Short Video Blog - Regional Dialect Survey! =)

Hey Everyone! I was reading blogs when I stumbled upon Arielle at Humble Pie Vintage. She did a regional dialect survey and I had to do it too! Please forgive that I said, Humble Vintage. It's Humble Pie Vintage. =) Oh and yes I sound like I'm from New Jersey but I'm actually a New Yorker. =)

Regional Dialect Meme:

Say these words:

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

Now answer these questions:

What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?
What is the bug that when you touch it, it curls into a ball?
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 change the TV channel with?

Please Enjoy!! =)

Becoming a Writer...A Process...

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As I flipped through some old notebooks and papers to organize my apartment I found more of my zombie novel that has taken a BIG back seat in my life. I think all the cupcakes replaced it... Have I mentioned my zombie novel idea before?  I'm not exactly sure... Probably just in passing...

This zombie project/novel is something I started writing I'd say 5 years ago. Unlike my untitled mini vampire story that you can read HERE so far... I am not going to post my zombie novel on my blog. I will write about it from time to time though. The poor thing is all in pieces strewn all over my current computer, my last computer, my work computer, and a few dribs and drabs I've scribbled over the years tucked away in folders and binders. In the beginning I was hoping to write a whole bunch of scenes and then weave them together, but easier said than done.  It is everywhere and no where near finished. This is completely my own fault too and I take full responsibility. 

Please remember that 5 years ago when I started The Walking Dead, Warm Bodies, or Zombieland did not exist yet in the major public eye. Also there was no guy named Nick on New Girl who is writing a zombie novel too. Vampires were all the rage and zombies were not mainstream. I didn't get the idea to copy and revamp an already pre-existing movie or idea either. I got the idea from my Mom's old job that was sold and it just so happened I had been hired to help "Finish" the work. Every month or so, the company let go department after department...person after person. I would pass the empty cubicles and I started to notice that the "Let Go" employees had left so much stuff!! One woman left her checkbook, another man left an extra tie in his desk drawer, and people left all their loose change, CHECKBOOKS EVEN, and money stashes. It was incredible what they left as if they were coming back. It was like as if there was a zombie attack and no one was ready for it.  Let's just say this event sparked my imagination. 

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But I'm not a writer. I'm definitely a reader, but not a writer...or am I? I love making my blog posts and putting thought provoking content here, but DOES it make me a writer? Maybe my tendency to create haphazard snippets is because I have a Math degree and not a professional writing background? Maybe my inexperience with writing novels or lack of acknowledgement that I am in fact a writer holding me back? I'm not sure yet...

 I have a dream of one day to have a complete medium length short story or book that someone, even if it is on here, to say, "Omg I really enjoyed your book. When is the next one?" It is a dream I hold dear to my heart and I hope with these first steps of identifying whether or not I am a writer will move me  forward with my goals. 

So please...Help me out here...

Do you Believe Lifestyle Bloggers are Writers?

I'd love to hear your thoughts..

52 Lists // Week Eight - List Your Favorite Music Albums!

MOOREASEAL'S 52 Lists Project - Week 8

This week's 52 Lists, Week 8 from MOOREASEAL'S  project I think is my absolute favorite. I had so much fun finding all my favorites! Music makes my world go round and I just love to rock it out! I sing in my car ALWAYS, I sometimes sing in the shower, and my ipod is jam packed with songs from all over the place. When people ask me "What type of music I like?" I usually tell them to sit down and ask them if they an hour or so to listen because there is just so much music that I like! I also feel that music can tell you SOO much about a person too. But seriously if you love music, you rock in my book! =)

But I never realized how hard it was to actually list out albums these days... Apparently I am a big fan of the One-Hit-Wonders, not the movie, the genre of music. Those bands that obliterate all the competition with one awesome song and then fade away to never be heard from again. Perfect example..."Take on Me" by Aha or "Take my Picture" by Filter. No one knows anything else from either of them, yet they are two of my favorite songs, so I wouldn't list their albums as my favorites because I don't know anything else by them. The albums I am about to list here will be the ones where I just love almost every song and others have found a lil place in my heart that I always will have to crank up the volume if I hear them. 

Here are some of my Week 8 List of my favorite albums AND  my boyfriend Craig has actually decided to join me on this lil list adventure because he is my favorite music man. His list will be last! =) 

Just to name a few of my favorite Albums...

