Dating Advice: PlentyOfFish in the sea

As you may already know, I'm a married lady but that doesn't mean I can't help my readers out with a little bit of dating advice...I'm so excited PlentyOfFish wanted me to spread the word about a website that I think will really change the way all my single ladies think about meeting your soul mate.

I've had several friends who have met their other half online, which in this technology driven day and age - it only makes sense to meet someone via the computer or an app. Making a connection while at a bar or at the gym can work for some but I think most millennials will agree, if you want something deep and meaningful you have to search for it. Luckily, if you decide to get a profile on PlentyOfFish you'll get to know someone a little before meeting them and you get the chance to screen the creeps out virtually, a time saver!

I recently went to lunch with a couple of friends of mine that actually met on PlentyOfFish, the female in the relationship is actually my best friend. While they both had some rather comical jokes about their online romance and their playfully sarcastic relationship, they also both agreed that if you know what you are looking for in a relationship then PlentyOfFish is a great site. She said that she went on the site looking for something serious and after spending time browsing through her messages his stood out... He likes the same things she does, he made a real down to earth profile, and she liked what he had to say in the messages he sent her. He said that he liked the way she looked so friendly in her pictures, the way she was up front about what her intentions were, and the funny yet sweet vibe her profile had. He also told me he had to message her several times before she responded. HA! So maybe their love story isn't "traditional" but it's cute and you can truly see the spark between them. 

I asked them if they had any advice about finding someone on PlentyOfFish and they both said that honesty is best when creating a profile and a new relationship, don't fudge your interests or upload photos from 10 years ago. They also both said they met a few duds before finding each other, so don't expect Mr. Right to show up right away, you may have to chat with a frog or two before finding Prince Charming!

Did you know PlentyOfFish is the World's largest dating site with over 2 million people using it every single day? It's simple, free, and it works.

Are you ready to find your other half?
Check out PlentyOfFish today.

Downtown St Pete Day Date + Vault Lifestyle Maxi Skirt Review

Disclaimer: I was sent an item to review by Vault Lifestyle, regardless all opinions expressed below are my own and I only recommend products I use personally and feel would benefit my readers.

I'm so excited to share more about Vault Lifestyle, a company I had never heard of before until a friend contacted me to do a review... I'm not sure why? It's a direct sales company... but it's different and I think you'll be excited to know why: "Vault Denim does not require the purchase of hundreds or thousands of dollars in inventory to get started. Once you have submitted the low sign-up fee of just $159.00, inventory is immediately available to you from a local Inventory Coordinator who stocks hundreds of jeans to check out for your parties and events. Inventories are constantly replenished and refreshed so they remain up-to-date. You plan the party, the jeans will be supplied. What a remarkable concept!"

We've all been to "parties" at a friend's house where we are influenced to buy make up, tupper-ware, candles, little candle like tarts, adult toys, purses, etc... but have you ever been to a party that felt more like a "boutique" than a forced sales pitch? A comfortable shopping environment, where you can buy quality designer denim jeans and other adorable items in the comfort of your own home with a professional "fit consultant". I love that their jeans come in size 0-24 so they have a wide range to fit all types of body shapes! Imagine the high school days where you spent hours trying on clothes with friends trying to decide who looked the best in what... I know my best friends and I had a favorite pair of designer jeans (they just so happened to be mine originally), we passed them around regularly until they wore thin... Kind of like "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" - we all were different body shapes but the jeans looked AMAZING on all of us, they weren't magical but they were amazing quality and formed to fit each of us perfectly. The clothing from Vault reminds me of those jeans, so perfectly fit for each body type!

I had the opportunity to review the Kelly Maxi in Black and White Chevron, this skirt is so funky I wasn't sure if I could pull it off but wanted something different to add to my wardrobe. I ended up wearing it on an adventure with hubby just exploring Downtown St. Pete, it was the perfect piece to go look at some amazing street art with an ice cold raspberry infused tea in hand. I live for days spent exploring alley ways with my best friend, it may sound simple but day dates like these make me the happiest!

 



 


The white and black contrast is really dramatic so I decided to pair my skirt with just a plain black tank top and some Mialisia Jewelry {win some here}! I love the way the skirt can look edgy or preppy, it really just depends on how you accessorize it!

