and it's on the small of my back. I got my second one a few years later, the words "Be who you are" on the front of my ankle. They're the first four words in my favorite quote, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~Dr. Seuss.

I talked about my third tattoo a few months back, my wedding date on my wrist. I plan on getting it covered up next month with a tree of life tattoo that a friend of mine is drawing for me. It will look something like this:

And although I once told myself I'd only stop at one tattoo, obviously that hasn't held up. Because now I can't decide when enough is enough. I just love them too much and I love what each one represents to me (hence the reason I plan to cover up my wedding date tattoo rather than remove it - that relationship was part of me just as the tattoo is).

Here are a few other tattoo ideas that I love:

Harry Potter

Only I'd love for mine to say "Until the very end"

A stack of books on the back of my neck

Monte's paw print on the top of my foot

And that's just to name a few!

Do you have tattoos? If you don't, do you want one?

Big Fish

2011-12-07T06:53:00.007-06:00

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It's interesting to see how people act when they realize that they're a big fish in a little pond.

I've lived in a small(er) town for about 5 years now and to be honest sometimes it's a lot like being in high school. Everyone knows everyone's business and if you aren't in with the right crowd you can find yourself in some not so great situations.

I once thought that I'd pushed those things away from me. I first came to this town about 7 years ago and lived here a year before moving away for a year. During my first time staying here I found that I really disliked small town life. I disliked that because I was an "outsider" I was treated like I wasn't good enough.

I thought maybe during the time I've been here maybe things had changed but I'm slowly starting to see that they haven't. Maybe it's not the same people judging but it always seems to be a struggle between the townies and the outsiders. And because the townies want to keep their big fish status they continue to condemn the outsiders.

With all this happening, it's hard to not want to fight back. I have this want to open my mouth and say exactly how I'm feeling to the people that deserve to hear it. But at 28, I really don't need or want that drama. So I simply have to sit back, keep quiet and tell myself that one day I will move on to bigger and better things while these big fish will continue to swim in their small fishbowls, never growing or learning. Sure, maybe it's safe. But what a boring life.

Slowly I'm realizing that eventually I want to move on. Because I'd rather be a small fish in a big pond with room to swim and grow than find myself stuck in a place that's too small for my dreams.

GlassesUSA.com

2011-12-06T06:09:00.001-06:00

"Our mission is to guarantee the highest quality optical products at the most affordable prices in the fastest time span possible – all across the world." ~ GlassesUSA.com

In fourth grade we were studying hermit crabs. I remember my teacher using an overhead projector (do they still use those?) and the screen was blurry to me. I kept having to ask to be moved to the front of the class so that I could see what was on the screen. My teacher called my parents and suggested I see an eye doctor. And so in fourth grade I found out that I needed glasses.

Back then I remember my parents talking about how expensive glasses are; and it's true, eyeglasses can be expensive. Remember the days of going to the eye doctor, paying for the visit and then having to pay an arm and a leg for a cute pair of specs? It's frustrating, right?

But glasses don't have to be expensive! In fact, these days you can find glasses online and still get yourself a cute outfit with the money you save. Sounds like a win win, right? Especially considering that glasses are actually very in fashion right now (funny considering how much I hated wearing them when I was younger)!

The best part about buying glasses online through Glasses USA is that they're cheap eyeglasses but there are so many fun frames that are going to make you look good. There's nothing better than that!

Besides high quality frames and lenses, GlassesUSA.com offers:

110% lowest price guarantee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee
A generous refer-a-friend program (You can get $30 for each first purchase a referred friend makes – and use the $30 towards your next pair of glasses)
A Facebook page and Twitter feed with exclusive discounts for fans

Right now GlassesUSA.com has some awesome holiday sales going on:

Take 20% off any frame in our iSee Eyewear collection and get free shipping within the US. Code: iSee20FS (you can find the collection here).
Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10.

Happy shopping!

Where I Need To Be

2011-12-05T06:33:00.000-06:00

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It really is true what they say. Right when you think everything is going wrong and nothing will ever be right again, you find a way to pick yourself back up and suddenly things start looking so sunny.

I feel like I was walking through life merely getting through each day. I kept telling myself, "I'll probably get better." I kept thinking if I just got through one hard part it would get better. And it wasn't.

I feel as if I'm just opening my eyes. Maybe what I'm going through right now isn't EASY but I feel like I'm finally living. It's as if everything is finally starting for me and now rather than thinking, "How will I get through today." I'm thinking, "I'm wonder what's in store today." And I like it. I love it.

With 2012 right around the corner I feel like maybe it's going to be my year. I'm so thankful for where I am right now and for having the people that I do to share it with. I want to really live it up and enjoy myself. You only get one life after all.

HP 30 Day Challenge ~ Day One

2011-12-04T06:12:00.000-06:00

Although Storytelling in 30 Photos is done, I've found another fun 30 day challenge all about one of my favorite books series: Harry Potter.

Welcome to the Harry Potter 30 Day Challenge!

Every Sunday I'll post about something wonderfully HP. I hope you all enjoy this as much as I know I'm going to!

Day 1 - Your favorite of the seven books.

I think the 4th book is my favorite because that's when things started getting real. Up until this point Harry Potter was really a children's series. There were some scary points, yes, but Goblet of Fire was when it was clear that the characters were about to grow up really fast. I have to say it was my favorite of the movies too and I cried my eyes out when Harry brought Cedric's body back and Credric's dad came running out yelling, "My boy, my boy!" Oh my gosh, makes me teary eyed just thinking about it.

Happy Saturday V8.2

2011-12-03T06:39:00.000-06:00

{via}

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. Blueberry pancakes

2. A clean Monte

3. Making plans

4. Wrapping presents

5. Making new friends

6. Tea

7. Getting all my homework done

8. All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey

9. Having a day to just read

10. Obsessing over tattoos

Mystery Box Giveaway

2011-12-02T06:15:00.002-06:00

I really dislike surprises.

Unless I'm the one behind them.

Then I ADORE surprises.

Which is why today I am super excited

about this really unique giveaway.

What is it?

Well I know what it is.

But I'm not telling!

My lips are sealed!

Today you can all enter to win

a mystery box.

I'm not even going to show you a picture of the box.

Only the winner will know when they receive their prize.

Intrigued? I hope so!

Here's How To Win

(Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

Mandatory Entry:

You must be a follower of Why Girls Are Weird.

(comment telling me what you think is in the box)

Extra Entries:

Follow Why Girls Are Weird on Facebook (1 entry)

Follow Why Girls Are Weird on Twitter (1 entry)

Tweet and/or Blog about this giveaway (1-2 entries)
Feel free to use this tweet "Curiouser and curiouser... @WeirdGirlBlog is giving away a mystery box! To find out what it is, enter and win! http://www.why-girls-are-weird.com/2011/12/mystery-box-giveaway.html"

The giveaway winner will be announced

Friday December 9th.