My List #1

(Left to Right)

 Evanescence - "Fallen" |  Muse - "Absolution" | No Doubt - "Tragic Kingdom" | 

The Birthday Massacre - "Walking with Strangers" |  Garden State Movie Soundtrack |

Alanis Morisette - "Jagged Little Pill" | Michelle Branch - "The Spirit Room" | 

Green Day - "21st Century Breakdown" | Amy Winehouse - "Back to Black" | Adele - "21" |

Savage Garden - "Savage Garden" | Maroon 5 - "Songs about Jane" |

My List #2

(Left to Right)

Florence + The Machine - "Lungs" | Pink - "Greatest Hits So Far" | Spice Girls - "Spice Girls" |

Matchbox 20 - "Yourself or Someone Like You" | Eve 6 - "Eve 6" | Weezer - ALL SONGS |

Lady Gaga - "The Fame Monster" | Chicago Movie Soundtrack |
Moulin Rouge Movie soundtrack | 10 Things I Hate About You Movie Soundtrack |
Pat Benatar - "Greatest Hits" | Fall Out Boy - "From Under the Cork Tree"

My List #3

(Left to Right)

Backstreet Boys - "Backstreet's Back" | Johnny Cash - "Greatest Hits" | 

The Cars - "The Very Best of The Cars" | Madonna - "Confessions on a Dance Floor" |

Queen of the Damned Soundtrack | Sixpence None the Richer - All Albums

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - "Greatest Hits" | Hole - "Live Through This" |

Lesley Gore - "Great Hits" | Alice in Videoland - "Outrageous" | Offspring - "Americana"

Goo Goo Dolls - "Greatest Hits"

My amazing boyfriend Craig would also like to share his list too...

~ CRAIG'S LIST OF HIS TOP FAVORITE ALBUMS ~

(Left to Right)

(Left to Right)Bush - "Sixteen Stone" | Green Day - "Dookie" | Eve 6 - "Horrorscope" |

Silverchair - "Frogstomp" | Beastie Boys - "Ill Communication" | Jack Johnson - "On and On" |

Nirvana -""Incesticide" | Rancid - "Life Won't Wait" | Social Distortion - "Greatest Hits" |

Smashing Pumpkins - "Siamese Dream" | The Clash - "The Essential Clash" | 

The Kinks - "Greatest Hits" |

I hope Craig will like to join in again soon!! 

Well those are some of mine and my boyfriends favorite albums! I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about me too! =)

What are some of your Favorite Albums? 

If you like these lists, go check out MOOREASEAL's 52 List Project! =)

Your Buttons and Blogs! Let Me Know About You!

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I just think this meme is hilarious & ever so true!!!!

Hi Everyone, it's Chloe and I just wanted to write a quick post about bringing a little more life and energy to my blog, Ergo. This is such a great journey I'm on and I am so happy to share my life experiences with all of you and hear such positive feedback. Thank you!!! =) 

So...I've decided to start really building up my lil Blog Roll page and I would love to add you! It is so hard to find great bloggers sometimes and having your button or link out there really helps. I'm still new at all of this, so this is all FREE and I just want to get your blog out there to perhaps a different audience in the world as well. =) 

Currently I don't have a button but, that doesn't mean I can't put yours out there! 

So please leave a comment stating that you have a button or if you would like me to list your awesome blog out there! =)

Oh and the Winner to my $25 Starbucks Giveaway is  the #17 comment, Rowena from the blog Rolola Loves! Please send me your information so I can mail you the card! =) Thank you all who joined in!

I hope everyone is having a great day and I'll be back later with my the next list from the 52 Lists Project I'm partaking in! =) Until later...

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It's Not the Years It's the Mileage...

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Today was a productive Monday, but alas a pretty boring one. I sent my emails, sent out my marketing analyst worksheets, and listened to my ipod to drown out office noise. Yes, noise. There is NO reason for people to blow their nose like an elephant and whistle and sing and...let's just say my cubicle walls are not sound proof or high enough. I spent most of the day in my head, dreaming of what dress I would choose if I ever went to the Oscars. I would definitely though have a dress train attachment for my hand. It might look stupid and get me a D rating but I'm sure I'd rock it. Anywho...

But like many other days, this morning I noticed a slight change in me that I'm not sure if I want to embrace yet. A few strands of my 27 year old head are becoming rebels and choosing white/gray as their color to wear. I am NO stranger to getting older, but I'm only 27!! Come on! My parents are 66 and 61 and they only started going gray & stark white in their late 40's. But alas, at 27 I'm seeing the strands weaving their sneaky way in. I...Hmm...I don't think I'm ready to have grays or whites yet. Hmm...Or should I embrace it?

An ex-friend of mine named Debra used to dye her hair every few months at a salon to keep her faux blonde streaks in her brown hair, but when she reached 24 she had to go back to her brown hair because her bangs and front strands of hair were turning white. She asked 24 year old me if she should color them or leave them because she felt it made her look wiser and more interesting. I think I remember telling her to dye them because she was too young to rock the gray. It was so haphazard on her that it didn't look good or perhaps I just wanted to see it not look good because it would in fact mean, high school and college was over and real life had begun. Perhaps...

