Friday, December 30, 2011

10 Favorites of 2011

Show
My favorite show this year went from Criminal Minds to Grey's Anatomy. I still love, love, love Criminal Minds but Grey's Anatomy is taking the crown this year.

Favorite set from a user called scadet
Website
This is a tie between Polyvore.com and Swagbucks. I love the concept behind Polyvore and being able to use my creativity and I also love that Swagbucks.com allows me to earn points which can be redeemed for money.

Artisit/Singer
I love everything about Adele. Her music, her voice, her strength and obviously her songs. My favorite song from her is a tie between Turning Tables and Rolling in the Deep.
 Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net/ photostock
Activity
2011 was my year of blogging. Blogging has become a big part of my life. It is a fun, stress relieving activity for me and I truly enjoy it. I have a nail blog and this personal blog and I love both the same.

Movie
Salt. I saw this movie during the summer and I really loved it. It's so intense it's crazy! I'm really hoping for a sequel because this was my favorite movie out of all the movies I have seen this year.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / J Frasse
Obsession
It is no secret that I have obsessed, obsessed, obsessed this year with...just about anything! But my biggest obsession has been nail polish. I have collected over 270 bottles in 11 months and I am still accumulating them now. Nail polish just makes me happy, it really does.

Magazine
I know, I know. Magazine? Remember that I am totally random and I want to keep things interesting...not the same thing every time. So anyway, Glamour magazine is my favorite magazine. I have read every single issue for almost three years now. 


Celebrity
Christian Siriano. I love him! Gay, fierce, funny, dramatic...just amazing. I actually only fell in love with him yesterday during the Project Runway season 4 marathon but I love him enough that he is on this list. That's a pretty big deal.

The Snuggie is a Big Hit in My House
Item
My Snuggie! Of course. Need I say more?

Moment
My favorite moment of 2011 was the day of State when I not only remained first during my 400 in the 4x400 meter relay but I also ran my personal record of 59.9 seconds.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Christmas 2011

 
 

So Christmas this year was great. We had the most delicious dinner...as you can see.

We actually didn't get any presents this year since my mom couldn't afford any but the food definitely made up for it. More than made up for it actually.

It was SO good!

Just a disclaimer, we did have a turkey. I just didn't take a picture since the legs fell off. Wasn't too pretty after that...

So starting from the first picture we had a three cheese casserole. The recipe for this came from Tastes of Home magazine.

Second picture, not too sure about this one. My sister made it and I don't know where the recipe came from. It has bacon, tomatoes and onion in it and was thickened with whipping cream.

Third picture is my favorite! This I made myself. I got the recipe from Tastes of Home magazine. The sauce is called "Family's Favorite Pasta Sauce" and I completely agree. It's made with so many spices and flavors that you just want to keep eating and eating.

Next was some simple white rice with a hint of greens. We had gravy to go with it but I didn't take a picture of it.

The sugar cookies are the Pillsbury store bought dough that I rolled out and attempted to shape into Christmas trees. I had a lot of fun icing it but obviously they didn't come out super pretty and "professional".

The gorgeous red velvet cupcakes are from the Wal-Mart bakery and tasted so good! I ate about four of them.

Welch's sparkling juice cocktail are great! This is probably the third or fourth year that we have bought them.

Overall, even without presents, Christmas was amazing.

I think I'm starting to accept that I don't have a perfect life and it's okay to not have as much money as my friends. It's okay that I can't afford Christmas presents. It's no the end of the world.

Christmas is about family and spending time with the ones you love. Not about material things like presents.


Sunday, December 25, 2011

A Holiday Message from Minty

christmas 2007
Image: flickr.com / paparutzi

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my readers! I hope it's amazing and you get everything you want. 
Let us all be thankful that God has blessed us with another amazing Christmas to celebrate with our family, friends, and loved ones.

And let us keep in mind the people who are less fortunate, let's hope they have a beautiful Christmas/Holiday as well. 

Friday, December 23, 2011

Conscience Overwhelms Anxiety

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / Andy Newson
I went out running yesterday!

I know, what does this have to do with anything?

Well I am super proud of myself.

Normally I chicken out and worry too much about what other people are going to think but this time I just ignored all of that anxiety.

My coach told me that I would be running the 800 meter dash/ 4x800 meter dash so I knew that I would have to step it up and run a mile a day during Winter break.

I knew I'd feel guilty if I didn't exercise so I went out and ran.

I only ran for about 20 minutes before I got tired and super anxious and finally went in.