P.S. The winner of the Chickey Designs giveaway is lowercase letters. Please email me to claim your prize!

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

2011-12-01T06:15:00.000-06:00

One minute Clary Fray was an ordinary 15 year old girl, the next minute she's found out she's a demon hunting shadowhunter, her best friend Simon is in love with her, she's got a long lost brother and her caretaker is a werewolf. Things are definitely getting a little crazy and when Downworlder children begin getting murdered Clary realizes it's only the beginning. Is her father somehow wrapped up in the murders? And if so, why? When the second of the Mortal Instruments goes missing, everything seems to go out of control. Will they be able to figure it out in time and will they lose someone they love in the process.

My review of the first book in this series basically said that it was okay but not amazing. This second book definitely helped me to fall for Clary, Jace and the rest of the Mortal Instruments characters. I think what I really needed was to get to know them all better and to see a softer side of Jace that I felt I hadn't gotten in the first book. In this one I definitely got what I was looking for and now I can't get these books out of my head! If you're looking for a fun, different, thrilling YA Fiction read then look no further, you absolutely need to check out the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare.

Relationships and Breakups

2011-11-30T06:19:00.001-06:00

I never realized how different I've become until I was thrust out into being "single" again.

I used to be the girl that got SO caught up in my relationships. If I was seeing someone they were my ENTIRE world. This resulted in being doing poorly in school, having poor relationships with my family, sometimes hurting friendships. When things were good in whatever relationship I was in then I was on cloud 9. But when things were bad I let everything slide. I was inconsolable and it took me FOREVER to get over someone.

Case in point, the ex before my ex-husband. He and I only dated officially for 4 months. But we were on and off for two years after that. I know a lot of that was because I couldn't let him go. The idea of him being with someone else felt like a knife through my heart. But he was so bad for me. Things were only ever on his time. I was always hidden. And that really screwed me up.

I'm not saying that my breakup with Dustin hasn't been hard. Sometimes I find myself thinking about the future I thought we had and I get sad. When I came home and all his things were moved out I cried. But each time I reminded myself that it was the right thing to do, that our relationship wasn't healthy and that I deserve so much more. I haven't once skipped out on plans, I haven't cried myself to sleep, I haven't fallen apart.

I don't know where this new strength comes from, if it's simply that I'm older and wiser or if I've just changed my outlook on relationships and breakups.

I do know that whatever happens in the future, I'm not going to make anyone my everything. Have a boyfriend or husband can be a wonderful thing but I don't want anyone to be my entire reason for living. I want to be with someone because they make me happy but I want to still recognize that other things make me happy too. And if there are bumps in the road I don't want those bumps to totally steer me off course.

My Goal

2011-11-29T06:55:00.000-06:00

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Okay all.

So here's the deal:

I have this little goal.

I would LOVE to reach 1,000 followers by January 1st.

Right now I'm at 940.

So I need your help.

Grab my blog button. Tweet my blog address out.

Tell your friends you love to read me.

Help me reach this end of the year goal!

If I do, I bet there's going to be a beginning of 2012 goodie!

A Good Weekend

2011-11-28T06:49:00.000-06:00

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Hi all! I hope this Monday finds you all happy after a long weekend. I worked all weekend but despite that I ended up having a lot of fun at work. We were pretty slow, I'm assuming because everyone ate way too much on Thursday and spent way too much on Friday and the idea of going to a restaurant just didn't sound appealing.

Nonetheless, I had a pretty darn good weekend (aside from having to go asleep super early and having to wake up super early to open). Here are the highlights:

My "new" place is all settled. All my things are moved into the apartment downstairs and it's kind of nice being in a space that I didn't share with my ex-husband.
Pumpkin pie for breakfast.
Singing the song John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt at work.
Getting the song John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt stuck in everyone's head at work.
My coworker bringing in candy on Sunday and all of us getting high on way too much sugar.
Getting all my homework done on Saturday and then waking up on Sunday with the realization that I had a free afternoon.
My absolutely GORGEOUS Earth to Alice jewelry board arriving on Saturday.
Chocolate chip ice cream with chocolate and caramel syrup.
The phrase "I'm picking up what you're putting down."

I seriously laughed so much at work this weekend. Some weekends I guess you can't help yourself!

P.S. The winner of the Earth to Alice jewelry board is Tara of Fabulous But Evil! Tara please email me!

Storytelling in 30 Photos ~ Photo Thirty

2011-11-27T06:24:00.000-06:00

30. A picture I am satisfied with.

I didn't take this picture. But I am incredibly satisfied with it. Doing my boudoir shoot was something scary and exhilarating for me. I've never been perfectly comfortable in my body and so doing a lingerie shoot can be somewhat scary. In the end, though, it helped me to realize that I am beautiful and I was given this body so I better love it. My boudoir pictures are the result of that realization.

So this concludes Storytelling in 30 Photos! It was a fun ride and I hope you all enjoyed it. Stay tuned next Sunday for something fun to fill its place!

Happy Saturday V8.1

2011-11-26T06:49:00.003-06:00

{via}

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. Cherry pie (my favorite)

2. Finally feel like I have my own space

3. Treating my mom on her birthday

4. Breaking Dawn

5. Turkey (no dressing! I know, sinful)

6. Coffee

7. A good night's sleep

8. Pinterest

9. Only 2 more quarters left of school

10. Late night phone calls

Chickey Designs Giveaway

2011-11-25T06:40:00.001-06:00

{Have you entered my Earth to Alice giveaway yet? If not, check it out here.}

Good morning all, I hope this Black Friday finds you all well (and maybe still stuffed from too much food). I am working early this morning but I thought you'd all be excited for a fun giveaway.

Chickey Designs features fun clothing, like t-shirts and tank tops as well as fun accessories like jewelry and tote bags. All designs at this unique shop are fun and innovative wearable art. I asked creator Courtney Hickey a little bit about her shop:

Where did you come up with the name for your shop? My name Courtney Hickey, when written as first initial last name spells Chickey. This was often found on forms, school exams, and my sports uniforms throughout my life. The name stuck as my nickname. As Chickey Designs suggests, these are my designs and they are for you to cherish.

What or who are your inspirations? My inspiration comes from all different areas. Everything from fashion designers to filmmakers and actors, to music and books could offer up inspiration. I love Tim Burton, Charlie Chaplin, Damien Hurst, Andy Warhol, and Colleen Atwood to name a few. Each presents a very unique style and passion to their work that I appreciate.

Most of my designs have retro undertones. I am extremely inspired by the late 40s through the 60s. Everything was very grand and stylized.

