Blogging Blues

Source: sueswink.tumblr.com via Trista on Pinterest

I'm not sure if it's the holidays and finals or what but I haven't found a lot of creativity to blog this month.
The entire month of December.
Okay, maybe even this entire season.
I haven't found I want to blog.
It's become a chore to find things to post about.
To remember to take pictures when I'm out doing things.

Or maybe it's that I put too much pressure on myself.
Lately I've felt like what I have to write about isn't that interesting.
Serious writers block.
But then I read something ridiculously funny about the most simple event in the world.
And I know that's what makes a great writer.
Someone who can take something mundane and make it interesting.
I know when I want to, I can write posts like that too.
So maybe this is writers block?
Or maybe this is me losing interest in blogging?

Anyhow, I hope anyone reading this had a full and content holiday.
I'll be back after the New Year.
Hopefully with more to share and more direction with this blog.

Silence

Sandy Hook

There is no way I can come up with a normal blog post today. It just feels wrong. There is so much conversation to be had in our country concerning the shooting at Sandy Hook. There's been a hole in my heart this weekend. I know there's been a hole in all of our hearts. I hope that we can stand united, thoughtful, and intentional even as the days go by and last Friday seems to feel long ago.



+I'm so honored to be a citizen of this country where people like Robbie Parker exist.
+Read this article about Victor Cruz's tribute to a young victim and Giants fan, Jack Pinto.
+Consider this before you make assumptions about Nancy Lanza. This is a great start to a conversation that needs to be held about mental health.

Friday Favorites.

Source: mylittlefashiondiary.net via Kelly on Pinterest

Sometimes it's as simple as adjusting your outlook. Really, it can be that simple to be a happier more cheerful person. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend and are finishing your holiday shopping! Here are some of my favorite posts of the week:

+An inspirational and real post with a fabulous quote.
+No bake oreo balls!! Yes, this recipe is for real!
+I've been here!! And I'm not a world traveller! Germany is stunning.
+This hilarious post about two hilarious bloggers I read daily.

What are some of your favorite blog posts this week?

Statement Earrings Giveaway!

Want to win a pair of these gorgeous earrings by Linkel Designs?

 

 

Yeah, I thought you did.

 

Enter away!

 

Good luck :)

 

The winner will be announced 12/21.

 

Linkel Designs is also offering Hello Indigo readers a 10% off discount code by entering the code INDIGO at checkout.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On my mind

Have you guys seen this new brush? It's mixed with microfiber bristles which supposedly dry your hair 30% faster. I'm intrigued. I'm slightly skeptical that it might make my hair have a ton of static. What do you think?

 

I have a jacket obsession right now. Most likely because it's not cold enough for me to wear a heavy duty jacket. But this one is adorable. If it goes on sale, I may be purchasing it.

 

Also, this pretty baby is on sale for $119.90. You're welcome.

 

I'm dying over this personalized stationary by my friend Anna. What a sweet gift idea!

 

 

 

Ikea Faves.

I am a HUGE fan of Ikea. There are some things I wouldn’t buy there (couches, mattresses, kitchen upgrades) but there are SO many things I will buy there! I even know three people who have purchased dinnerware there and rave about it. I like to update 2-3 times a year which can be expensive. That’s why Ikea is perfect. I love their duvet covers, especially. Here's what I'm swooning over right now.

mirror

lamp

wine rack

room

 

Have you purchased couches from Ikea?

Follow Friday!

It's Follow Friday! It's time to link up and get your blog hop on. Aaaaand lucky for me (and you) both Tammy and Jessica are co-hosting with me today!

How to participate:

There are no minimum requirements to what you need to do to link up! However, I would appreciate it if you found atleast 3-5 new blogs you'd LIKE to follow and follow them via Google Friend Connect (GFC). Comment and let them know you found them thru Follow Friday! This way, the purpose of this project actually works!

Please spread the word through twitter/instagram/your blog...the more people that link up the more new blogs we have to follow! :)

Fashion/Beauty blogs:


Lifestyle Blogs: Leave me a comment saying you follow me with your blog link and I'll be sure to follow you back :)

True Life: I'm Dating an Apple Fanboy

Some of you know that I'm dating an apple fanboy/software engineer (he makes apps for the iPhone). Since I don't know many other people dating "computer nerds" (except Tammy!) I've decided to spread the word about how awesome they are. They're smart, on top of new technology trends, and have a really simple clothing style. You never have to worry about not having the latest clothing brand when gift giving occasions come up. I once proclaimed during the height of the Affliction phase I wanted to date a guy that wore plain color t-shirts and polos. My wish came true ;)

So, how do you know if you've got one on your hands?