I don't know why but I always get nervous about going outside. I feel like people will look out their window or drive by and think "what is this little girl doing running around like this?"

Of course it is perfectly normal to go out running but because I'm a teen I feel like people will only judge me.

It's stupid, I know. I even discussed this with my therapist and he recommended that I meditate before running to reduce my anxiety.

I haven't tried it yet since I have a really bad cold and can hardly breathe just going up the stairs.

Anyway, I'm really, super proud of myself. I went out and ran and for the most part, didn't care what people thought.


Monday, December 19, 2011

Minty's Christmas Wishlist- Part 2


Pairs and pairs and more pairs of Nike shorts. Every color, every print, every style. Seriously, I need new shorts for practice. I've been wearing the same ones since the eighth grade and that's not working for me...



Hot boots. I really love Steve Madden's boots but it can be from any brand, store, and have any price tag. I'm not picky.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Depression and Therapy

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / Ambro

Last Thursday I went to my first therapy session.

I wasn't there for long, and if you've ever been, you know that it is a quick, short session.

For this first session I was with my mom--unfortunately.

It was beyond awkward.

I never open up to my mom or tell her anything for that matter so to have her in the room made me hold back.

My therapist would ask a question and I would try to answer him only to be interrupted by my mom.

She felt it was necessary to speak for me.

To her, this was her therapy session, not mine. Which is ridiculous, I am the one who suggested it for myself.

Every time she interrupted me to say "oh, Minty's just blah...blah...blah..." I wanted to look at my therapist and say "see what I have to deal with?"

It was beyond annoying.

Everything just has to be about her, and her problems.

We all have problems, we all are struggling, it's not just you living in this f*cking 2 bedroom house.

You may be the one paying the bills and putting food on the table but we're old enough to see what's going on and WE STRUGGLE TOO.

We're young and should be enjoying our teen years but we cant! We're always trying to help out with bills, budgeting every little penny we earn, never getting to have that exciting Christmas morning feeling.

It sucks for us too!

Ugh, now that I've got that out, let's get back to the whole therapy thing.

So anyway, I was diagnosed with mild depression at this first session. My therapist doesn't recommend antidepressants for me but he thinks that just talking it out will help.

Let's hope he is right. 

This past Monday we went back for session number two. It was great.

My mom wasn't there for the session and I got to open up a lot more and tell my therapist about my insecurities and about the whole Wisconsin trip ordeal.

I haven't told anyone the story of the Wisconsin trip so it felt incredible to let it all out.

We also dissected my issue with looking weak and vulnerable and we're slowly getting to the root of my issues.

So far I'm loving therapy and I'm excited to see results.

I still struggle to open up but I'm getting there.

The thing I love is that it's like having a diary to talk to and it actually talks back.

Just what I need.

“The love you seek is seeking you at this moment.”

- Deepak Chopra

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / Sira Anamwong

Monday, December 12, 2011

Minty's Christmas Wishlist- Part 1

Welcome to my second annual "Minty's Chrsitmas Wishlist" posts.

Like last year, I am not expecting to get anything on this list but it's always fun to share everything I'd like to get.

Each picture goes to a link where you can purchase it online.

image: zara.com
These flats...insanely cute.

image: walmart.com
This gorgeous bedding would be so perfect for my room, it's crazy. I really love it. I'm going to save up for it and hope and pray that I can buy it, or I'll just beg my mom to gift it to me...

image: unknown, comment if this belongs to you please.

Lots and lots and lots of nail polish? Yes please!

Friday, December 09, 2011

An Amazing Dream


So last night--or maybe two nights ago-- I had the most amazing dream about a guy on my track team that we'll call M.J.

NO...it wasn't dirty.

It was beautiful, passionate and sexy. At least to me it was.

It's kind of a weird dream though. We were in the hall of a school and our parents were in another room talking to a coach or teacher.

Soon we heard our parents ending their conversation and saying their goodbyes so I decided to give him a peck on the lips, kind of like "bye, love you, see you later".

For whatever reason, he started full on kissing me and within seconds we were making out on the floor, in the middle of the hallway!

It wasn't slobbery, fast, and rushed. It was slow, passionate kissing and I loved every second of it.

In the dream, he was the most amazing kisser. Period. I just let him lead and it was damn good.

The way he was so gentle and slow with the kissing made me feel so special. Like he really loved me and was kissing out of love, not because of his sexual desires.

In this dream, we were already in love with each other and were an official couple so to imagine that he still kisses me that way makes me really happy.

Waking up that night was the worst. I was really sad to discover it was a dream. I really want a guy to make me feel the way I felt in that dream.