I'm trying so hard to be an adult these days and put one foot before the other, but I'm not sure if I can handle the responsibility of having white hair. I was at a girl's night a few weeks ago and one of my younger friends asked me all these relationship questions and career questions and I just stuttered all my answers. Being older they thought I would know so many "things" and I think one of them was a little disappointed I couldn't give her an direct "this is what you need to do" answer for something that I should know because of my age. I felt bad but I told her ask me again when I was 30...but can you really put an age on something like this? I don't know...

Maybe I'm just freaking out over a few white hairs and making it more than it is, but it's symbolizing a whole heck of a lot for me. I'm in the last age I can say that I'm in my mid 20's. Yeesh, okay I think I am going too deep. I'm going stop here where I still make sense, hopefully!

When Did You Go White or Gray Haired? Did you Keep it or Dye it? 
Did You feel Different Upon making the Discovery? 

I'd love to hear...

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I Can't Cook...So I Go to Free Williams Sonoma Demos!

Collage #1 from William's Sonoma Demo

Williams Sonoma + Free Demo + Ravioli Making Tips = Happy Chloe. 

Yesterday I went to a FREE, yes emphasis on the word free, demo on how to make HOMEMADE RAVIOLIS at my local Williams Sonoma store. I used to go demos all the time years ago, but alas the store located in my mall closed. BUT!! I found another one even closer to my home and it was such a great little experience I had to write about it.

Each Saturday or Sunday depending on state laws what's left of the Williams Sonoma stores hold demos about certain cooking techniques or recipes. They supply a handout with some recipes and for the next hour they demo the recipe with expert advice and tips. I personally had never made raviolis, only bought store bought, so I was very intrigued by this opportunity. However, rose colored glasses off, these lil things are a lot of work...but paired with homemade pasta (I've never tried that either) and some homemade sauce they were so delicious. I even asked for a second helping! 

Collage #2 from Williams Sonoma Demo...The stretching of the pasta and the filling...The lil boy behind the kitchenAid was too funny...He looked so entranced by the pasta...

The recipe used for the homemade Pasta via Williams Sonoma : Fresh Pasta

The recipe for the Ravioli filling via Williams Sonoma: Ricotta & Herb Ravioli Filling

(FYI - William's Sonoma has such a great recipe library on their website for tons of different dishes as well)

The instructor demoed everything from the homemade pasta to making a quick sauce. She showed us how to stretch out the fresh pasta with an attachment for the kitchenAid, which is now on my Christmas list! She made the ravioli filling and proceeded to create each mini piece. 

Collage #3 from the Williams Sonoma Demo...Finishing Preparing the Raviolis

I wish I could go into detail but the recipe honestly states exactly what to do. What I will share is the EXTRA TIPS & ADVICE the instructor cared to share! 

1.) Use rich in flavor ingredients for the Ravioli Filling. It's a lot of work so make sure to taste the mixture (before adding an egg) to ensure great flavor!

2.) It is okay to add more cheese then the allotted recipe amount. If it tastes good, why not? 

3.) If you are adding a "Meat or Seafood" filling, be sure to COOK IT FIRST before adding it as a filling. There is not enough time for the meat or seafood to cook, because the raviolis are done within minutes. 

4.) You can use a plain old biscuit cutter to cut around the raviolis or use a ravioli press to separate each ravioli. 

5.) An Extra Step: After wetting the first layer of pasta with a little water around the filling, place the second fresh pasta sheet over the filling. She pushed gently around each filling with her fingers to ensure the two pasta sheets have molded together around the filling. It is important to try and eliminate extra air in the filling pocket.

6.) The instructor used a fork to press the edges of the closed ravioli - she said to make sure NOT TO PIERCE THE FILLED PART. It will destroy the ravioli. 

The finished Raviolis!

This was so much fun and I can't wait to see what new demos they will have going forward. As a bonus for attending the demo, I received a ticket for 10% off all my purchases in that day so I ordered a Ravioli Maker with Rolling Pin! Hopefully I will be trying these out for myself SOON!! =) 

Have Any of You Ever Made Your Own Raviolis? 

Was it Fun or Too Much Work?

I'd love to hear!!

*All photos in this post were taken by me. Thank you. 

YUMMY!!!! I ATE IT ALL!

My Cupcake Class & A Mini Wish List

One of my sunflower cupcakes...

Since I've started blogging I have mentioned that I have been teaching a cupcake decorating class at nights at my old high school's adult education program. I've taught for three semesters in a row and it has been such a rewarding and wonderful experience.  Decorating cupcakes is one of my bigger hobbies and it really has become a big part of my life. Today I got a letter I was really upset to get. What would have been my spring semester class to teach is not going to be running due to insufficient enrollment.  There was only two people signed up and I needed at least 5 for it to run. I would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't bummed out. It used to be a nice relaxing outlet for 8 awesome Wednesday nights and I was all ready to rock out with my new KitchenAid. Le sigh...