What are 3 of your favorite items from your shop? I love my bracelets. They are so bright and colorful that you can’t help but feel good when wearing them. (With so many colors they go perfectly with every outfit!) I’ve really been obsessing over the brown Wild & Free bracelet lately. Ever since I received the final version, it has barely left my arm.

One of my other favorite designs is the Diamond Slopes thermal. As soon as the weather becomes a little cooler, a little crisper, and snow starts falling, it is the first shirt I grab. As a thermal it provides fantastic warmth for the cold weather. It is extremely soft and comfortable with a detailed graphic on the front of a skier and mountain. I don’t see any reason why in the winter, you shouldn’t be just as stylish as any other time of the year. This shirt is the perfect combination of utility and style.

Lastly, I love the Telephone Line tank. It features a 1960s rotary dial telephone in a soft aqua color on a tri-blend racer back tank. There is something really lovely about the fact that in the 60s, they made technology like the telephone a design feature in the house. Everything was very creative and imaginative.

Where do you see yourself and your shop at this time next year? I see the Chickey Designs brand growing and gaining more popularity. I would also like Chickey Designs to be in more boutiques across the country so that potential customers can access the style and quality of the products more conveniently.

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring small shop handmade shop owners? I would tell someone who was starting or just started a shop to talk to everyone! Keep talking about your shop to anyone you meet. It will surprise you, who will want to help you and what you can learn from them. I should also mention that you have to love your products and what you do because at the beginning it will definitely be a struggle.

This week you can enter to win

your choice of any bracelet from Chickey Designs!

Here's How To Win

(Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

Mandatory Entry:

You must be a follower of Why Girls Are Weird.

(comment telling me which bracelet you'd choose from Chickey Designs)

Extra Entries:

Follow Why Girls Are Weird on Facebook and/or Twitter (1-2 entries)

Follow Chickey Designs on Facebook and/or Twitter (1-2 entries)

Tweet and/or Blog about this giveaway (1-2 entries)

The giveaway winner will be announced

Friday December 2nd.

Thankful

2011-11-24T06:26:00.001-06:00

{Have you entered my Earth to Alice giveaway yet? If not, check it out here.}

{via}

Happy Turkey Day everyone! I hope this post finds you all well and getting ready for some yummy turkey and pumpkin pie. I know I can't wait for my favorite part, the mashed potatoes!

It's been kind of a hard year for me but I also know I have a lot to be thankful for. Without further ado, my thankful list.

1. My health - With everything that has gone on with my sick coworker I find that I am so thankful that I am healthy. And I am, of course, always sending good thoughts his way.

2. Monte - My pup sometimes is the only thing that makes me smile in a day. He always knows when I need kisses and he's the perfect cuddle buddy when I'm feeling sad.

3. Books - Oddly, I'm not reading as much as I used to. But I love the escape that a good book provides me, even if it makes me cry.

4. Social media - Especially Twitter. I have so much fun getting to know people I otherwise would never have "met" through social media. It's one of the favorite parts of my day.

5. My job - It may stress me out and sometimes I complain but it's a job and it comes with a dysfunctional work family... but a family nonetheless.

6. Trying new things - Driving to Milwaukee by myself, a boudoir shoot, finally doing things that I want... it feels good to be living for me.

7. New friends - I've mentioned my lack of girl friends and how I miss having them. This year I feel like I've found some really great friends and I can't wait to see where these new friendships take us.

8. I.Q. - You know who you are. I'm thankful for you and all that you've done, are doing and will do.

9. My family - Although they drive me nuts and sometimes we fight, I am lucky to have family. I know we'll get through this bad point even if it takes time.

10. You - Blogging has made my life so amazing because of the people that I have met through it. Thank you all so much for going on this ride with me and supporting me through everything. It means the absolute world.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, I wish you all an amazing day!

Breaking Dawn

2011-11-23T06:29:00.001-06:00

{Have you entered my Earth to Alice giveaway yet? If not, check it out here.}

Well, I'm a little behind but I finally saw it. Breaking Dawn, of course!

I loved a lot of it. The entire wedding had me holding back tears. Bella's dress, Charlie walking her down the aisle (and the look on his face... oh my goodness, I adore Charlie so much) how everything was decorated (seriously I wish Alice was real, she would be an amazing wedding planner). I loved Isle Esme and, of course, who didn't love the broken bed scene?

{via}

I will even say I loved seeing the progression of Bella's pregnancy and how sick she began to look. It was so sad to see but wow, they did an amazing job. And the end... my gosh. My mom and I actually gasped and we both knew it was coming!

I will say that I found the wolf telepathy a little... underwhelming. And really, did they really need to have Jacob tear his shirt off 30 seconds into the movie? I mean yeah, he's hot and all but lord. I also couldn't stand Rosalie's hair. Every scene she was in I couldn't take my eyes off her - and not in a good way.

Nonetheless I was happy with this movie and so excited for the final one to come out. I love Twilight, despite all its shortcomings. It's a good love story and it tugs at my heart.

I'm BLANK because...

2011-11-22T06:12:00.007-06:00

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The ever lovely (and totally glowing) mom to be Sandy of Sandy a la Mode did this on her blog yesterday and I couldn't help but borrow it. Let me know if you decide to play along too!

I'm weird because...

I like peanut butter and potato chip sandwiches.
I will force myself to go to sleep at 7 at night if I have to open the next day.
I talk to myself at work when I get busy and/or stressed.
Last night at work I took a basket and skipped around the pantry.
If I'm in bed and even THINK I have to go to the bathroom I HAVE to get up and go or I can't sleep.

I'm a bad friend because...

I sometimes won't call friends for MONTHS.
I prefer texting to phone calls.
I love my alone time and being at home.

I'm a good friend because...

I am fiercely loyal.
I'm amazing at remember birthdays.
I give good, honest advice.
I still love sleepovers.
I get excited when my friends have happy news.

I'm sad because...

Of all the problems with my family right now.
I never have weekends.
There's too much month at the end of the money.
Time is going by too fast.

I'm happy because...

I love Christmas shopping.
I have today off.
I'm going to see Breaking Dawn today.
I have Christmas music playing all the time in my car.

I'm excited for...
Christmas.
A certain someone's birthday.
New Year's Eve.
The future.
Turkey.

P.S. Have you entered my Earth to Alice giveaway yet? If not, check it out here.

P.S.S. Happy birthday Mom!

Earth to Alice Giveaway

2011-11-21T06:43:00.000-06:00

Um. I need to admit something to you all.

