Learn to Love Me: Part I

There has been a string of bloggers recently filling out "The 36 Questions That Lead to Love" and I thought I would follow along so you all can get to know me even more. Sometimes I like to keep my life private but as a blogger, I feel like the more open I am, the more people realize there is a real person behind the screen. These questions come from the study that says if you answer these questions with another person, you can fall in love with anyone. The questions are in three parts and then the fourth part is that you're supposed to stare into the other person's eyes for four whole minutes! Intense! 

Obviously we cannot do the fourth part but over the next week or so, I'll be breaking up the questions for posts. When I worked at Jumonville, we did a similar exercise during staff training and I have to say that the partners I had still hold a special place in my heart, because of the closeness this activity really makes you feel. So let's dive in! 

Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

My Seton Hill girls. I've been missing them so much lately and I would give anything to be sitting around a huge circle table in Lowe Dining Hall with all of them again.

Would you like to be famous? In what way?

I don't like how much we pry into the lives of famous people, so no, not really. But I wouldn't mind being remembered for my writing and/or designing. 

Before making a telephone call, do you rehearse what you are going to say? Why?

Sometimes, depending on who I'm about to talk to or what needs to be said. Most definitely with phone interviews but not if it's just a casual conversation.

What would constitute the "perfect" day for you?

Oh, man. My favorite kind of days are the ones that I can truly enjoy because I don't have to do anything the next day, so I can just relax and not stress out about what needs done soon. So I guess I need a perfect weekend haha! But the perfect day right now would be one that involves warm weather! Preferably on a boat just lazy river style, with a good book and/or great company.

When did you last sing to yourself? To anyone else?

Myself? All the time. I sing while getting ready, while cooking, when I'm bored, always. To other people? Sort of by accident in a boot camp class last week. Sometimes the music just moves you!

If you were to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you chose?

This probably sounds conceited and shallow, but body. I like the maturity and wit that comes with age, so I'd be okay with being a bit more forgetful but I hate that an aging body slows down even the feistiest people. 

Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?

Not really. But I (unfortunately) feel like it will be untimely. Hopefully that's just because I'm paranoid.

Name three things you and your partner have in common.

(I'm assuming this means the partner of the activity, but we'll say they mean life partner.) MJ and I are both fiercely independent, introverted-extroverts (yeah, that's a thing) and great judges of character. 

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

My education. I'm especially grateful that my mom worked for a college for so long that it allowed me to go to undergrad basically for free, which allowed me to go right into grad school. I wouldn't trade those six years of higher education for anything in the world.

If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

Honestly, nothing. When I was younger, I used to wish that Eric and I had more siblings, but now that we're grown up, I wouldn't change a thing. I think other kids in the family would have kept us from being as close as we were which would be sad.

Tell your life story in as much detail as possible, in four sentences.

I was born and raised in a small town outside of Pittsburgh and led a very active life. I went off to college at Seton Hill University where I earned my BA in New Media Journalism and Communication and where I met my boyfriend, MJ, whom I've been with since 2009. After graduation, I continued my education at Point Park University where I earned my Masters in Public Relations and Advertising, also during that time I was living right in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh and started this blog! In 2014 I started my own greeting card business, Marion Claire Stationery, which has always been a lifelong goal and is named after my grandmothers. (Queen of the run-on sentence right here.)

If you could wake up tomorrow with one quality or ability, what would it be?

Patience with myself. I honestly am so patient with other people (seriously, I'm told almost every day how patient I am), but I wish I could give myself that same patience. I'll give other people way more time than they deserve but then expect me to get results and get things done, like, right now. 

Stay tuned for part two!

Fill out these questions yourself in the comments - I'd love to read them!

Memorial Day Happenings

Top: The view from our seats | Left: Eric eating | Right: Selfie with my new flag scarf

So, Eric and I had a pretty uneventful Memorial Day planned until one of the regulars at the bar I work at told me about the Erie SeaWolves game. Mondays are dollar days, meaning everything is only a dollar and since it was Memorial Day, what else did we have to do? Since we've never been we thought it'd be a great first trip and it was! We enjoyed watching the SeaWolves play against the Altoona Curve (a Pittsburgh Pirates double-A affiliate team), drank some crazy cheap beer, ate hot dogs and soaked in the sun. 

It was a great way to spend our first Memorial Day away from the traditional Ellwood City parade and picnic that we are used to. Maybe a new tradition? At least it will become a frequent stop during the summer. I didn't take many pictures because I'm horrible at remembering that I'm a blogger apparently. Hope you all had a great day. And of course, thank you to those who have and are serving. A special shout out to my blogger friend, Jess, who is in the Navy and who is an amazing young woman. I hope you had a wonderful day, sweet girl. Thank you.