Yes, he really is Face-timing HIMSELF.

+When you're live texted with every new product/feature at the Apple events

+When you hear "I will only support one software generation back" more than once. You had better update, girl!

+When you've seen multiple Steve Jobs documentaries

+When you watched a video game competitor documentary on Valentines Day. (Next year, we saw the Vow)

+When Steve Jobs responded to his email. (Only one word, but still awesome in my book)

+When you have to test new updates on apps for bugs

+When you visit the Apple store to check out new products

+When you suddenly start getting overly excited about new phones and new phone updates (HELLO PHOTO STREAM!!!!)

+When you start recognizing the CEOs of Yahoo, Apple, Google etc.

+When you never have to worry about finding somewhere to charge your phone

Trust me, they are keepers.

PS-
+There's a blog hop with NO REQUIREMENTS to link up happenin around these parts on Friday. And two fantastic blogs are co-hosting with me! Hope you'll join us :)

+Do you blog? One of my good friends is doing a research project at school for her communication class on bloggers. I'd LOVE it if you helped her (us) out and took five minutes to take BOTH of these surveys. Part One and Part Two

Kids and Christmas.

It's the giving season.

 

Source: weheartit.com via Hillary on Pinterest

 

I've always loved kids. I was a big sister in the Big Brother Big Sister program in San Diego for a year. I would drive an hour away every Wednesday to hang out with my little sister for an hour. Okay, AND to beat kids in handball. Yes, they would line up to play me. Even the kids not in the program. And no, I didn't just let them win. I'm not that good of a person ;) My little sister came from a "disadvantaged" home. She was one of six kids, and her mom worked at Pizza Hut. I can't imagine trying to feed, clothe, and provide for six kids on that income.

My little sister inspired me to want to help more kids. Last year I participated in the Salvation Army/JcPenny Angel Tree program which allowed you to find an angel (kid or elderly person) who needed help with having a gift to open on Christmas. I was looking forward to doing it again this year. However, JcPenny is no longer hosting this program online. I mean, this must mean JcPenny hates children? Half kidding. I am pretty bummed there is no way to adopt an angel online though. They made it SO convienent and I feel like a lot of kids won't be adopted this year because people are busy! I will be marching my butt down to the Salvation Army this weekend and adopting an angel.

I had such a great experience last year. It was SO rewarding. After looking at the MANY kids in my zip code that needed a Christmas, I chose a five year old boy who was asking for a tent. Uh, what kid doesn't deserve a tent?! I was a tenter myself as a kid, so I picked him. I got him this sweet pimped out Disney Cars tent with a tunnel attached, some pj pants, and a fleece pullover for under $50. I was really passionate and excited about helping my little friend last year and somehow got EIGHT other kids adopted through friends and friends of friends. This may have been the greatest contribution I'd done last year.

This year, you can do this too. All you have to do is find some time to go to your local Salvation Army and pick an angel there. If you can't afford $50, that's okay. But if you can afford $25 or you're a thrifty shopper, imagine the smile you could put on a kid's face. Even something small could be something huge to someone else. A smile that might not have been there on Christmas morning if it wasn't for you. If you can't swing it this year, spreading the word could lead to more kids being "adopted" because of you. That's just as helpful!

Kids don't understand why Santa didn't come if they were good...and hell, Santa came for me even when I was bad.

Think about it. That's all I ask. And maybe tell someone.
 

Can't make it down to the Salvation Army?
Consider donating $5 to to make this lovely family.

How do you give back during the holiday season?
I know sometimes it's hard to find time to give back. I'm always looking for new ways to contribute.

Double Standards.

There are some double standards I like.

My boyfriend and I are a little bit old school (which I like).

If you're more modern and like to do everything yourself or defy social expectations, I think that is AWESOME.

I'm just sayin' being a woman has perks.

Source: dailyinspiration.nl via Matt on Pinterest

+Guys build ikea furniture. Or anything that comes with tools. (I know how to, just takes me longer and probably isn't as stable).
+Guys pay on the first date. Unless you asked him? It's usually a bad sign if the guy lets you pay the first time in my experience. (Not that he should pay every time!)
+Guys do the grilling. Am I alone with this one? The only thing I've ever grilled is a hot dog.
+Guys carrying luggage. My brothers don't even question me when I ask them to bring my luggage in.
+Holding the door open for you sometimes.
+Guys driving on important dates. I don't mind driving and sure don't expect guys to drive 24/7 because that's just annoying for anyone. But your birthday, anniversary, or valentines day? Heck yes, the guy should drive. It feels more "datey".

What double standards do you like?