My name is Krysten and I'm a jewelry-aholic. That's right, currently I have so much jewelry that I'm feeling a little overwhelmed trying to come up with ideas on where to store it all. My necklaces get tangled, my rings lay in piles, my earrings end up hooked together and bracelets... okay, well, I don't have a problem with them because I'm not much of a bracelet wearer.

Nonetheless, I have an issue.

Which is why when I found the Earth to Alice jewelry boards I realized they have the answer to my jewelry woes. Because not only are they practical (a total organizer's dream) but they're also fashionable (hello all you fashionista ladies). The best part is they're totally customizable, allowing you to choose the fabric, frame color and hardware.

AND they come in 3 fabulous sizes:

Simple Sally (8x10)

All Around Alice (14x18)

Ruby Tuesday (20x24)

Today, one of you luck readers

has a chance to win

either the Simple Sally or All Around Alice!

Here's How To Win

(Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

Mandatory Entry:

You must be a follower of Why Girls Are Weird.

(comment telling me which board you would choose from EtA and how you'd customize it)

Extra Entries:

Follow Why Girls Are Weird on Facebook and/or Twitter (1-2 entries)

Follow Earth to Alice on Twitter (1 entry)

Tweet and/or Blog about this giveaway (1-2 entries)

The giveaway winner will be announced

Monday, November 28th.

Storytelling in 30 Photos ~ Photo Twenty Nine

2011-11-20T06:02:00.000-06:00

29. A picture of an accomplishment.

I am SO proud of this blog. I'm proud of the people I've met because of it, the friendships I've formed and how honest I feel like I've always been. When I started blogging I simply did it as a sort of online diary. What it has become for me is so much more than that and I really can't imagine my life without blogging.

Thank you all for being part of one of my very favorite accomplishments.

Happy Saturday V8.0

2011-11-19T06:02:00.000-06:00

{via}

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. Looking at puppies online

2. Zoya nail polish

3. Getting my hair cut

4. Glee mash ups

5. New shoes

6. Christmas music a la She & Him and Michael Buble

7. Maxi skirts

8. Elf

9. Red velvet cookies

10. "She sounds like what banana cream pie sounds like when she sings."

Hello Monday

2011-11-18T06:06:00.000-06:00

How is it Monday again already? I know, I know, you all are screaming "Krysten, it's FRIDAY!" Yes, in your world! But in mine it's Monday. My weekend was Wednesday and Thursday which makes today Monday. Hurts your head, doesn't it? Yep, hurts mine too. So I'm playing along and filling in the blanks brought to you by the little things we do.

1. A nervous habit I have is biting the inside of my mouth. It's actually kind of gross.

2. Something that makes me sad is that I put too much salt in the mashed potatoes I made last night.

3. Today I am thankful for my job, because I know it'll keep me sane when my family is driving me nuts this week.

4. My favorite room in my house is well, since I'm moving downstairs, I'm not sure. I'm hoping it'll be my bedroom.

5. I can't stand people that come out to a restaurant, get every deal they possibly can, and then stiff their server. If you don't have enough money to leave a tip then either A) go to McDonalds or B) eat at home.

6. If I had an extra $100 to spend on whatever I wanted today I would probably go get a transmission fluid flush for my car. Lame, I know.

7. The last person I hung out with was I.Q. Yep.

P.S. The winner of the indobay is Kristina of Pretty Rambles. Kristina, please email me!

Winter

2011-11-17T06:35:00.000-06:00

{via}

Well, as of yesterday it is winter coat weather. I'm actually really shocked that I made it till the middle of November without one. They're saying possible snow for here in Wisconsin over the weekend and all I can think is "can't I just hibernate until spring?"

I'm not much of a winter person. I don't like to be cold, I really don't like snow (especially driving in it) and I'm not really a fan of being pale. However, there are some really great things about winter.

My purple winter coat from Old Navy. I always feel gorgeous when I wear it.
Hot chocolate, coffee with Baileys and tea with honey. I love hot drinks on a cold day.
TIGHTS. I'm slowly building my collection and I feel so girly when I wear them.
The holidays. Enough said.
Snuggling up with that special someone.
Scarves. They're one of my favorite winter accessories.
Winter food. You know, beef stew and chicken noodle soup.
Cute gloves and mittens. They keep your hands warm and they're fashionable.
Having movie marathon and board game days. There's nothing better when it's snowing out.
Candles. I love lighting candles when it's all snowy out. So pretty.

Do you like winter? Or do you have to find things that make winter cheerier, like I do?

Twilight Link Up!

2011-11-16T06:07:00.007-06:00

I remember the middle of summer in 2008 when a coworker first told me about Twilight. It sounded like an interesting read but when I finally ordered the entire saga on Overstock I had no idea what kind of adventure I was going on. I fell in love with Bella and Edward (even though she can be annoying and he's a little overprotective). I wanted the Cullens to be my adoptive family and I couldn't imagine a better dad than Charlie. I love the stories that Jacob's family and friends told and the town of Forks found a place in my heart.

And so when the always fabulous Tara of Fabulous But Evil announced this link up, I knew I needed to participate!

If you want to join all you need to do is check out the link up and answer a few simple questions. Here are some of the questions and my answers!

1. Are you going to see Breaking Dawn at the midnight release? No. But only because I went to the Twilight midnight release and nearly killed some preteen girls.

2. Scene you're most looking forward to in Breaking Dawn? I mean... I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to see some feather pillows torn apart. And a broken bed. If you don't know what I'm talking about, here are two words: vampire sex.

3. Team Edward or Jacob? In the books I am forever Team Edward. The movies... I kind of adore Jacob. I guess I'm hanging out on the fence.

4. Favorite book in the Saga? Eclipse. I love that Bella's and Edward's relationships starts to mature, I love her relationship with Alice and it's just my favorite book to reread.

5. Favorite character in the series and why? This is hard for me. I just don't know how to choose. I love Charlie because he's just sweet and he loves Bella so much. And I love Alice because, I mean, she'd be the perfect sister (and the BEST party planner). And okay... if Edward wanted to bite my neck I wouldn't say no...

6. Why do you love Twilight? I will say this. The books are not the world's best written books. But I don't really care. It's a good love story. It calls to the hopeless romantic in me. I will say right now that when I read the part in New Moon when Edward asked Bella to marry him my heart jumped. That's why I love the series.

7. Are the books or movies better? Hands down the books.

8. What do you dislike about the series? I dislike how angry some people are about the books. I mean, who cares how well they're written as long as they bring enjoyment. Whenever someone slams the series I just feel sad.

Do you love Twilight? Then you may need to join the link up fun!