On a positive note...The administration promised they wouldn't forget about me and my little class, so they assured me they would ask me to teach in the Fall.  My mom was upset too, because it was her class before me, but there is more light at the end of the tunnel. My Mom and I have decided that every two or three weeks we are just going to bake cupcakes together and try to advance my techniques and my skills for the next semester. Maybe even use fondant!!  Also I can share with all of you my progress. Also the Cake Boss, famous "Buddy" just opened up another bakery near my job and I'm going to see if I can take a class or two if he is offering to learn yet more skills. I maybe out of the game for a little while, but I will NOT GIVE UP!!! I love cupcake decorating WAYY too much!

I wish I could go on a Retail Therapy Trip to feel better, but alas I'm still budgeting, happily though! I have continued putting aside at least $25 per month for my 2013 Christmas budget and already have saved $60 towards it. This is money I cannot touch unless it is for Christmas presents. I refuse to scramble in December for extra cash again! 

But...If I was to go on a retail therapy binge I would want the following items! 

My Wish List

1. Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake Kindle case - $15.95

(Shh...I would use it for my Nook)

2.  Handpainted Florie Measuring Spoons - Anthropologie - $18

3. Ceramic Bowl in Black and White Hearts - RossLab - $28

4. Tiger Animal Pillow, Organic, Screen printed, Jungle Decor - Sass & Peril - $40

5. 3-Pieces Heart Shaped Cookie Cutters - Crate & Barrel - On Sale - $2.50

I picked up the bear from my last wish list...I think I'm going to pick up the heart cookie cutters tomorrow. They are only $2.50 and completely within my Fun Miscellaneous Purchases Budget. When I do wish lists I think I'm going to always try to get the items under $50 just in case something grabs someone else's eye too! =) 

I hope you all are having a goodnight! Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday!!! Whew! 

Living Together + Making A Menu?!?!?

Source - "101 Cookbooks "A Recipe Journal" - Stuffed Shells Recipe

I wish I had faster hands or faster reflexes to grab my camera at mini moments of success and pure awesomeness. Tonight I made stuffed shells FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER and it was a total SUCCESS!! I combined the 101 Cookbooks recipe & the recipe on the side of the Barrilla jumbo shells pasta box, with the slight addition of dried rosemary spices for a little kick. I wish I had grabbed that camera before my boyfriend and I scooped up some hefty yummy helpings, but alas I got so caught up in the moment it slipped my mind. However actually sitting next to my boyfriend Craig and hearing that mmmhmmmm sound and his eyes close from deliciousness, was priceless. The sloppy kiss too was worth every un-photographed moment.

Tonight also marks the midway into the third week of living together in a tiny studio apartment and something had to change. We both knew something was becoming an issue. Over the weekend, we bit the bullet and discussed the "Dinner" Topic. Yes the pizza deal down the street of a Large Pizza Pie & wings is convenient, the box of Kraft macaroni and cheese dinner entree is junk food fantastic, and tacos are easy...but with my new healthy way of thinking & pursuit to save money, we knew once the present boxes and leftovers were completed it was the final goodbye for awhile. This all sounds easier than done because in this revelation there encounters another problem.

Craig and I don't like the same foods at all...

If I could I would put pesto on everything, have mushrooms as a side dish for EVERYTHING, and try every new recipe that I can get my hands on. Craig is not like that at all. He eats the same things, day in and day out, won't go near a mushroom, will only use Ragu tomato sauce, is very picky when it comes to chicken or beef, and is a "I like 'only' this brand" type of guy. I love him, don't get me wrong, but he can be a pain in the ass. It's okay though for me to say because he admits too. 

So what to do? 

Slowly but surely I have been trying out new recipes that fit BOTH our likes and are going to begin to create a menu for us to follow. Last Saturday I hesitantly made chicken for dinner with Progresso's Lemon Pepper Panko seasoning for the first time for Craig. I'm not a well-rounded cook, so it took quite a while to fry and season. He took a bite and then said, "Chloe...you are going hate me." I freaked in my head for a second and asked why? He responded, "Because I may ask you to make this every night. This is so good!!" At first I thought he was kidding, but after two helpings and him asking if he could take the rest for lunch on Monday I knew he liked it. One item for the menu and now I have two items he likes with the stuffed shells...whew!

If You Live With Your Significant Other, How Do You Handle the "DINNER" Options?

Do You Create & Follow Menus or Wing it? 

I think I might try this next...