The next day (in real life) seeing him at school was weird, to think I had this dream about him and he just has no idea...lol.

I thought about that dream all day yesterday and today.

Why can't dreams be reality?

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

A Sexy Haul



By now it is no secret that I love, love, love Victoria's Secret.

I have been eyeing this hot bikini above and I finally got it last week.

It is super sexy in person, and even sexier on.

I purchased it on Thanksgiving Day when they were offering free shipping online.


With the $10 I saved on shipping, I bought this bikini below that was on clearance for $9.99. I actually bought it in hot pink with white polka dots which you can see if you click the picture to go to the website.

I hadn't been too excited for it but once I received it and put it on, I was in love!

The pink is so bright and vibrant against my chocolate skin. It's a hot pink but not an obnoxious hot pink (if that makes any sense).

As if this wasn't amazing enough I received a "Secret Reward Card" with my order and it is worth $10!

So when I go back to buy the bottoms for these two bikinis I can get $10 off my order.

UPDATE: I have already purchased the bottom for the first bikini and am planning on purchasing the bottom for the pink one in store during the summer.

Did I mention that I love Victoria's secret?

All image credit: victoriassecret.com 

Sunday, December 04, 2011

If I Won the Lottery

image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / James Barker
Last night I watched this show on TLC called The Lottery Changed My Life.

I have won over 13 small online giveaways (makeup, giftcards, etc.) and believe that anyone can win anything.

If there is a giveaway, someone has to win.

I really am considering entering the lotto. Specifically the Powerball lotto.

If I won the lottery and had millions of dollars, the first thing I would do is leave this old, ugly, 2 bedroom town house and purchase/pay off a nice 4-5 bedroom house (5 would be ideal since my mom, brother, sister, grandmother and myself  could all have our own rooms). I would obviously have my own room and decorate and re-model it to match my dream room. Then I would purchase and pay off a car for myself, my sister and my brother.

I'd pay for tuition for my brother, sister and save some for myself. I'd also pay for my mom's tuition since she wants to go back to college.

With the extra money I would buy a new wardrobe, nail polish, shoes, and other fun things for myself.

I would give my grandmother, brother and sister $5,000 spending money but everything else would have to run through me (like if they wanted a new stereo system, they would have to ask). My mom would most likely get a little bit more and have to ask me for other stuff just like my sis and bro.

I'd probably save the extra money for any emergencies that may pop up and for any vacations we may want to take.

If I won the lottery, I would be living the life! We could finally stop living paycheck to paycheck, my mom could stop working 10 hour shifts at Wal-Mart, my brother could focus on school instead of working 7 hours at Subway after school and we could all just relax and stop worrying.

I would be truly blessed and happy if I won, but the odds of winning are so high, I might as well not think about.

...A girl can dream, right?

Saturday, December 03, 2011

Locker Room Convo

image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / BrandonSigma
It's so weird not having to do part of the 30 day challenge today...

Luckily, I have something really interesting I want to talk to you about.

Early last week I was in the locker-room getting ready for practice. Two girls were in there talking about birth control and how it's helping their periods to be less painful and uncomfortable.

Of course I was interested because I have seriously painful cramps during my period--as I've mentioned before.

I asked the girl about her NuvaRing (the birth control she uses)  and she told me all about how it worked and how to use it and how she got it.

Apparently it really helps to ease the discomfort and pain of PMS.

She is short and thin like me so I can relate to her pain, my body, like hers, is too little to handle regular periods and the pain is much more intense than most people with a larger body mass, etc.

What really surprised me wasn’t that she is using birth control but that she is a virgin and she made that very clear in the locker room.

She said that people have been saying things behind her back, calling her a whore for needing birth control, etc. but that in reality it isn't so she can avoid pregnancy but instead she uses it to control her periods.

Then she yelled out "I'm a virgin, bitch!" as if she was confronting one of her haters.

I was impressed. She had no shame in that and proudly yelled it out in a locker room full of people she knew and didn't know.

I'm happy to know there are other proud virgins out there, like myself.


Friday, December 02, 2011

So Far...

UPDATE 8/17/2012: A lot has changed since this post, to see my newest design plans, click here.

Here is everything I have done so far for my bedroom makeover. Can you tell I'm super excited? In five months I'll finally be buying furniture, bedding, curtains, etc. but for now this is where I am...


Like I said in a past post, I went back on Polyvore and updated the set I created for my vision of my room. I originally had a black/white/purple(s) color scheme but I've since added in some dusty blues. I want a more fun color palette and not have it so strict.

