Everything Happens For A Reason

    You've probably have heard the saying "everything happens for a reason." Usually said to a person who is sad or upset and you are trying to cheer them up. That was me a couple of years ago. I had applied for this job in baseball and had two interviews, I thought for sure I would get the job. The interviews went well and I gave a great presentation so it was shocking to get an email a week later saying they went with a different person for the job.

   If you've been in the job market than you know how hard is is. They are always looking for extremely qualified applicants for entry level jobs which makes it nearly impossible for college grads to get the job. If you are lucky enough to get an interview and it goes well and you reach out to them to follow up but you never hear anything from them, ever. I'm not sure which is worse- not hearing back or to get a straight up no. Job searching is hard and mentally taxing.

   After everything with the interview and presentation went well but in the end getting a big fat no was difficult. I really wanted the job and felt my dreams slipping away. From family and friends I received a lot of "they don't deserve you," "you'll find something better," and of course "everything happens for a reason."

   A lot of times you don't get to find out why something happened for a reason but today I did. It was announced that the baseball team I interviewed with is closing its doors. After 15 years this minor league team is going to no longer be there with no current plans to relocate. So basically if I got the job years ago I would be unemployed and back to job searching hell. Instead I work for a great company that takes good care of it's employees. I have benefits and make more money than I would have in the baseball job. So even though you may hate to hear it, everything happens for a reason.

Must Have Monday : Favorite Drink and Mug

    There are a lot of people who can't function without that first cup of coffee in the morning, I am not one of them. Actually coffee is only something I drink occasionally, instead my drink of choice is green tea. On cold mornings I have such a hard time getting out of bed to make tea before work with enough time to sit and enjoy it so instead I drink it when I get home. It's like a treat or reward. I have several really cute mugs that I love but I tend to always go with a certain one. Nothing taste better than your favorite drink in your favorite mug.

   My favorite mug was actually a gift from my mom and stepdad. They bought it at a Starbucks outside of NYC while on vacation. I love NYC! As a kid I always dreamed of living in New York wearing heels to a fancy job on the 100th floor of a skyscraper with a great view of old rustic buildings. None of that happened but my love for NYC has not diminished. The mug is such a great rendition of New York. I like how it's black and white except for the Starbucks sign and yellow taxi. I want to get another mug to have a set.

   Green tea with blueberry honey is my first choice of beverage but occasionally I like to mix it up. I recently bought the Tazo Chocolate Chai tea mix. It's really good but really rich so I only make small cups and drink it every once in a while. It's super easy to make, you take equal parts chai mix and milk then heat it up. I use 2% but you can use almond milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, or whatever you like. When a day has been really good or really bad I may add a little whip cream as well. 

    What's your favorite drink? Do you also tend to reach for the same mug?

Happy Weekend 🍁

    Hello readers! For some reason this morning I woke up before 7:30am, the only people who wake up at that time on a Saturday are morning people and parents but I am neither. Since I was up I decided to clean house especially my room which has clothes everywhere. I finished my laundry and breakfast and now I am free to enjoy this rainy fall day! I think I will write a letter to my sister, read a book, and of course stop at Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte!

    I hope you all enjoy your weekend! October is a great month for fall festivals and long walks in a cozy sweatshirt. Make sure to take time for you this weekend and enjoy all the blessings around you! Go buy some pumpkins and hot chocolates and have fun! Happy weekend friends!

Happy First Day of Fall!!

    Happy first day of fall and goodbye summer! I'm not much a summer person because it's too hot and I have no pool. #firstworldproblems, am I right? Anyways in honor of the first day of fall I have for you my favorites of the summer! It might not be my favorite season but there were a lot of things I loved about it this year and some precious memories I will cherish forever! Let me know if you enjoyed any of the same things!

 

Favorite Book: Girl Online by Zoe Suggs

Favorite Song: Uma Thurman by Fall Out Boy

Favorite Nail Polish: Sally Hanson Sticker Polish in Checkerboard

Favorite Shoes: My Cheetah Vans

Favorite Shirt: Asos Jeweled Shirt

Favorite Sunglasses: Wood Frames from Forever21

Favorite Food: Watermelon (I ate way too much)

Favorite Drink: Starbucks Iced Green Tea Lemonade

Favorite Accessory: Elephant Earrings from Forever21

Favorite Hobby: Swimming

Favorite Memory: Entire Alaska Trip

Favorite Picture: Iceberg Picture

Favorite Make up: Estee Lauder Rebel Metal Palette

 

My favorite book, shoes, shirt, and make up for summer!

One of my favorite pictures from Alaska! I love the blues in the iceberg! Completely magical and worth every penny of the trip!

The adorable elephant earrings from Forever21!

 

 

Mindy Kaling is my best friend! (OK I know I'm dreaming)

    I am about a quarter of the way through Mindy Kaling's new book and I had to put it down to write about it because I freaking love it! I thought her first book was amazing and this one is even better! Mindy Kaling is a comedic genius! I've looked at her instagram tags to see fellow readers pictures and it makes me so happy to see other people enjoy this book. The Mindy Project also started streaming on Hulu today so I guess I need a Hulu subscription now!