Tomato Basil Pizza on Whole Wheat Crust

52 Lists: Week Seven - List the Things That Make You Feel Healthy

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So what happens on a Tuesday where you are bouncing in your seat waiting for the perfect list maker to update her blog project and then you realize you forgot your notebook where you have dedicatedly written your previous lists at home? You use what is at hand in your little cubicle world...Post-its. No I cannot stake claim for inventing these awesome things and I promise not to stake claim to them at my 10 year high school reunion in a few months...but I have to say they can really come in handy. I used them to write this week's list...I swear my boss must think I'm nuts because I had them everywhere today!

This week's list, originating from MOOREASEAL'S 52 LISTS PROJECT, was just what I needed to write to keep up my hopes of more self progress this week. I think she read my mind just a little bit...

Snippets of my List written on Post-its...Feeling Healthy

People constantly talk about the need to lose weight, toxic relationships, and all the negatives that can turn your day sour. I'll admit it...I do too. What we don't dwell on is what can make it more positive and make us feel more Healthy instead. Yes I maybe around a good solid 20 pounds overweight, but you know what? I think I'm the healthiest I've ever been in my life. I have no fear of seeing a doctor, I am actually in a positive and healthy relationship with a man who makes my heart flutter by sweet kisses on my cheek, my nails are growing, my hair is growing back from a nervous twitch I had, and I'm able to smile & laugh at a new joke. I see it as a gift...that ability to laugh and giggle like a school girl. I see health as a gift that I am very happy with right now. 

So What did I write on my List of things that make me feel healthy? 

Here are a few things...

- Drink more water

- Continuing to communicate, not fight, with my boyfriend

- Taking walks at lunch for exercise and to reboot in the sunshine ( I need to do more of this!)

- Passing by Chiptotle and Qdoba Burritos WITHOUT stopping

- I gave up soda for Lent - 

(I'm actually drinking more tea, not coffee instead!)

- Being able to resist the free goodies left in the kitchen at work

- Scheduling doctor's appointments when I'm supposed to...

- Eating less cheese...I need to work on this...

- Understanding the signals of my body...Actually eating when I'm hungry, sleeping when I'm tired, and not holding in anger when I'm furious. 

- Getting a full good night's sleep

- Take moments to not rush around all the time...chill out in one spot.

- Making Lists and checking things off of them

- Dreaming...never forgetting to dream.

- Adding a salad to every meal without adding Olives or Fattening dressing

- Cutting out processed sugar...JUST when they introduced Mega Stuff Oreos...ugh...

- Days where I laugh and smile so hard my laugh lines take longer to fade

Please feel free to check out Moorea Seal's other Week Lists and perhaps join along in the fun!

What are Things that Make You Feel Healthy? Mind, Body, & Soul...

I'd love to hear! 

Battling My Nerves & No Longer Hiding Things...A "Truth" Post.

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Hmm...How to start a post that may make me sound like I'm a crazy person? Or maybe make me more normal than I ever I thought possible? Well, I've been struggling with it all day. 2013 was and is going to be my year of big change, some of which I've already seen, and other things I have not. Some things I've mentioned here in my fairly new blog and other things I've kept to myself where I ruminate about them constantly on my drives to work and my hopefully more gym work-outs. Alright, let's dive in. 

Around September of last year I reached for my hair straightener to straighten the right side of my bangs and I realized I had nothing left to straighten. It has been pointed out to me several times that I when I'm nervous I run my hands through my hair, especially my frizzy bangs. Apparently my nerves won the battle. I can sit here until I'm blue in the face with little things that caused my nervous twitch of running my hands through my hair, but that's NOT the point of this embarrassing confession. 

Slowly put surely I noticed this morning that my bangs are FINALLY  starting to grow back after all this time has passed. I've awkwardly used bobby pins and small clips to keep the struggling broken strands at bay, but my hand didn't reach those cover-ups this Monday morning. I had enough hair on that dreaded right side of my head to straighten and it perked me up so much I literally had a little bit of a bounce to my step. I was able to stop a bad habit and move forward. Progress, even small, is progress.

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I think I hide things too well. I hid my tortured bangs from the world, I once hid growing fibroids for years in my right breast for the fear of what if, I watched enough "What Not to Wear" to know how to hide my weight issues, and I've held back on my worry that Craig and I were never going to live together (which I was proved wrong). I don't want to hide anymore.  I don't want to hide that I struggle each month to find a balance with my paycheck and my social life. I don't want to hide my hope that every time there is a big event I'm hoping Craig will propose to me. I don't want to hide that I'm making excuses for not going to the gym...I'm want to push forward with more progress than before.