(All paints are from Behr)
This goes along with what I have just mentioned...I went ahead and chose paint colors as a guide for the color scheme of my room. Like I said, this house that we live in is a rental so I can't paint the walls but I did get paint samples so that I can match the pillows, bedding, furniture, etc. I want to make sure my color palette isn't all over the place.


*sorry for blurry picture*
Another thing I want to mention is one of the art pieces I am creating for my room. (remember I said I wanted to make the room my own by actually putting in DIY pieces?) I'm beginning to create a picture frame with cut-out magazine letters all glued together randomly. I think it's a simple way to add color and excitement to the room. I'll make another post once it's all done.


Wednesday, November 30, 2011

30 Day Challenge: Day 30

Pick a different celebrity that you would: kiss, have sex with, marry, and date. 


I would kiss Shemar Moore. We've already been dating for so long that it's not a big deal anymore...

http://www.details.com
Bradley Cooper would be the one I would have sex with. I think the most amazing thing would be to stare at his eyes when we're that close. They are amazing!

http://www.askmen.com
Obviously I would have to marry Ryan Reynolds, he seems like such a  nice guy and I bet he has an amazing personality.

http://bestof.provocateuse.com

For whatever reason I would love to date Daniel Craig, I have a thing for the older guys and he is right up my alley! Isn't he gorgeous?

Well, that's all for the 30 day challenge. I had a lot of fun and hope to do one again this summer--a successful one of course. 

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

30 Day Challenge: Day 29

Five goals in your life.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / David Castillo Dominici
Become a Social Worker.


Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / vichie81
Get married and stay married. I don't want a divorce ever in my life, but then again who does?


Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / imagerymajestic
Have a couple children. By a couple, I really just mean one...

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / Suat Eman

Own my own home and be able to afford it.


Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / t0zz
Fall in love. Obviously I couldn't miss this one, I'm a hopeless romantic.

And this is just five of the millions of goals I have. Trust me, you'll be hearing more about them in future posts.

P.S. Sorry I missed these last few days! I'm catching up on all the missed posts now though.



Monday, November 28, 2011

30 Day Challenge: Day 28

 Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / Ambro
 
Something you're worrying about.

I don't feel like I can openly talk about this yet so I'll just briefly let you know.

I'm going to see a therapist in a week and a half.

I'm really nervous, anxious, and scared.

I'm embarrassed and ashamed to even say the words...to admit I need help.

I haven't told anyone about this, only my sister, my mom and now you.

I have been feeling really bad this year and haven't been myself so I knew I had to sort out my feelings.

I hope I am just a little depressed and that I am not diagnosed with anything severe.

I'll let you know more once the day has come but right now I don't feel like I can say much.


Sunday, November 27, 2011

30 Day Challenge: Day 27

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / Victor Habbick

Do you believe in supernatural things?

Um, absolutely!

Have I never mentioned this on this blog?

I always knock on wood when I say something bad. Even at school.

If I'm sitting at my desk and I tell my friend that I'm going to fail the test tomorrow, I will literally knock on the wooden desk to make sure that nothing bad happens.

Also, I don't know how "supernatural" this is but I am big believer in karma. If I do something good, I believe that there will be something good in return for me, whether it is big or small, close or near. And of course the same for if I do something bad, there is something bad waiting for me around the corner.

I believe in God. To some people--who do not--that is supernatural. To me it's not since there is a God, for sure.

I also believe in ghosts. I think ghosts are spirits possibly left in purgatory. I don't think you can see ghosts but I do think they are there. If you do see a ghost, it's a miracle and there is a strong reason behind it, but other wise I don't believe you can physically see one.

I can remember anything else at the moment. For the most part, I am huge on supernatural things.

Blog Makeover!

Notice anything different?

I hope so!

Talking about my room makeover got me inspired to re-do my blog, and you won't be surprised to see that the color palette of my dream room is the new theme for my blog.

I absolutely love it! It's a lot easier to read, more soft and refreshing, it's so pretty now.

It actually showcases my personality rather than hiding it in the dark background. Just perfect.

I'll be playing around with it throughout the next few days but for now, here it is! I'm especially excited to work on the header.



Saturday, November 26, 2011

30 Day Challenge: Day 26

A picture.


Here is a Polyvore set I created to showcase my vision of the dream bedroom I will get started on in approximately five months when summer break begins!

I originally wanted a black and white room with purple accents but I've since changed my mind and now I'm thinking black, white, purple, and light blue.