 {My favorite piece of street art... maybe ever?!}

The fabric of this skirt is a really cute chevron print, super trendy and perfect for an eye-catching look. It's a thin fabric, so be sure to have a skin toned pair of undies on hand! Also, as you can see in the photo below that the seams don't exactly match up - but that's no deal breaker! In the Florida heat the lightweight material was a huge bonus, breathability is a huge pro in my book. 
 

 

I love the way the skirt lays, although for my short frame I had to wear it pretty high on my waist. It could be worn by those much taller than me without a problem!  Every girl needs a flowy, flirty Maxi skirt this fall and with the adorable styles available through Vault Denim Company you are going to want to stock up!

Click here to visit Vault Lifestyle
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An informal letter to my younger self

When you are young hearing about how your choices have consequences is redundant - it's boring, it's an obnoxious lecture, it's routine whenever you get in trouble.

You've heard it all: teachers and principals are constantly reminding you to be on your best behavior, your spiritual leader says God will guide you on a righteous path as long as you believe, your parents lecture you about how you must make the right choices so that your life turns out perfectly, yadda yadda yadda - you get it, right? You're a professional at life and although your parents are just trying to be helpful, you know everything you need to know about life and you'll do what you want.

I get it. I totally do. I'm not here to lecture anyone. I'm sharing this as an informal letter to my younger self - a letter to my former self.

"Please take the time everyday to stop and look around, enjoy every second of your life. Stop rushing to grow up. I know you only want to grow up because you are assuming life will be better when you're older. I've got news for ya kid, it gets tougher. The grass is hardly ever greener, in any situation.

Stop feeling like the world is on your shoulders and that your life is so hard because in all reality - your suburban, middle class upbringing is no excuse for your behavior - bad decisions reflect on you and you alone when all is said and done, remember this. What kind of reputation would you prefer to have? Think about this before you decide to get involved with the wrong crowd.

Make decisions based on your own moral compass. Do not make decisions based on emotions, what the crowd is doing, or the idea of "fun". I know you'll disregard the short and sweet message I just shared with you...

Sadly, you will put yourself in bad situations. You will get hurt. You will occasionally even be ashamed of your choices. You could have avoided all of this, but you are young, you know everything."


When you're fifteen - Just try to remember this, you have the rest of your life to grow up, slow down.

 

{image thanks to flickr}

This post is part of a writing challenge I'm participating in during the month of August, are you interested in joining? Link up with BE society.

4 Things blogging has taught me

I recently have decided my blog needs a new focus, I'm still going to share several giveaways but I want to share more with my readers than just prizes, I want to share ideas. I hope to inspire. I want this blog to be what I originally intended for it to be. I want to be a positive, authentic source of random but helpful information. I want to be a friend. I want to give advice and share stories.

With the new focus for my blog set in place, I have been taking a lot of important matters into consideration. I'm going to share the lessons I've learned from blogging thus far and what I have discovered while planning and trying to implement my blog/lifestyle change:

Routine is important:As we all know, creative types struggle to get things accomplished. I definitely fit into the category of a "creative type". I almost always get all of my goals accomplished, I just procrastinate some (maybe a little more than some). This is changing!

Setting a blog routine in place is imperative to functioning as a productive blogger. Waking up every morning and checking e-mails and responding to them, then having lunch and composing a few posts, then having free time - or maybe you'll wait until late in the evening to write, like I do. No matter what the plan is - have a plan, have a routine.

I suggest having a planner you can use for every single detail of your blog/personal life, actually using your phone's calendar to remind you of dates sponsored posts are due, scheduling as many posts as possible in advance. These are small things but they will help you feel more organized.

I feel like I spend every single hour I'm awake on the computer, this is my livelihood, I love sharing on my blog, and I'll always be doing this so implementing a structured routine is definitely part of my adjustment in my lifestyle.


Write, even when you feel uninspired:

Blogging doesn't have to be perfect. I can write even if I feel like I have nothing to write about.

If you're having a rough day, share it. If you feel like your life is boring, make a list of places you hope to visit and publish it. Share something, make connections, grow your circle: just get productive. Magic is in perseverance.

I think this is the main thing that has been holding me back from refocusing, I've been scared to really compose from the heart. I am ready to share, to be open, to be real. I will write even when I feel I have nothing to write, sorry if my posts get a little weird - but let's be frank, I'm a little weird.