Tonight I went to the gym, and before that told Craig how happy I was that he was here with me in "our" place. I printed out a recipe to try and make stuffed shells on my own later this week instead of stealing some if my Mom makes it. I'm writing in my journal each week for the 52 Lists and I feel good. I am thrilled that I have written three parts of my story for your viewing pleasure. It's all steps outside of the box...no more hiding. It feels kinda wonderful...and tomorrow is a brand new day for more progress!! *Here's Hoping*

Do you Feel like Your Hiding From the World?
I'd love to hear...

P.S. I have extended my GIVEAWAY until tomorrow...Please CLICK HERE for my Reader Appreciation $25 Gift Card Giveaway! =) 

My [Untitled] Short Story or Novel...PART III

{It's crossed my mind that I will never get my feet off the ground if I don't get these ideas out of my head and onto paper or onto this lil blog of mine. This is a story that has been in my "Saved" documents as "New Story" for months...If I have deadlines I will write more...Please join me every Sunday as I continue my tale...}

 To Read the 1st & 2nd Installment Click Here: PART I  &  PART 2

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Molly fought back to the tears, which were trying to betray her bravery, and sunk lower into the car seat. She folded her hands in her lap to calm herself and said, "Okay. Let's talk when we get inside."

Darien nodded and raised the volume of his car stereo. A few more moments of peace, he thought to himself.  

 The fluffy snow cascaded through the sky, slowly increasing speed and size. Molly's apartment was only a few more blocks and a stop light ahead. There was always extra parking for late night guests, but Molly wasn't sure how long Darien would stay. When they reached the apartment building's lot she motioned to the parking spot closest to the her door in case she kicked him out fast. 

"Wait, I'll get your door baby." Darien offered. Molly, even more confused, pursed her lips tight, and let the chivalry glide over her. Darien opened her door and took her outreached hand. He half smiled at her and winked. He brought her hand to his cold lips for a kiss. 

"Thank you Darien," Molly remarked. "Anytime." Darien replied, shutting the car door behind her. The faint sound of a second car door closing reverberated in the tiny lot. Darien let go of Molly's hand and took in his surroundings. They were the only ones outside and it sounded like just a faint echo, he thought, but Molly's apartment was in an open lot with a gated fence surrounded by trees. He doubted the echo theory for a second, but dismissed it when he heard Molly's heels galloping on the pavement. Molly's opened the main community door and they both went inside. 

Molly's apartment was on the third floor. They didn't speak down the hall, or in the elevator, or the passageway to her door.  The silence was grating on Molly's nerves that she thrusted her key into the lock, opened the door, slammed the keys in the dish by the door and turned around to face him. 

"Please tell me what we have to talk about, before I lose my fucking mind Darien. Please." She pleaded. Darien looked up at her with his blue eyes, beaming from his pale face, and tried to open his mouth to speak. His calculations were always flawless. There was one week left. 

It took Darien three strides to reach Molly and a split second more before he crushed his lips to hers. Their teeth clashed but Darien quickly pulled back so it was lips on lips again. Molly didn't want to take it, but her hands moved on their own violation up to his face, and Darien's hands moved fast to her  hips to pull her to him swiftly. Molly flattened against his hard chest, deepening the kiss that was melting her mind. Darien moaned at the feel her warm body against him. He breathed in her hot breath, so it would warm his chill. He darted his tongue out to warm itself with hers. Molly moaned at the sweet sensation his kisses always seemed to bring upon her. Darien ate that moan and pushed her back against the wall...
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The woman, who had closed her door seconds after the suspect, cursed herself for her delay. The door was supposed to slam shut at the same time, but luckily the girl he was with distracted him. She straightened her pencil skirt which had wrinkled from sitting in the car for the past hour waiting. The clip board she clutched with in her left hand had all the details and procedure to follow. This was her first escapee, and yes, she was counting. The snow flaked onto the top sheet, but she brushed it off not worrying about dampened page. All she had to do was stamp the top sheet when her task was completed. Pretty easy, she thought.

The main door of the apartment house was not locked, so literally anyone could come in. The woman flipped a few pages on clipboard to read the girl's information. Molly Edwards. Apartment 3C. She peered at the doors as she walked on the main floor seeing all the ones and assumed the 3 stood for the 3rd floor. The elevator too, did not have a passcode. This was going easier than she had anticipated. The elevator dinged three and the metal doors opened. She glanced at the two doors to her left, A & B, that means C would be to her right. Her work assigned sneakers made no sound on the tiled floor. She stepped closer to the first door on her right.

The door was gaping open when she approached it, and she saw the back of a dark-haired man leaning down, with the arms a girl moving through his hair. Awww, the woman thought. She checked her clipboard one more time for the correct apartment number, glanced at the door number, and knocked to interrupt the merriment. 

"Knock Knock...Molly Edwards' residence? Pardon me for interrupting." The couple desisted their kissing and a red mouthed girl appeared from behind the man. The woman looked her up and down, remembering her youth briefly. The clipboard in her hands brought her back. 

