Give A Little Bit

Winter is synonymous with the season of giving. And it should be as there are various special holidays during this time where loved ones are shown great appreciation by receiving gifts. We also celebrate the life of our loved ones on their birthday by showering them with well wishes as well as gifts again. Yet it is important not only to show our loved ones how much we appreciate them during these special times of the year but every chance we get. 

Yes, I know you are probably thinking to yourself, "how cheesy can this girl get?" But it's true we need to let our friends and family know we are there for them through thick and thin, just as you want to have them there for you in the same respect. Sending letters or small "Thinking of You" gifts are tokens of our appreciation for that person. Also it is a good idea to reward someone on a job well done with a "Congratulations!" Most importantly, however it is important to give a little more support to someone during hard times.

Be sure to be unique in your gift giving. Being creative allows your gift to memorable. It doesn't need to be expensive or difficult to put together. For example, the gift pictured below, "Knapsack of Hope," easy and costs barely anything at all. It is a great gift that would mean the world to someone.  

All it takes is a little creativity and a great presentation. For unique gift ideas, check out the blog, Darling Doodles, as there are ideas for almost every occasion. Or come up with your own! What I love to do is find little inexpensive items and make them have a deeper meaning. For example with candy, I like to give people who have helped me Lifesavers, get it "Life-Saver." And for people who are always bubbly, I give Bubbilicious bubble gum. Remember when gift giving to have fun, it shouldn't feel like a chore when finding a gift! 

Snail Mail

It's so easy these days to stay connected with loved ones. No matter the distance staying in touch with your friends and family are just a click away on Facebook, a short text or quick e-mail.

With that said, because everyone is staying connected with each other over the Internet and through text messages, why not resource back to sending physical mail to a loved one? 

It is easy to write on someone's Facebook wall, "I miss you!," but by taking the time and effort and sending a "Thinking of You" Card via snail mail shows how much you truly care about that person. Also who doesn't love receiving mail, especially when it isn't a bill.

Run down to your local pharmacy or stationary store and pick up a few blank cards. Write to your best friend, your grandparents, an Aunt or Uncle, college friends, etc. just saying hi.

Being away from home ten months out of the year, I like doing this. It's such an easy way to stay connected when you are thousands of miles away from someone.

Everyone is busy doing different things, traveling, going to school, and working. Everyone doesn't have time to talk on the phone or check their e-mail or Facebook. Sending a short and sweet letter, saying "hi and I hope you're well," is something that does not need a response. It is a nice gesture of appreciation, that is all. A letter in the mail can be considered somewhat as a gift as it is an unique token of someone's appreciation compared to that of a Facebook Wall Post.

Utilize Snail Mail and Send a Card Today! Put a Smile on Someone's Face!

Fundamentals for Changing the World

As most things are the above is easier said than done, but give it a go. Try and change the world we live in. By first taking a step back and looking at yourself, you will be able to make changes in your life. These changes no matter how big or small affect loved ones. By simply changing your life you may influence someone else to change their own self. It's a chain reaction. 

How to Lighten Your Mood

Feeling down in the dumps? When your mood is spiraling downhill and the little voice in your head is anything but positive, turn on your favorite tunes and sing along. Soon, sweet music will fill your mind instead those negative, nasty thoughts.

Listen to your favorite tunes when you are feeling blue, because you don't want to immerse yourself in an even sadder melody, unless you want to let it all out. When I need a quick mood lift, I need to listen to upbeats songs that make me just want to belt out the lyrics. 

My favorite songs change so often, so here is a list of my go-to mood lifting songs as of right now. Believe me I could go on and on.

• Call Me Maybe, Carly Rae Jepsen. You cannot deny this catchy beat. 
• I listen to a lot of Pandora. My  Ben Rector station is by far one of my favorites. 
• Higher. Taio Cruz feat. Travis McCoy. 
• Hey Mama. Mat Kearney & Hey Mama by the Black Eyed Peas, for that matter.
• Shake Senora. Pitbull. Literally makes me want to shake my rump. 
• Country Girl (Shake It for Me). Luke Bryan. Oh Luke, please shake it for me!

What songs do you listen to, to get you out of a funk? What are your favorites?