Every single day is an adventure, 
you can use every experience as an opportunity to learn:

Embrace the everyday. I can learn from anything that happens to me during every experience in my life.

Say yes to things that scare you. Learn from your mistakes. Become a better person from making a fool out of yourself on occasion. Wherever you are, take it all in - every conversation, scent, sound, smile, and learn from the experience. Keep track of it all on your phone, jot it down on a napkin, whatever you need to do. If you learn something valuable, share it with the world, teach it.

I need to really focus on embracing details. I hope to start absorbing like a sponge and then sharing what I have learned on the blog.


You are your own worst critic:

I always notice my own typos, I stare at photos for hours and wonder if I look overweight in them, I obsess over if I'm using the write form of a word or if I'm spelling a newer (to me) word correctly.

You can and will have a few negative readers but most of your readers will be understanding. Guess why? We're all human and we all make mistakes.

I need to try and remember this during every moment of every day. Criticizing myself is helping no one. I'm going to try and stop focusing on what I've done wrong and try and focus on the things I've done correctly.

All I really know is this:

I'm still learning about myself (and my blog) daily.

The Top 10 Gifts for Dad for under $50 from Best Buy - #GreatestDad

Disclaimer: I have been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

It's almost time to celebrate your dad on his special day,

Father's Day is coming up quickly!

Don't fret about a gift though,

Best Buy has all types of gifts for all types of Dads!

Does your dad always want to take his tech to the next level with the latest and greatest? Does he have no fear of adventure and always want to embark on another adventure? What about the dad who constantly is trying to preserve memories by taking pictures of the family non-stop? Is hubby craving the ultimate man cave? Best Buy has a gift for every type of dad out there! Since there are only a few weeks left until we celebrate our dad's, I've compiled the top 10 Gifts for Pops for under $50 - 

saving money and getting a great gift, what could be better?

Which gift do you think your dad would like the most?

Head on over to best buy for a gift for every type of dad from the goofy entertainer to  the tech savvy gizmo gurus to the bodybuiling fitness fanatics or even the paparazzi-esque memory makers,

Best Buy offers something just perfect for everyone! 

Plus, don't forget Best Buy offers: Free shipping on orders $35+ , a commitment to providing you with the best price by offering a low-price guarantee.

Want some new @BestBuy gadgets for under $50 for Dad? Find the perfect gift for the #GreatestDad here! http://t.co/MH5yjTsf7K
— Lauren Paints (@tinylittlebows) May 31, 2014

Guess what?  

Best Buy is hosting two Father's Day Twitter Parties on
Thursday June 5th at 7:00pm CST and Wednesday June 11th at 11:00am CST. Feel free to join one or both of these parties for a chance to receive Best Buy gift cards and other great products. Tweet #GreatestDad with your favorite Father's Day Gift ideas from Best Buy.

 

TIME OUT!

So my laptop is on it's last leg --- 

yes, my laptop that I JUST bought in September 2013 is about to give out.

I guess I'm rough on my devices. HA.

In all seriousness, my little laptop is being sent to the Gateway Warranty Department

because the charger port (where the charger connects) no longer is responsive! 

Right in the middle of a few pretty spectacular campaigns and finals week my computer decided to go all wonky and wild and stop charging...What bad luck is that! 

I still will be able to blog on the tablet a bit but not as regularly as I would like until my baby comes back to me... Did I really just refer to my laptop as my "baby"? Yes, it's seriously attached to me most of the time so I'm not sure how this little break will go. It's kind of like my life support. They warned me that they may be sending me a whole new product or that all of my information may be deleted from the laptop, I'm really hoping they can just fix it up quickly and no real damage will be done... 

*fingers crossed*

 We also are making over our living room this week (hoping to make a little office space for myself), I'm gearing up to head back to the Midwest for my niece's first birthday, and I'm planning a party for when arrive back home to celebrate summer!

So, I guess I'll be less involved in the virtual world for a few weeks, I suppose I'll manage.

I think I should also share:
Several years ago today (5/6/06) -  This super cute curly-headed boy asked me to be his girlfriend. I was 17, he was 19!

I remember telling my best friend about him asking and telling her how I really thought he was the one...

 I guess I just knew. 