It's just a lot easier (and more fun) to not be on such a strict color palette. With the the purple no longer being an accent and instead being a part of the color scheme, it's more of an effortless room rather than a picture-perfect-room-with-no-story. Also the added in light blue will add more femininity to the room as well as personality.

I've decided that I want to go thrifting for almost all the furniture. The nightstands, desk, headboard and a dresser. The bench I'll most likely buy at JCPenney.

Don't you think it would be more fun to sandpaper all the furniture and repaint it  all white or black? It make me feel like I was a huge part of my room and that I accomplished something.

I'll probably be recreating this set or making a new one so that I can better visualize this new concept.

P.S. I'm so excited, I'll be taking pictures and videos to show you just what I'm up to when it comes to my new room!

Friday, November 25, 2011

30 Day Challenge: Day 25

Three more pet peeves.

Again, I hate these types of questions, but here we go again...

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / Victor Habbick
People eating my food. It's not yours so don't eat it!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / nattavut

Open doors, open doors, open doors. I will say it again and again, leave the d@mn door closed!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / graur razvan ionut
Pain. This is kind of weird to put on there but I really hate being in pain so I'm going to add it. 


Thursday, November 24, 2011

30 Day Challenge: Day 24

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / Grant Cochrane

A secret not even your best friends know.

Well um, most of my best friends/friends do not know that I have trashed my friend Sabrina anonymously online.

I said all these horrible things about how she is fat and ugly. Simply because I was mad at her for kissing Derek behind my back.

I kept attacking her on there until she got super defensive and quit.

I mean, she is fat and he's sexy so I went crazy saying that he probably was embarrassed about it and ashamed.

I'm a horrible person, I know. No need to remind me.

I never told her or anyone for that matter.

Later I felt really bad about it and almost wanted to confess, but I didn't.

I'll never tell anyone either. It's a really horrible thing to do.

And what's worse is that she suspected that it was me and when she asked I lied and told her it wasn't.



Wednesday, November 23, 2011

30 Day Challenge: Day 23

Five things you've been obsessed with lately.

Image: I do not know owner, nor do I own this image. 
Victoria's Secret. Pretty much anything related to that name. I just purchased the bikini top I mentioned on my last BYOC post and I am SO excited to have that sexy thing on me! I also bought another bikini top, it's a bright pink, polka dotted bikini top that I got on clearance for only $9.99 and it's push up! They had a Thanksgiving promo; free shipping on all U.S. orders (no limits!). Of course I took advantage, got both for only $60. Seriously...I cannot wait for them to get here.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / stockimages
My camera. Remember how excited I was to get my Nikon Coolpix s3000 last year? Well, I'm still excited about it now! It takes great pictures and is really easy to work with. Getting macro shots is kind of a pain but I've gotten used to it and found other ways to make it work.

http://www.iamthatlady.com
Swagbucks. What is it you may ask? Well swagbucks.com is a GPT site that allows you to complete offers, play games, use their own search engine, and watch videos for points (but in their case they call the points "swagbucks") once you reach a certain amount of points you get to redeem them for a prize. I normally get Paypal giftcards. I've earned over $50 from this site and I plan on earning  more.

And no matter what anyone says, this is NOT a scam website. It actually works. How do you think I purchased that bikini I just mentioned? Through my earnings on Swagbucks.




Image/template: designerblogs.com
Blog templates. I am currently looking for blog designs for my nail polish blog I have. I really like the one above but I am always on the hunt for something even better. This one is from designerblogs.com who has premade templates, customs and free blog backgrounds. I want something as simple as this with accents. This one is perfect. Isn't it just gorgeous? I plan on purchasing in the next couple months.




(a rough sketch of my dream room)
A bedroom makeover. I actually share a room with my sister but soon they (my brother and sister) will be leaving for college and I will have a room to myself. Finally!

I have never in entire life had my own room. Whether we were in a condo, house, apartment, hotel motel...I always had to share a room with my sister.

So,of course, I am insanely excited to get my own room and also design it.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / MR LIGHTMAN
We rent a town-home so I can't go too crazy but since the walls are white I am basing the room around that. The bed frame, dresser and nightstands will be black. The bedspread/pillows will be black white and purple. There will be purple curtains, a white bench near the window (with purple pillows) and a black rug under the bench (this I'm still considering). Then I will have my computer along the side of one wall and my T.V. directly across from my bed on the dresser. I have a big walk in closet so there won't be a need for more than one dresser.

It's going to be beautiful and of course I will be taking pictures of everything and the process!