   I suggest buying this book because not only is it funny but there are some good truths. My favorite thing is her insight on weddings because I whole heartly agree with her stance. Have you purchased the book yet or even finished it?? If so how much do you love it??

    I've been rewatching the Office and Kelly is one annoying character but its because of how Kaling and the other writers wrote the character however Kaling's acting just hits it out of the park. Mindy is quoted saying that people think she is like her character Kelly but she's not. If she her personality is like how she write then you know that she's not Kelly. I do think they name drop similair but more in a loving George Clooney way but who doesn't?!

Have a great night!

Taken from my Instagram, @lastew07

**no this is not a paid thing I just love her work**

My Own Little Village

    Don't you miss those family members or friends who live so far away? Don't you wish you could keep them with you all the time and they wouldn't have to be so far? I do, especially when someone gets hurt. I've always wished I had my own little village that all my family and friends lived in so we could all be together whenever we wanted. I hate being away from those I love who live miles and miles away. I really wish that now since I got a call last night that my grandfather who lives several states away is in the hospital. I wanted to get in my car and drive to see him but by the time I'd get there I'd have to leave to drive back.

    I know if I had this dream village that I wouldn't be able to keep every safe but at least I would be able to see them and hold their hand through it all. Even though he lives states away my grandfather is in good care with my grandmother and aunt. We aren't sure what happened exactly. There is a possibility it was another stroke, he's had one before, or a heart attack. Not sure which is worse. Another bad thing about not being able to see him and know how he's doing is that on that side of the family no one tells anyone when they are sick.

    My grandmother called 9-1-1 in the morning and my dad didn't find out till later in the evening when he was talking with my aunt. This is typical behavior for the family. So if we aren't all together how do I know he's really doing ok and they aren't just saying that so I don't worry. They also rarely go to the doctor when they are sick which is also something that worries me. If my grandmother called 9-1-1 that means something bad must have happened. I'm praying everything will work and he will be in good health soon again. Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers and I will also keep you and your family in mine. I hope you and your families are all healthy and enjoying these last few days of summer!

Must Have Monday: Travel Edition

    Must Have Monday is back with my carry on edition! I love flying and wish I could do it more often but over the flights I've taken I've learned to bring certain essentials. Don't get me wrong I bring a lot more than what I'm going to show you. I am an over packer to the max. For example, I brought a giant suitcase that I checked when I went to Alaska. When I checked it, it weighed over 50lbs and we hadn't even gone shopping or bought souvenirs. I stuffed my gym bag in my suitcase in case it got too full. Good thing too because on the way back my suitcase was over loaded plus my gym bag was full. That's a lot right? Well I also put a bunch of stuff in my dad's suitcase. So yeah I over pack.

   But back to the essentials...

*Sunglasses- I hate when you leave early for a flight then you get to your destination and you are literally blinded by the light. Plus if it's in your carry on you wont forget to pack them.

*Chap Stick- The dry air in the plane always makes my lips chapped so moisturizing lip balm or chap stick is necessary. Besides the guy in seat 8A might be looking really cute and straight at you! Always be prepared!

*Phone- It sounds obvious but not everyone is attached to their phones and can easily be left behind. Phone charger is also a good thing to throw in your carry on verses your checked bag.

*Wallet- A good wallet with a place for all your documents is a good idea. My wallet has a perfect spot to put my boarding pass so I don't lose it and easy access to my license when entering security.

*Mints or Gum- I prefer mints because some people chew gum like a cow which can super annoying to those around you. If you have gum eventually it will run out of flavor and become hard to chew, if you don't have anything to put it in you're stuck with it. A mint can be chewed easily or sucked on. Fresh breathe, yes please!

*iPad- I like to bring my iPad more for when I get where I'm going. I usually read a book on the flight and not watch movies or the free entertainment. On my flight with my dad and stepmom my iPad came in handy because my dad's iPad wasn't working with the in-flight entertainment so he could use mine. I would never put important electronics in my checked bag in case it gets lost or stolen. I have on occasion put my hair straightener in my purse for that exact reason before.

*Water- When I get passed security and am waiting to board I usually buy a bottle of water. I hate getting a drink on the flight because then you have to put your tray down or hold it. You also have to hold it when you're done till they come around to pick up trash. Bottled water you can throw in your bag and not have to worry about spilling. I hardly ever eat or drink or even pee on a flight so I don't bother those around me.

*Deodorant- Don't want to smell on the flight or meeting whoever at the airport. Again there's a hottie in seat 8A and he doesn't want to smell your stank.

*Epi pen/Inhaler- This is probably just me but I have weird allergies. I have had serious breathing problems due to unknown allergens before so now I carry my epi pen with me at all times, especially on a flight!

*Camera- You want to remember to take pictures to savor the memories!!

What are some things that make it in your carry on?


**There was a picture but Blogger hates me and never uploads my picture, sorry friends!**