101 Things in 1001 Days - Starts today!

This little blogger trend of making a list of 101 things to accomplish in 1001 days has been around for a while. I kept saying to myself that it was a brilliant idea and I have had the intention to make a list for a while now. [And get this, I finally got around to making list during finals week...procrastinate much?]  My list if full of a variety of goals, some are nearly impossible to accomplish, a few will be super easy to check off, and well, a few of them are kind-of in "Lauren Speak" and may not be to easy to understand... I plan on posting about nearly every task on the list, so this should get interesting for us all. :)

My list is really just about keeping me accountable and hopefully it will leave me feeling more accomplished and less scatter brained... I intended to only have 101 tasks but little things keep popping in my head so I may even get ambitious and add a couple additional tasks.

If you decide to write a list too, I would love it if you share it with me... maybe send me an e-mail or leave a comment so I can check out what you added to yours! 

101 Things in 1001 Days

Start Date:May 05, 2014

End Date: Jan 30, 2017


Italics = Work In Progress    |       Strikethrough = Completed         |       Bold = Details

1. Come up with 101 items 
2. Organize my list so it doesn't seem so scattered
3. Graduate College - Graduated with Associates
4. Go to a movie by myself
5. Donate blood
6. Get a tattoo
7. Lose 25 pounds - Down 16-ish lbs 12/2014 / Down 40+ lbs. Total as of 7/2015
8. Take a Yoga class
9. Complete a 30 Day Yoga Challenge -#mermaidyogis 30/30 in June and July - HOSTING in SEPTEMBER!
10. No fast food for a month - June and July 2015
11. Do some volunteer work
12. Make breakfast in bed for Hubs
13. Don’t speak a single word for a day
14. Send a message in a bottle
15. Update my blog at least once a week
16. Illustrate a children's book
17. Design business cards for myself
18. Get a passport
19. Go camping
20. Go skydiving
21. Go to a wine tasting
22. Vacation somewhere that requires a passport
23. Visit the Grand Canyon (Arizona)
24. Swim/Kayak in a Bioluminescent Bay
25. Visit family in Oklahoma
26. Visit family in Missouri/ Illinois
27. Visit family in North Carolina
    
28. Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park (New Mexico)
29. Visit Iceland
30. Visit Whimzeyland (Bowling Ball House)
31. Visit Solomon's Castle
32. Visit and Explore Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park
33. Visit the Dry Tortugas to help with Sea Turtle hatching Helped with sea turtle nesting in Miami on our Babymoon
    
34. Make a list of 100 reasons I love my husband
35. Have professional family photos taken Still waiting on those though...?
36. Create a home office
37. Write a penpal regularly
38. Take a picture with each grandparent and parent
39. Read 25 books - 3/25
40. Grow Tomato Plant
41. See a chiropractor
42. Participate in NaBloPoMo
43. Create and Post Etsy Shop Merch
44. Win 10 giveaways - 2/10
45. Complete an internship
46. Launch my Society6 page
47. Swim with manatees
48. Identify 101 things that make me happy, or smile, and photograph them
49. Decide what to be when I grow up
    
50. Meditate daily for 30 days
51. Get into a paint fight
52. Wear a skirt or dress every day for a month
53. Start a collection (mugs, cups?)
54. Do a pull up
55. Attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve
56. Meet an online friend in person
57. Keep a journal for a year
58. Handstand/Headstand 
    