Befuddled, Molly answered, "Um Yes. I'm she. Can I help you, Ma'am?" Darien wiped a hand in front of his mouth and took a few short breaths from the air he stole from Molly. He could fake it for the intruder. Darien turned to see the woman at the door. 

"Ah, do you know a Darien..." The woman noticed the man, with an odd shade of blush in his cheeks for his kind, turn towards her. "Well, I think I just saw my answer. Darien Wilson, I presume? Vampire #67487367, your time is up. Please come with me." 

To be continued...

A Mini Thank You Giveway + A Few Links for the Weekend

Home-made Oreos via Snippt & Ink Blog

Hello Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day! This lil blog of mine has come a long way in the past few months so I just want you all to know how thankful I am for your wonderful comments and views.

That being said, I would love to offer one reader a $25 Starbucks Gift card!! This is not a sponsored giveaway, just a little thank you for reading and have your coffee or treats on me! =) Please be a FOLLOWER on either Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin, or Google Plus and Leave a comment telling me your favorite movie! =) This giveaway is open until Sunday, February 17th and a winner will be announced on Monday!

The giveaway is open to all U.S. readers because I think I can only buy an American dollar gift card. My sincere apologies. In the future I Promise to hold a giveaway for international readers as well! =)

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 Craig and I had a wonderful Valentine's Day at home...full of love, shrimp scampi tacos, and cuddles while watching "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." The world flew away and it was just the two of us enjoying each others' company. Tonight we are going to our favorite hibachi restaurant to celebrate a little more. =) I can't wait! In the meantime, if you are looking for something new and exciting this weekend to read...check out a few of these links!

FRIDAY LINKS

If your on a weight loss journey like me, this handy dandy guide of calories & fat content per meat source is very interesting via the Blog Infinite Life Fitness ...Blog Post:  "What is the Right Meat..."

Do you love Decor? The talented gentleman at the blog, Bright Bazaar is Publishing a Book! See his awesome video announcement Here: An Exciting Announcement from Mr. Bazaar.

Over the past week I won a giveaway sponsored by Whimsy & Juno...an Australian team of sisters and Australian Shop Owners. They have adorable things like french macaron keepsake boxes, MT masking tapes, mugs, tape holders and more! They did a blogpost about me here: "And the winner is". Please do check out their blog and shop!

Looking for some new pants? This awesome photoshoot on the blog, Freutcake, has her and her husband all dolled up in the new GAP fashions, especially the new Skimmers. Check it out here: "Styling Gap"

One of the photos from the Styling Gap Photo Shoot on Freutcake!

Additionally two new bloggers who are just kick starting their blogs have come across my path as followers so I wanted to give them a shout-out!

Wit & Wonder
San Briego

Okay everyone, Have a great weekend and Please Enter my Giveaway!! Thank you!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

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Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!! I hope you all have a little extra love in your life today! 

Craig and I are going to forgo the craziness of restaurants and theaters today and will be celebrating it tomorrow. I never thought that day 2 and a half years ago when I was waving at an old friend that I would be mistakenly seen by the man who made me believe in love again. I love him so much and every time he says it to me I light up my Christmas tree. I'm lucky and grateful to have such a wonderful man in my life. =)

I love you Craig!

Craig and me at my cousin's wedding last April.

Today somehow I have to squeeze in watching one of my favorite guilty pleasure movies...Valentine's Day. It is the ultimate of cheese and I'll admit it I cry at the wrap-ups in the end every time. I just love when Jennifer Garner is whacking the hell out of heart pinata, when the once love of "Taylors" is ridicolously played up, the old school romance of Shirley Mclaine and the matre de from Pretty Woman, and there is the cutest little boy who just loves the wrong lady. The movie makes me go awwww, makes me cry, and makes smile above all. =)

Valentine's Day (2010)

 I'll be back later today with a little surprise for all of you just because I love you too! 

Thank you all for being so kind by reading and leaving such inspiring comments these past few weeks. It has made this new blogging adventure so nice and I can't thank you enough! =)

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

52 Lists // Week Six: List The Ways In Which You Can Love Others

Reading over my list...

This week's 52 Lists, originally posted by Moorea Seal, is all about love. How perfect for this week! I have been lucky enough to have finally found my love in my life and I couldn't be happier with this upcoming holiday coming! Without further ado this is Week Six's list...

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My Handwritten List for Week 6

I am enjoying writing in my little notebook so much each week that I really have been looking forward to each new list. This is the 3rd week I've linked up and I'm already awaiting Week Seven. I have realized that cursive lowercase 'k' needs a lot of work. In my shorthand I seem to skip the the loop and it looks too much like an lowercase h. Oops...(Sorry Mrs. Sisinni (My third grade teacher) she'd be so mad at me.)