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2011-11-15T06:02:00.000-06:00

Clary Fray didn't think that one night at a club would change her entire life forever. Until she witnesses a murder commited by teenagers covered in tattoos and carrying strange weapons. Stranger still, she can't report the murder because the body has disappeared and she realizes that she's the only one that can even see any of it happening. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors trained to rid the earth of demons. But Clary has more to worry about than Shadowhunters and demons. Because her mother had disappeared. And she needs to find out why demons would be interested in normal people like herself and her mom before it's too late.

I'd heard a lot of people talking about these books so I thought I'd give them a whirl. I liked that the books sucks you in immediately and you get to learn about this whole new world. However, I didn't feel a huge attachment to any of the characters. It's a fun read and I'm excited to delve further into the world of the Mortal Instruments. I'd definitely suggest this book if you're looking for a fun YA read. Not my absolute favorite (which pretty much means no tears were shed, hehe) but still a fun book.

Live.

2011-11-14T06:13:00.002-06:00

You know. I've been complaining a lot lately. I've complained about my divorce. I've complained about my family. I've complained about work and customers stiffing me. I've complained about school. Complain complain complain.

And then on Saturday I came into work to find out one of my coworkers may have cancer. Again. And I don't even know what to say except that just SUCKS. It sucks and it isn't fair and it's just stupid. So then I find that out and I think, "Wow, here I am complaining about all this stuff and there he is with a major life threatening thing going on."

He's been in the hospital this weekend and work just wasn't the same. Heck, I even miss his mean short jokes. And I don't really have anything else to say right now except please send him good thoughts and prayers. Because he really needs them.

And don't forget to live. I know we all get bogged down with complaining about silly things. And usually it's not until we're faced with something really bad that we think about really going out and LIVING. So now, while you have this time, do it.

More soon.

Storytelling in 30 Photos ~ Photo Twenty Eight

2011-11-13T06:03:00.000-06:00

28. A picture from my favorite vacation.

I think my favorite vacation was my first cruise because it made me fall in love with cruising. I went on my first cruise on the Carnival Spirit in January 2008. Cruising it pretty awesome - amazing food, fabulous entertainment and the opportunity to stop at several ports. If you aren't sure where you want to go on vacation and you don't want to spend all your money on somewhere you may not like, cruising helps you to find out the places you do love (like Jamaica, sigh) vs. the places you could live without (Grand Cayman - I felt way too much like I was still in the United States). Add to it the fact that you can get ice cream and pizza 24/7 and you've got a happy Krysten!

Happy Saturday V7.9

2011-11-12T06:32:00.000-06:00

{via}

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. Cherry Air Heads

2. Planning a certain someone's birthday

3. Keeping up with my NaNo word count

4. Grey's making me CRAZY

5. Coffee

6. Ordering new Christmas CDs

7. Discovering a new plot twist for my novel

8. Blaine and Kurt on Glee

9. Sunshine

10. A Twilight movie marathon

indobay Giveaway

2011-11-11T06:22:00.000-06:00

Hello all and happy Friday! I want to thank you all for your sweet comments on yesterday's post. You all made me feel pretty darn amazing. So as a little thank you, I think a sweet little giveaway is in order!

indobay is a lovely shop created by Tania and it carries all kinds of sweet goodies from mugs to tear towels to banners and everything in between. There's something for everyone at this shop and I got to learn a little more about Tania and indobay straight from Tania herself!

1. How did you come up with the name? indobay is actually a fictitious name created by my partner. It was meant to symbolize a state of mind and a feeling.

I was looking to launch a small brand of lifestyle goods that served as gentle reminders of a slower more thoughtful way of life. I had this vision of working on my designs and products from a cozy, almost shack-like studio. This space would be simple and unpretentious and just the most lovely space to create the home goods that I imagined. My little place would be the epitome of living a simple but lovely lifestyle where one could walk around all day barefoot if you so desired. Creativity, ease and a general sense of well-being would ooze out of its every crevice & hug all those that entered. indobay just seemed like the perfect “place” to bring my designs & dreams to life.

So, no, an actual studio in a place called indobay, doesn’t really exist (at least I don’t think it does). My little studio is a light filled room in my home in the downtown area of Orlando, Florida. Yet every time I’m working on what I love I am immediately transported to this magical place that exists only in my mind, my heart and in every item that I create!

2. What or who are your inspirations? This is a tough one since I am inspired by some many different things. I would say nature, organic shapes and lines, and simple modern design are my biggest sources of inspiration. I am constantly aware of everything around me and my eyes
and brain seem to constantly seem to want to transform what I see into a new design. It can actually be quite exhausting at times not being able to turn the creative side of my brain off from time to time.

As far as makers and designers that I am inspired by, this list is too lengthy to mention them all. I adore Danish and Scandinavian design and am always inspired by the clean but playful aesthetic. If I were to name just one designer I’d have to mention Lotta Jansdotter. I adore the organic, free-form designs that she creates. It was through one of her printing books that I was re-introduced to block-printing.

3. What are 3 of your favorite items from your shop? I would have to start with my Simple List Tea Towel. It is an all-cotton tea towel with vintage inspired red stripes printed with Modern Text that reads: List: milk, eggs, bread, love, laughter

I love it because it represents the idea of being happy with living simply & lovely by surrounding yourself with lots of love and laughter and very little unnecessary material items.

I also love my “rise.drink. shine” mug. The clean, simple black and white aesthetic really appeals to me. Plus one of my favorite things in the morning is waking up really early while it’s still quiet, and pouring myself a cup of coffee. This makes me happy and definitely able to shine for the rest of the day. Well, at least most days. ;)

The third item is actually a holiday item. It’s my Modern Holiday Garland. This is my loose (very loose) interpretation of perfectly, imperfect stockings for the holidays. They aren’t actually stockings but strips of wool felt that are adorned with strips of linen hand printed with sweet sentiments for the holidays. Each “stocking” is hung with the most adorable teeny
tiny clothespins! I think it’s very sweet.

I have to admit I made one for myself last year and actually kept it up for much longer than probably was acceptable. I just loved the soft colors and the feeling it conveyed for me in my home.

4. Where do you see yourself and your shop at this time next year? My ambitions are pretty simple. Like so many other artists I’d like to make a living doing what I love. I want to be able to continue to grow my business organically and authentically.

I love what I do and I’m confident that as time goes on I will get busier and more demands will be placed on my time. Yet, my family is my priority. I strive to grow my business in a way that allows me to be creative and successful. At the same time, I don’t want my business to get so big that my life priorities become unbalanced. Being successful to me doesn’t necessarily mean making a ton of money but rather making an amount of money that I am comfortable with and that can help sustain my business & lifestyle, yet still allows me the time for the other parts of my life that make me happy too. I’m so excited to see where this creative journey leads me!