Nobody's Perfect

I admit, I am a control free. I like everything to be perfect. If something doesn't go right, I freak. I try to remind myself again and again of the Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana song, "Nobody's Perfect." In the song, Miley or Hannah, whoever it is sings out, "Nobody's perfect! I gotta work it! Again and again 'till I get it right." That's exactly right, I do in fact have to work it. If something doesn't go right, you just have to pick yourself up off the ground and brush your shoulders (or shouldas if you're feelin' like Jay-Z) off. It's about picking yourself up and moving on. 

No one expects you to be perfect, even though you may be like me and think you have to be, BUT YOU DON'T. It's all about how you handle those stressful situations where things don't go perfectly or as expected. You have to hold your self to a standard of grace. You have to remind yourself to breathe and that you're not perfect, nobody's perfect! 

Live Accordingly.

This four letter acronym can be seen throughout social media as well as heard in everyday conversation. I am guilty of using the acronym myself, made famous by Drake and Lil Wayne's "The Motto". 

It's true, you only live once. We aren't cats, we aren't thought of as having nine lives. We only have one. We have to make it happen. We have to give this life we have been given and blessed with our all. We have to make a difference. We have to make a change. You don't have to make a huge society impacting change. Make a change in a loved one's life. But most importantly make a decision or a change that impacts your life so that it enables you to live the life you wish to live. 

Do something with your life. Discover what your own personal values and morals are. After you discover them, evaluate the way you are living your life. Are you living it by upholding the values you stand by? Do your values serve as what could be considered a foundation in your life? Remind yourself of those values.  

You only have one life, so make the best of it. Anything can happen, so make it happen, it's as simple as that.    You don't know what's going to happen so live on the edge of your seat and get ready for the ride that's called LIFE.  

Summer Reading

Summer is the BEST time to simply kick back and RELAX.

You'll be able to find me relaxing with my feet in the sand and nose in a good book during the warm months of summer. Being unable to devote much time to recreational reading (besides reading each month's issue of Cosmo) during the academic year, I find myself with a long summer reading list.

Hitting the beach with a good beach is a necessity for me. A good beach read keeps me engaged and allows me to read most of it before my sunscreen wears off.

The following is my summer reading list. It is constantly updated and added to, as I talk with friends about what they are reading.


The Fifty Shades Trilogy: Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Fifty Shades Freed. E.L. James.
Yes, I have jumped on this bandwagon. As, I said before, "a good beach read keeps me engaged..." And from what I'm sure you have heard about this trilogy, it sure does. It's obviously not the most well written book, but as we all know most people, especially women, aren't reading these books for just that.

The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy: An Economist Examines the Markets, Power, and Politics of World Trade. Pietra Rivoli.
This book is required for a seminar course I am taking in the fall. I find it rather quite interesting as it raises questions about just how the world turns.

The Fame Game. Lauren Conrad.
I have already read the three books in Conrad's first series, L.A. Candy. They were a fun and quick read. I am excited to begin this book as it tells the story of Madison Parker, a character who's full story wasn't revealed in Conrad's first series. I am sure this book will be like Conrad's others, making it a great beach book.

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.
This book is definitely an eye opener, and a must read for ALL! It truly speaks for itself.

Girls in White Dresses. Jennifer Close.

Bossypants. Tina Fey.

The Joy Luck Club. Amy Tan.
I promise you after you read this, you'll become instantly closer with your mother dearest. My mom and I read this book at the same time, and we now have a better understanding of why we'll always be best friends. I am so thankful to have had this book recommended to my mom by a coworker of hers.

How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World. Jordan Christy.
I heard the advice was pretty obvious, but it is a fun and easy beach read. Can't have too many of them!

The Help. Kathryn Stockett.

As you can see, my list is long. I may even add the Hunger Games trilogy to this long list, as it has been recommended by many. I doubt I can make it through this list before the end of the August, but I am remaining optimistic as I am chugging along with excellent speed!

Any other recommendations? 

What do these things say about you?

Things That Say A Lot About People: 

• The Way Which They Treat The Waiter/Waitress
• How They Feel About The Weather
• Whether They Dog Ear Pages or Highlight in Books
• Fingernails
• ...And Hands in General
• Their Preferred Creative Outlet
• How Much They Dread or Enjoy Talking on the Phone
• Whether or Not They Drink Coffee
• How Honest They are with Themselves (and Others)
• If They Correct Your Grammar
• And Whether or Not They Get Nervous Before Haircuts

Friends & Growing Up

With The Hills reruns on MTV, a quote from Lauren Conrad couldn't be anymore appropriate. 