59. Redesign blog
60. Launch Website - Fun4Kids or We Just Knew
61. Add 3 new Photo shoots to my portfolio
62. Stop at least one bad habit
63. Register as an LLC
64. Tour a brewery/distillery
65. Grow my hair long, long, long
66. Go to bed before midnight for a week
67. Go running every day for a week
68. Work with 20 new companies (blog) - 20/20
69. Foster/Adopt a child
70. Blog about each completed goal (Slacking)
71. Go kayaking
72. Explore the local islands by boat - {Does Caladesi on a Kayak count?}
73. Have a piece of  my writing published
74. Audition for a play
75. Complete a 365 day photo challenge - #my_365
76. Find a starfish
77. Sketch a portrait of my niece
78. Leave an inspirational note for someone to find
79. Join Postcrossing.com and send 10 postcards
80. Join a book club
81. Set a savings goal and reach it
82. Inspire someone
83. Be more forgiving
84. Take my mom on a trip
85. Pay off all debt
86. Ride in a hot air balloon
87. Go to 5 different museums - 2/5
88. Find a four leaf clover
89. Document a "day in my life" in photographs
90. Write a list of 101 things I’ve already achieved in this lifetime
91. Go deep sea fishing
92. Go one week without complaining
93. Start a holiday tradition
94. Try 10 new restaurants - 10/10
95. Say yes to 100 things I want to say no to - {12/100}
96. Spend an entire day outside
97. Float Rainbow River
98. Perfect my "blow out" instead of going to a salon
99. Redecorate the living room
100. Get my eyebrows threaded
101. Learn how to do my make up perfectly
102. Ride my bike regularly
103. Organize/declutter my inbox for ALL e-mail addresses
104. Go without TV of any kind for a month
105. Have my blog featured on another blog or in a magazine
106. Publish more original content
107. Schedule Dr's appointment
108. Host a Yoga challenge
109.  

Romance is in the air {6 romantic gestures to make your spouse smile}

It's nearly Valentine's Day + Romance is in the air!

  I'm a hopeless romantic and thought I'd share some Valentine's Day cheer,
most of these ideas could be used through out the year to make your spouse smile though.


 1. Surprise her + Surprise him:

{images found here}

2. Learn your spouse's love language and act accordingly:

3. Get romantic like the Parisian's - add a lock to a chain link fence:

{Bridge image found here}

4. Plan an Impromptu Picnic:

{image found here}

5. A Bouquet of Balloons:

{image found here}

6. Plan a trip "around-the-world":

{image found here}


Happy Early Valentine's Day,
Ladies + Gents! :)

Creative + Fun {INEXPENSIVE} Valentine's Day Date Ideas!

We all know Valentine's Day is a fun day to spend with your loved one's,
but sometimes it can get a little stressful coming up with clever ways to impress your Valentine.

I have come up with a few creative + fun ways to really make the most out of your day!
{Plus all of the ideas won't break your bank!}

These date ideas include stuff to do with your sweetie, your family, or your friends...

a bit of variety and a lot of fun!
I think most of the ideas promote a lot of conversation and bonding time
vs. the standard "Dinner + Movie" date.
I hope you and your sweetie(s) have a great time,
no matter what you choose to do...

Happy Valentine's Day,

Ladies & Gents!

Valentine's Date idea #1:

 A day spent GEOCACHING,

don't know what it is?

Find out more at geocaching.com.

It seriously is a treasure hunt for adults,

sometimes the treasures you find aren't so wonderful 

but the fun part is worth it -
Getting to explore the outdoors and play like your a kid!

Hubby and I love going geocaching, 

if you give it a go then you'll have to let me know what kind of treasures you find!

[Don't forget to bring some "swag" to share, 

crafts you make or little trinkets are great!]

Valentine's Date Idea #2:

Spend a day browsing for books at the LIBRARY.
I know it sounds a bit ridiculous,
but the library can be so romantic.
Grab a few books,
find a comfy chair or a corner,
and snuggle up next to each other and read.
Lounging and laughing at the literary twists,
seriously a fun way to celebrate your love,
in a totally nerdy {in a cool way} fashion.
It's simple, but it's seriously so sweet.
Afterwards, make dinner together and discuss the books you read!




Valentine's Date Idea #3:

Watch some local talent and attend a COFFEE HOUSE performance.
Google coffee shops in your town,
if you don't already frequent a local establishment.
Then check out their calendars to see what kind of events they have going on.
I highly recommend open mic nights (if you can find one),
you might hear some funny stuff but you'll definitely hear some AMAZING talent as well.
I love trying something new every time I visit a new shop,
ask what the best drink is and order it -- you won't be disappointed!



Valentine's Date Idea #4:

Spend some time Stargazing at The Planetarium!
You can find out where one is nearby you here
or obviously google is a good place to start.
If you don't have a Planetarium nearby,
then find a spot in your town without a lot of light and look up...
You are sure to see some beautiful sights!
I'm a huge fan of going to The Planetarium,
it's something different and truly educational.

 I'm going to be adding more random date night ideas through out the year,
but thought I'd give you a few creative + fun ideas to celebrate with your Valentine's!


XOXO!