5. What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring small shop / handmade shop
owners? I feel like such a “newbie” myself so I have to admit it feels strange giving advice. However, I would definitely say not to rush things but be comfortable growing your business in a pace that you feel comfortable with. I think so often we see other folks gaining success and wish to have the same. Yet, we fail to realize that that person’s success probably didn’t happen overnight. It takes a great deal of time, commitment and plain hard-work to have a successful, sustainable business.

The other important piece of advice that I wish I had known from the beginning is making sure that handmade businesses are pricing their products for profit. You will hear that a lot in the handmade circles but it is so true yet so many folks are still under pricing and in turn, under-valuing their work. It really hurts everyone in the long run and isn’t a smart way to run your business. In fact, if you aren’t pricing for profit than you don’t really have a business but a hobby.

I think it is so important to move away from this mind-set that handmade means “cheap” or “low-priced”. In fact, it is exactly the opposite. Handmade is not machine made. Therefore, I cannot possibly price my products the same way a big retailer would.

I’ve been working diligently over the last few months to really have a clear understanding of how much it actually costs me to make my products, run my business and actually run a business that makes a profit. I’m really excited to see more handmade businesses really talking about this issue and approaching their businesses with a sense of what they are doing is important and providing value to their customers.

This week you can enter to win

a $40 shop credit from indobay!

If it were ME, I'd get:

Oh So Poppy mug in red

Wine Gift Tags

Coming Up Roses napkins

Here's How To Win

(Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

Mandatory Entry:

You must be a follower of Why Girls Are Weird.

(comment telling me what you love from indobay)

Extra Entries:

Follow Why Girls Are Weird on Facebook and/or Twitter (1-2 entries)

Tweet and/or Blog about this giveaway (1-2 entries)

The giveaway winner will be announced

Friday November 18th.

Boudoir

2011-11-10T06:40:00.002-06:00

So last winter Ang and I decided to go on an adventure. We wanted to have a boudoir shoot done. We did some research and ended up finding Render Photography.

I will say this: I do not have the perfect body. And I know a lot of people have said, "Oh, I'd love to do a shoot after I lose X number of pounds." Let me let you in on a secret: no matter your body type, if you let boudoir make you feel sexy, you're going to feel sexy. I felt incredible during the shoot. And when I got my pictures I was SO excited and happy.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the shoot. Obviously I'm choosing some of the tamest ones. I'm not one to want nearly naked pictures of me on the internet!

If you're thinking about doing boudoir, my advice is GO FOR IT! You won't regret it!

All pictures taken by Render Photography.

Hair and Makeup by Stephanie Vick of Tailored Memories.

If you would like any information on boudoir or

the vendors I used, please feel free to email me.

Beautiful

2011-11-09T06:22:00.000-06:00

Have you ever had someone in your life

that just makes you feel beautiful every day?

{via}

It's pretty amazing, right?

Christmas List

2011-11-08T06:48:00.000-06:00

Is it too soon to be thinking about Christmas presents?

I've already started my Christmas shopping and this year I'd like to do the bulk of it, if not all of it, on Etsy. So while I'm shopping for other people, I can't help but have a list of things that I'd love to receive this year.

Necklace Hanger Shelf

Stained Glass Butterfly

Flapper Doodle 2012 Calendar

Books and Coffee Watercolor Necklace

Yarn Wreath

Rockstar Necklace

Cherry Blossom Ring

Holly Necklace

Poppy Corsage

A Custom Aisle to Aloha Paintng

So what about you, do you have a Christmas list yet? What are you wishing for?

Where Did The Weekend Go?

2011-11-07T06:31:00.000-06:00

{via}

What a weekend! I am TIRED. I worked from 5 to midnight on Friday (way past this girl's bedtime), 11 to 7 on Saturday and then 8 to 2 on Sunday. Not to mention the fact that I totally forgot about Daylight Savings. This weekend left me all sorts of messed up!

Add to the work schedule the fact that I had lots of homework AND I'm getting a little behind in NaNo and lets just say I'm a little stressed. Eek!

So I talked with my parents about the whole situation with Ryan. And now I get to move down to his apartment and he'll be up here. I have no say whatsoever because I don't pay as much in rent as he does. But I'm upset. I have no idea where all my furniture is supposed to go because his apartment is half the size of up here. And I feel like he's being rewarded for throwing a party and keeping me up all night. I'm trying to be positive about the move. The apartment is more private and utilities are a lot cheaper. Plus it stays warmer down there in the winter and cooler in the summer. Still. I'm frustrated. It's just a sad situation and I got the short end of the stick.

Luckily for me I had some phone calls over the weekend that made me smile. And text messages from one of my blogging besties that totally made me happy. So at least I have good friends to keep me going!

This week my only plan is to get homework done ahead of time and try to keep up in NaNo. Should be simple, right?

How was your weekend?

Storytelling in 30 Photos ~ Photo Twenty Seven

2011-11-06T06:11:00.000-06:00

27. A picture from the best days of your life.

Youth in Government were some of my very favorite days. It was a place where I learned to be outspoken, where I discovered a love for state politics and where I met some really amazing people. I got so little sleep during YIG weekends, almost always cried, at way too much junk food and none of the bills I wrote ever did actually get passed. But I look back on those times with such a huge smile on my face. If I could go back in time I'd go back to YIG.

Happy Saturday V7.8

2011-11-05T06:45:00.000-05:00

{via}

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. Caramel apple cider

2. Making a big announcement on Twitter

3. Late night conversations

4. Bones is back

5. Being told I'm beautiful

6. My amazing boudoir pictures

7. Writing

8. Christmas music

9. A new sweater for Monte

10. Finding happiness for myself

Keep Warm, Look Snazzy Scarf Swap Link Up

2011-11-04T06:44:00.006-05:00

First of all, I want to thank everyone that entered the Keep Warm, Look Snazzy Scarf Swap! I had such a fun time pairing people up and getting your tweets and emails about all the excitement!

I paired everyone up randomly and was really excited when I found out that my partner was Blair of Wild and Precious. Blair's blog is so fun to read and her baby Magnolia is such a cutie pie (not to mention I adore her name)! When Blair's package arrived in the mail I was so excited to tear it open that I forgot to take pictures of the actual box. Oops!

My swap goodies

Caramel apple cider and a delicious smelling candle


A mug to add to my ever growing collection

My beautiful scarf

Blair, you were such a fun partner to have and I hope you liked your package of goodies as much as I love mine!

NaNoWriMo Begins

2011-11-03T06:07:00.001-05:00

Wow.

Novembe 3rd.

Despite certain issues in my personal life, it's time for NaNoWriMo. The word count widget isn't working yet but right now I am ahead of schedule, yay!

One of the things I adore about NaNo is that it inspires creativity and pushes you to work on your goals. I love to write but I often find that life can easily get in the way of that. And as much as I love to use blogging as a creative outlet I feel like I have these characters and stories in my head that need to be told.