We all watched LC as she transitioned from Laguna to the Hills. She grew up right before America's eyes. I have always idolized Lauren, not only for her amazing hair, beauty, and fashion sense, but for her maturity. 

I couldn't agree more with Lauren, when she stated the above. I have come to realize as I have grown, it is really about your true friends. It's all about surrounding yourself with ones that are there for you and support you through it all. There is no sense in wasting your time in a friendship where you are there for that person 150% and when it comes time for you needing to lean on them, they are no where to be found. 

Finding true friends is key, as they will inspire and motivate you to be the best person that you can be.

How to Have a Lovely Day

It's that easy! Now go out and BEAT those Terrible Tuesday Blues!

Tumblr

With me starting a new blog, I have also started a Tumblr, follow me!
http://pearls-and-sunshine.tumblr.com/
And if you have any advice for either, let me know.

First Impressions

When you first meet someone, make it so they don't judge you based on your appearance, make it so they base their opinion of you on what makes you, YOU, your personality! As they say, it's what's on the inside that counts! 

Sweet Summertime

Holy Smokes! I cannot believe the Fourth of July has already gone and went!

This summer is just flying by! Before you know it, we will all be headed back to our respective college campuses to hit the books once again. 


I don't think I am ready to head back quite yet, as I don't think I will ever get sick of the sun's bright rays, Maine's beautiful coastline, or Christian Grey (Yes, I have in fact jumped on the Fifty Shades of Grey bandwagon). Don't get me wrong, I miss each and every one of my friends and sisters dearly!! I cannot wait to see them! It's just wild to think, it's already July! Is the rest of this summer going to go this fast?


I think back to the very beginning of my summer, cramming my old green Toyota Camry with the remnants of my dorm room and driving back home to Upstate New York for a few days. It was nice being home spending time with my parents, younger sister, and friends, but I was eager to get my summer started up in Maine. I was blessed having enough time home, however to travel to the city with one of my closest and dearest friends.

I was home for no more than five days before I was on the road once again, up to Maine to live with my older sister, brother-in-law, and two nephews. Besides enjoying the company of my two cute-as-buttons nephews and endless amount of beaches in Maine, I work at in Freeport, Maine. Working in a town well known for its outlet shopping and recreational opportunities obviously brings an array of people from all over. I love my job because I am able to meet people from Canada, across the USA and even across the world sometimes. 


With the multiple trips, I have and will be taking this summer, along with working have made this summer fly by. This summer unlike past summers I have been living by the motto, "Live life to its fullest." I have taken advantage of each and every opportunity that has come my way. And now I ask you, have you been living this summer to it's fullest?

Self Esteem

It's crazy just how true these 10 steps are! Take them into consideration, I know I have.

Food for Thought

This is how I try to live my life each and every day. 

Why Pearls & Sunshine?

Coco Chanel was absolutely right, "a girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." I try to live by her famous words each and every day, which is why I named my blog, Pearls & Sunshine. 

Pearls symbolize purity, spiritual transformation, charity, honesty, wisdom and integrity, all of which I value. Pearls are also said to remind us to walk with dignity. I believe pearls to encompass the ideals behind what it means to be classy, having or showing elegance. 

The meaning of fabulous differs from person to person. Being fabulous to me means being the best person you can be by staying true to oneself. I am one who always looks on the bright side, thus there is no other word better than sunshine to symbolize just that. 

Why am I just starting to blog?

I have always been an advocate and supporter of blogs as they are a great place for expression. If you have something to say, blogs provide a great place to say it and be heard. Blogs can also help those going through similar situations as the blogger. 

I ask myself as I am sitting here typing this, why am I now only beginning to blog? The answer to this simple question is a complicated one, as most are, but I believe it would have to be, because I have only recently discovered a true sense of self in myself (if that makes sense). Yes, I understand I am only a mere nineteen years old and only on the beginning of the road of self discovery, but what I have found is a true confidence in myself that I have always lacked. 

 

By believing in myself, I now am able to look fear right its eyes. I am confident enough to live life to its fullest as well as to understand to not "sweat the small stuff." 

I have the love of my family and friends to be thankful for each and every day. Without them, I would not be the young woman I am today. They helped and continue to help me grow as an individual each and every day.

My lack of confidence was holding me back from starting a blog, something I believe to be a great resource and outlet. But here I am, finally!