Bad Things Happen When You Wear Sweatpants In Public

If you guys know one thing about me, you know that I think wearing sweatpants in public is a sin. I don't care if you're not wearing makeup, your hair is looking a hot mess or there is a stain on your shirt, but if you are wearing sweats in public (or GOD FORBID pajama pants) I will be secretly judging you. I have come to terms with the ideas of wanting to be comfortable and that sometimes jeans are just a tough decision to make, I get it, I wear leggings in public which I realize makes some people judge me. So while I understand why you would wear them in public, I cannot bring myself to do so.

You can blame Stacy and Clinton. Or the strict dress code that Ellwood City school district established during my freshman year of high school. But honestly the last time I remember wearing sweats in public was on the way to the WPIAL Fastpitch Softball Championship in my sophomore year, and we lost. See, bad things happen. So I should have thought of all these things on Monday.

Monday morning, my brother needed me to follow him to the mechanic to get his car fixed so he would have a ride home and not have to wait there while they worked on it. No big deal, and since it was early when we had to leave the house, I thought to myself, "It's okay just wear the sweatpants because no one is going to see you and we're coming right back home after dropping his car off, you can just get ready for the day when you get home." However, Eric and I decided to go through the drive-thru of McDonald's on our way home for breakfast. Still thinking, no big deal, it's a drive-thru, the only person seeing me in sweatpants is my brother and I wear these around the house, no problem.

Problem...bad things happen when you wear sweatpants in public. If you're around Erie during this time of the year, you know that no one cares about plowing the roads until there's some "serious snow" on them, meaning apparently at least eight inches. Well, on our way to McDonald's I started to break early for a red light, knowing that the roads were getting snowy, but got caught on some ice and hit the car in front of me which was already stopped at the light. Don't be worried, everyone is fine, the accident was more of a love tap between our cars. I happened to be driving a Suburban though so there was less damage on my end, considering Suburbans are ridiculously large vehicles, made for inclement weather. Way to suck in this incident though, Chevy.

Anyway, if you've ever been in any kind of minor traffic incident you (should) know that you have to get out of your vehicle, make sure the other car's passengers are okay, take pictures of the cars and area, get local police to report it and swap insurance info. The woman I hit kept saying she didn't know what to do because she was never in an accident before, yet, I have never been in an accident either and still knew what to do. Isn't this part of driver's ed? Anyway, multiple people saw the pants of shame. I guess this is karma for spreading hate for public displays of sweatpants for the past ten years, but let this be a lesson to you all. Wearing sweatpants in public leads to bad things, even if they're the "nice" sweatpants you got from your graduate school.

Don't forget today is the final day to enter the Firmoo glasses giveaway!

I'm picking 5 random winners at midnight so be sure to enter while you still can.

Breaking Fashion Rules & A Giveaway!

Cardigan & Khakis: JCPenney | Chambray & Purse: Target | Shoes: Sperry | Belt: Unknown

Modern Pearls Necklace: Boutique la Passerelle | CLO Necklace: My Monogram Necklace

While putting this outfit together, I originally had white pants set out to go with it and then I remembered it was after Labor Day and there is some dumb "rule" that you're not supposed to wear white after Labor Day. Blah. Blah. Blah. I don't care. I opted for these pants instead though because, while I hate khakis, I knew I'd be wearing this outfit outside and I didn't want to get my white pants dirty, but don't actually care about these guys.

Enough about that, on to the giveaway! This beautiful necklace was gifted to me by My Monogram Necklace and you have a chance to win an item from their collection, of your choice, for yourself! I'm in love with this necklace. Although I added an extender to mine, I'm sure that most of you wouldn't because it comes at a great length, I'm just weird and don't really like anything close to my neck. I had a hard time choosing which piece from the collection that I wanted because I could see so many of their pieces fitting in well with my wardrobe and other jewelry, but decided to go with this piece because it seemed the most classic. I've always been a fan of monograms and love that it's been on trend for awhile recently, so this comes to you guys at just the right time. Good luck!

*Since writing this post, I have been asked a lot about why my initials are in the "wrong order" typically with monograms, the last name letter is the largest and in the middle. Personally, I think that order is weird if the monogram is for one person, though I think that order makes sense if it's for a married couple. So since this is a 'just me' necklace, I asked this to be the order...also, when I sign my name, I always put a big fancy L for my middle name, Lee, so this is very much my style. You are welcome to order your initials in whatever order you choose if you win the giveaway.*

This is a sponsored post I received this necklace as a gift, but all opinions are my own.