Because I think that NaNo is so worthwhile I am once again fundraising this year as well as writing. Last year I was able to raise over $100 and this year I'm passionate about raising even more.

Every dollar raised goes to a nonprofit charity called The Office of Letters and Light. These donations to The Office of Letters and Light help to bring free creative writing programs for kids and adults in over 500 cities and towns, 3,000 classrooms and 200 libraries every year.

I'm hoping that you all could help me raise money so that we can get these free creative writing programs to as many people as possible. Even if you can only donate $1, every cent is appreciated.

If you'd like to donate,

please check out my Fundraising Page.

Remember, every penny counts!

P.S. I dropped a major bomb on Twitter last night. If you don't follow me or weren't around for the news feel free to DM me or email me and I'll let you know what's up!

Crossroads

2011-11-02T06:48:00.004-05:00

Yesterday my dad and I managed to have a phone conversation in which we didn't scream at each other. Which never happens. However, at the end of it I was basically told to either apologize to my brother or I'm pretty much out of the house. And I know maybe the smart thing to do would be to suck it up and apologize. Except how can I do that when I don't feel like I did anything wrong? When no one will listen to me and no one sees the HUGE double standards going on? It isn't FAIR. And that is how it always is.

Ryan and I are supposed to talk on Thursday night. I need some time to cool down from all of this. But I just don't know what I can say.

I don't want to be forced to move out. I don't want to lose my family. But I'm so tired of being made to feel like I'm a bad person because I don't fit my family's mold. I'm tired of my parents thinking my brother is this amazing, perfect person because he made life choices that are in line with what my parents think life should be all about.

So. I feel stuck. And I don't know what is going to happen.

In the meantime, I owe all of you an IMMENSE thank you. Your outpouring of comments, tweets, emails and texts have just been amazing. I have never felt so loved. And it came at a time when I was so in need. Heck, some of you offered me places to stay and that just... I don't even know how to say thank you for that. Many of you I have never met in person. And yet I feel like I have such a support system in all of you. And that is amazing.

I will keep posting on how things go. Until then, once more, thank you.

P.S. The winner of the Dodeline Design giveaway is Bree of Simply.Girly. Bree, please email me! Thanks to everyone that entered!

The Fall

2011-11-01T08:42:00.002-05:00

I have always been honest here. Maybe sometimes too honest. I don't know. I've posted about things that have gotten me into trouble because some people believe that certain things should be kept private. Except that I've always hoped that maybe something I've posted about will help someone else and maybe they won't have to go through what I've gone through.

And so I'm writing these words and I'll be sending them out to the internet for everyone to see.

I'm being asked to leave the house I live in. By my parents.

It's a long story. It basically involves my brother and me. He lives here too, downstairs. And this weekend we both did and said things that were out of line. And yet he is the one that went to our parents. And I am the one being told that everything that happened was my fault, that I am a bad person, that I am no longer part of the family.

I have less than a month to pack up my things and find somewhere to go. And being that I am also currently going through a divorce I honestly don't have the money or means to find somewhere and live by myself. I don't know what to do. I feel like my entire life is crumbling right before my eyes.

If my family reads this I will probably end up getting more backlash for airing dirty laundry on the internet. But I just don't know that I care anymore. They've made me out to be this absolutely horrible person. They've made me feel like I don't deserve anything good in life. So why should I care anymore what I say or who I say it to or how I say it? I'm already just as horrible as a serial killer in their eyes. So what does it matter?

Is this rock bottom? God I hope so. I'm not sure I can imagine how much further I can fall.

broken

2011-10-31T06:08:00.004-05:00

You know what? I have a lot of people hanging around me that act as if I need to bow my head and take whatever I'm given and just keep quiet and that's that.

Guess what? I'm not making apologies for who I am. I like to go to sleep early and I like it to be quiet. I cry a lot and get emotional. I don't believe that everyone has a clear life plan and what is good for one person is not necessarily good for EVERY person.

I make mistakes. Sometimes I laugh too loud. I speak before I think. I put my trust in some people that maybe don't deserve it but I want to believe that most people are good at heart. I believe that if you know you're right then you should stick to your guns even if you have people, people that you love, telling you you're wrong.

Right now I feel absolutely alone. I'm not even writing this to get sympathy. I don't want anyone to feel sympathetic for me. I'm just stating a fact. I feel alone. There are so many people that I thought had my back and loved me and I'm finding out that all of that was conditional. On the condition that I keep my mouth shut. On the condition that I live my life on their terms and not my own terms.

I keep thinking that I've hit my lowest point and then something else happens that pushes me down even further. And I keep wondering what else I'm going to have to endure. I realize that some people have it worse. But I'm the only one having to deal with MY life. And right now my life is making me hurt.

I just wish I could see into the future so I could see when I will find some happiness again. I wish I could see when the hurt stops coming. I wish I could see when I stop losing people that I thought would always love and care for me.

I write this with such a heavy heart. I don't want to write these sad posts. I want to be strong and I want to be the girl that believes everything happens for a reason and I want to smile through the pain and remind myself that it could be so much worse. But I just can't.

I think I'm broken. And I have no idea if I can be fixed.

Storytelling in 30 Photos ~ Photo Twenty Six

2011-10-30T06:14:00.000-05:00

23. A picture of my parents at my age.

I'm not sure how old exactly my mom was in this pic but she had both me and my brother by the time she was my age so there ya go. Unfortunately I couldn't find any pics of my dad... sorry Dad! My cousin actually posted this pic on Facebook and said the date was in 1993 which would have made my brother 8 or so. So my mom was probably a smidge older than I am now. Wasn't she pretty?

Happy Saturday V7.7

2011-10-29T06:48:00.000-05:00

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. Coffee

2. My new HSI flat iron

3. My white headboard (so much better than gaudy gold)

4. Amazing blog friends

5. Thinking about my new tat

6. Starting my Christmas shopping

7. *N SYNC Christmas CD (don't hate!)

8. Paranormal Activity 3 (SO SCARY!)

9. Olive Garden breadsticks

10. Gearing up for NaNoWriMo

Fill in the Blanks and Lucy

2011-10-28T06:05:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Today I am playing along with the little things we do's Fill in the Blank Friday! Enjoy!

1. When I was a kid I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up.

2. As an adult, my dream job would be a published author.

3. When I was younger I wanted to be just like my parents.

4. The childhood Halloween costume that I remember most was when I was a cheerleader. I love the pom poms.

5. My favorite childhood toy was either Barbies or My Little Ponies.

6. The time I got into the biggest amount of trouble when I was a kid was when I tattled on my brother for swearing and... swearing in the process.