This Week's List of listing out how you can love others is something that everyone really needs to be aware of. Yes, Valentine's Day is coming up so an extra kiss or hug is given here or there, or a mini Valentine is tucked into a lunch bag...But what about all the other 364 days? What about your friends? What about your parents and family? What about the other days showing your significant other that you love them? They all need love too. 

Here are some of the ways I've listed that I can show love towards others: 

- I can lend a helping hand

- I can tell people "I love you" more

- I can call people on the phone, not just text

- I can actually send handwritten letters just because I was thinking of them

- I can make people cupcakes

- I can hold open a door

- I can smile at strangers

- I can forgive

- I can go get bacon, egg, and cheeses for Craig every Sunday

- I can "DO" the promises the I make

- I can be that shoulder to cry on

- I can never say "Never"

- I can leave meaningful comments on other people's blogs

- I can visit my family more and make the time for them

- I can give advice based on my experiences

- I can give people hugs as much as possible

- I can take my Dad to the movies more

- I can call my mother more and ask her if she needs anything while I'm at the store

- I can cuddle around Craig so he knows I've got his back and is there for him

- I can be a good listener...

I can ALSO pretend like I DIDN'T notice this photo bomb by Craig's giggling head over the side of my notebook when I was trying to take a picture for this post...That will SOOO be mentioned in my next Living Together post...

Please feel free to check out Moorea Seal's other Week Lists and perhaps join along in the fun!

HOW DO YOU SHOW LOVE TO OTHERS? 

I'd love to hear...

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"Love is all you need..."

- The Beatles

Letting Go...Or Not? A Stressed "Moving On" Post...

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"Chloe, if your going to leave, please just leave. Don't look back, just go. Trust me...If we never hear from you again, we will understand perfectly. If you do it slowly it will hurt you and us more, so please just go." 

That above quote was advice an old friend named Sean once told me that I wish I had listened to one day long ago. I knew my ex would never make me anymore than a just another doll to be played with off one of his shelves. I used to think I was the special doll because of all the times that we spent together. But one day I heard about a girl from Queens in a slip of the tongue and saw my ex fumble his words when his friend Sean called him out on his recent conquest that was not me. I think I grew quiet and when we were all going to go inside my feet were cemented to the ground. My car keys were digging into my palms to keep the tears at bay...and I looked at my ex standing by the door to his house. He looked at me puzzled, but then Sean, with our other friend behind him said the above words to me. 

I listened to the words but my 23 year old self didn't truly hear them. I loosened my grip on my keys and instead of hitting the unlock button and getting into my car...I shrugged it off and went inside. Sean was right. I was wrong to continue the charade of denial for as long as it did. It hurt like fucking hell. 

But I learned & I left. I stopped taking the calls, stopped answering the AIM messages, and ignored the gnawing at my gut quest for the closure & the answers to "Why not me"? I survived the break-up and picked myself up off the floor. 

I often think about that day & what Sean said. It finally stuck when I was ready to listen...

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Two months ago my best friend ended an 6 year relationship with her boyfriend who used to be her friend. I hate to say I knew it was coming but when a girl can't name 5 things she loves about her boyfriend even after 6 years...I knew there was an issue. I got a text message one night at 1:43am saying they split. I wrote about it HERE & HERE. Since then the boyfriend has moved out and my best friend has been living a single life...something she herself admits is rusty.

Tonight I found myself telling her the same words my old friend told me too long ago it seems. I don't think she heard me though... There is a gaming convention where her ex will be and all his friends in two weeks. I asked if she was going and she said, "Yeah, why not?" . I told her well, her and her boyfriend, whom is an avid gamer, are not together anymore so it might be tough for her to go so soon after the breakup. People she thought were her friends may look at her as the bad guy because she ended the relationship, her ex may ignore her completely which even in breakup status will hurt her, and she may really find out who her true friends are... I completely took off the rose colored glasses with her and she was like, "Okay. So?"

I don't know what to do with her answer so frankly I told her that I would be on call if she needed me to show up to the convention for emotional back-up. I don't know if she is trying to have a thick skin or truly thinks she can return to just being her ex-boyfriend's friend like she started out... I found out that a thanksgiving day event the group of friends had that she was always invited to with her ex was rescheduled and she was un-invited to the new one...She told me it hurt her to find out the information...But alas she still wants to go to the convention.

I'm torn. This is such a sensitive time with Valentine's Day coming up and I just don't want to see her hurt. I want to tell her not to go, but I can't force her to do anything. If her ex and her were going to remain friends he would not have moved out. I'm just out of words on this one...

How Have you Moved On in the Past? Did you cut all ties with your Exes? 

Would you go to an Event where you KNEW your ex would be there less than 2 months after the break-up & act like nothing happened??

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