7. I get daily inspiration from bloggers. You all rock my socks!

Before I go, my parents' dog Lucy had to have surgery yesterday. She couldn't go to the bathroom and the vet had to remove stones from inside her. She's doing okay but please keep Lucy in your thoughts so she gets better really fast!

Happy Friday all!

Crank

2011-10-27T09:14:00.000-05:00

Guys...

I'm feeling really cranky today.

I know some of you say that my Happy Saturday lists help make you happy.

So I'm hoping today you all can tell me some things making YOU happy.

I need a pick me up!

And... go!

NaNoWriMo

2011-10-26T06:55:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness. At this time next week NaNoWriMo will have started! I'm super excited and a smidge nervous.

NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month and this year will be my 4th year participating. The name of the game is to write 50,000 words during the month of November. That averages out to about 1667 words a day. You don't edit. You don't even really need an outline. It's down and dirty writing to get the juices flowing.

I've been working a little thus far on character development and a slight outline just so that I feel a little more in control but really I don't have a clear idea of what I'll be writing about. I know it'll be young adult fiction and I know who my main characters are but otherwise I'll be developing the story as I go alone. And hopefully I'll be able to keep up!

I'll be keeping an updated word count here and if you're doing NaNo please find me so we can be writing buddies!

Happy writing!

Do You Like Scary Movies?

2011-10-25T06:36:00.000-05:00

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When I was younger I LOVED scary movies. Loved. I was under the age of 10 the first time I saw Poltergeist and it is still one of my favorite scary movies. Every Friday when I was growing up my family would have pizza for dinner and then my brother and I would go with my dad to the video store for movies and I always wanted something from the horror section.

I still love scary movies today but I find that the older I get the more freaked out I get. When I was Paranormal Activity I didn't sleep for a night and for a few nights after that I had a hard time closing my eyes. And I saw The Strangers in theaters and immediately called my parents after and told them I couldn't come to their house for awhile because the movie was set in the middle of nowhere and they live in the middle of nowhere.

This weekend I watched Paranormal Activity 2 and The Strangers. The former was to prepare for seeing Paranormal Activity 3 and the latter was because I hadn't seen it since it was in theaters. I jumped through both of them and with The Strangers I think there were a few points in which I actually covered my eyes.

And Paranormal Activity 3? Forget about it. I had several jump moments, several, "Oh no no no!" moments and they weren't kidding when they said the last 15 minutes would mess up your life. I was squirming in my seat by the end. And I loved every single minute of it. I may scare more easily but I still love it.

How about you? What's your favorite scary movie?

Dodeline Design Giveaway

2011-10-24T06:11:00.000-05:00

When Sarah Early, a blogger who is the brains behind Dodeline Design, did a post on her blog about some amazing planners that she'd made I was hooked. I ADORE planners and hers are so darn cute. Someone needs to get me one for Christmas.

I immediately posted on Sarah's blog and told her I wanted to do a giveaway because one of my readers NEEDED to win one of her planners. Sarah loved the idea and so today I bring you a super fun giveaway!

shop // twitter // facebook

Dodeline Design features all kinds of pretty paper items, including custom invitations, notebooks and cards. On top of that, Dodeline also does web design and graphic design. Wow, I get tired just thinking about all that!

And today you can all enter to win one of the items from Dodeline Design that I totally covet. A lovely planner to keep track of your busy schedules! Can I enter my own giveaway?

Here's How To Win

(Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

Mandatory Entry:

You must be a follower of Why Girls Are Weird.

(comment telling me what you love from Dodeline Design)

Extra Entries:

Follow Why Girls Are Weird on Facebook and/or Twitter (1-2 entries)
Follow Dodeline Design on Facebook and/or Twitter (1-2 entries)

Tweet and/or Blog about this giveaway (1-2 entries)

The giveaway winner will be announced

Monday October 31st.

Storytelling in 30 Photos ~ Photo Twenty Five

2011-10-23T06:20:00.000-05:00

25. Latest picture of myself

This is another pic of me from after last week's photo shoot. Oh my gosh, it's been a week and already I'm itching to see the final product. To any of you debating whether or not to do a boudoir shoot I say DO IT. It is s freeing and makes you feel amazing about your body, whatever your body type. And in fact, I would love to do another one. Wouldn't a pin up shoot be fun?

Happy Saturday V7.6

2011-10-22T06:08:00.001-05:00

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. My fireplace

2. Carving pumpkins

3. Pumpkin pie

4. Getting my hair trimmed

5. Pretty Little Liars

6. New (to me) furniture

7. Getting an AMAZING deal at Old Navy

8. My new bed

9. Trailers for Breaking Dawn

10. Monte

When Life Hands You Lemons

2011-10-21T06:50:00.006-05:00

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Okay, I had a lot of responses to my tattoo situation and I wanted to kind of update you all on it. I think what I've decided is to cover it with either the word Strength or Courage. The reason I'm opting to cover rather than remove is because I don't want to act like my marriage (and the tattoo) never happened. I got married. I'm getting divorced. I learned a lot and I can't deny the bad OR good that came of it. So covering it, to me, seems like the best way to go. I plan on going to the same shop that I went to get the original tat and see what the artist can do for me. So I'll keep you all updated!

Otherwise, divorce-wise I'm doing okay. We're filing tomorrow so then it's just a waiting game. I've mostly been okay about it. I know in my heart it's the right thing to do. Sometimes I get sad. It's hard not to when you planned a future with someone and then suddenly that future is snuffed out. And I'm feeling really rejected by my in-laws. I understand that they're trying to "be on Dustin's side" about this but I guess I just hoped that in all the time I've been with Dustin they would have cared enough for me to at least make sure I'm okay too. It's most sad because I haven't talked to Taryn, my sister-in-law, since we announced what was going on. She was like an honest to goodness sister to me so I feel that absense nearly as much as Dustin's. But I'm trying to be strong and remind myself that these things take time.

Also, yesterday I found out that a regular at my restaurant died. He was older and in poor health so in a way it's not a shock but still sad. He's been coming in for YEARS and every time he was there when I worked he asked how I was and was always sweet. So it's sad. Please if you all could keep his family in your thoughts that would be great.

And FINALLY, this weekend. I close tonight but then I have Saturday, Sunday and Monday off. I'll be busy carving pumpkins, watching scary movies, drinking coffee with Bailey's and eating beef stew. Oh and hopefully spray painting the ugly gold headboard my parents gave me so it doesn't look ugly anymore! Plus the weather is supposed to be gorgeous which is also exciting.

So that's about all! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and a happy Friday!

P.S. The winner of the $15 Jenna Lou Designs shop credit is Laura from Gringation's Blog! Laura, please email me so you can claim your prize!