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Chels Wears: Thrifted Michael Kors

Glasses: Rue21 | Amour Earrings: Urban Outfitters | Ring: Charlotte Russe

Shirt: H&M | Pants: Michael Kors | Vest: New York & Company

Shoes: Target

I think it's safe to say that Michael Kors is my favorite designer. I'm sure that he's a common name to come from most fashionistas of my time and anyone who has ever watched Project Runway. I love that his designs look luxe but can be very everyday kind of wear. I love that he makes clothes for the working woman and that he makes her look classy in and out of the office. So when I found these Michael Kors "walking pants" with the tags still on them in my size at a nearby Goodwill, I was over the moon with excitement. (In that same trip I found a brand new Vera Wang skirt, too. Jack. Pot.)

I'm certain I've already worn them too many times to count, they are just so comfy and chic and they are perfect for a job that has me moving around a lot. The high-waisted trend is slowly taking over my life and I will forever love neon and a well structured vest, so this one is an A+ in my book. Speaking of A+ these shoes are the ones I bought for my Masters graduation ceremony, because in the store they looked more green and I wanted green shoes for Point Park's colors but I'm okay with them clearly being blue in natural lighting. Also, A+ worthy, these pictures were taken outside of the Ellwood City Public Library, which I think is my favorite place in town. I'm a nerd, I know. Oh, and happy back to school to all my alma maters, Lincoln, Seton Hill and Point Park!

Chels Wears: Matchy-Matchy Love

Vintage Fork Ring: Festival | Belt: Urban Outfitters | Sunglasses: Brash | Phone Necklace: Wet Seal

Maxi Skirt: DIY | Vest: Old/Unknown | LOVE Tank: Wet Seal | Shoes: Charlotte Russe

I hate myself for being so match-matchy with this look, but the more I look at these pictures, the more I become okay with it. And this outfit matches my "blog theme" although that might annoy me after awhile. Oh well. These photos were taken at the electrical power plant in Ellwood City, the same plant that had some major issues not too long ago which left EC without electricity for about 14 hours. I'm sure if you follow my personal Twitter account, you heard me complain about that for about 13 of those hours.

I had originally thought about this outfit with a Marilyn Monroe graphic t-shirt I have and then when I was looking for it, I realized that it, along with about half of my wardrobe, is in storage from when I moved. Boo. But I did find this tank that I thought I gave away and am now glad I did not! I remember buying this with MJ, he likes it because the back has an awesome lace detail (sorry you cannot see it because I'm wearing a vest) and I like it because it says LOVE on the front. Awe. I also bought this telephone necklace in that same shopping trip, which MJ hates. Who says I can only wear clothing and accessories that my boyfriend actually likes? That is lame and I would probably have to give a lot of stuff away if that were the case! That is the one good thing about a "long distance relationship" - I wear what I want and don't have to hear him complain about it :) I'm sure he does the same too.

Chels Wears: $10 Neon

Owl Ring & Leather Bracelet: Charlotte Russe | Braided Belt: Unknown

Neon Shirt: Dollar General | White Tank: JCPenney | Pants: Target | Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Just to brag for a moment, while I was out wearing this outfit, I got a lot of compliments but one lady came up to me and said don't you just love that top? And she went on and on about how she just got the same one from Old Navy and for only $30 dollars and how much she loved it. Naturally I agreed with her because I love it too, but I got this little stunner from the Dollar General, for ten dollars. Sorry, ma'am.

Morale of the story: never question where you can find a great outfit piece. I'm all about saving money, especially when it comes to clothes because I buy them basically everywhere I can, so those couple racks of clothes that you've been overlooking at your local dollar store, stop overlooking. It's usually not a guarantee that you'll find anything awesome there, but sometimes you get nice surprises like this one! And for the record, I did see this shirt at Old Navy earlier in the week, but promised myself to only shop in their clearance section, so I passed on it. Lucky for me, I found it twenty dollars cheaper while I was out buying cat food...it's the little things.

twenty-four

Happy Birthday to me!

Today I'm turning twenty-four and feeling good about it.

My mama got me these balloons and my dad took these pictures. 

Like they have anything to do with my birthday. (Just kidding!)

Later tonight I will be heading out with some friends and MJ to go to the Waterfront 

and this weekend my family will be celebrating at my brother's new house up in Corry, Pa
and we're going to see Despicable Me 2...because I am a child and that's all I want.

I think I've been pretty successful thus far, but am really excited for what this next year should bring!

Hope you all have a great day! I know I will :)

The Best Thing About Ellwood City

You can just smell the fried food, hay and excitement!

The main food area - somehow I cut off the best booth ever in this picture, our church's apple dumpling booth.

A fan favorite - Rag Trader "Vintage Reborn"

Not to worry - we're still in Steelers Country, A LOT of vendors bring their black and gold best.

The information booth for visitors - I think it's the most festive and always loved it.

I've mentioned a couple times that I am currently in a different (smaller) city - while on the job hunt, I'm living back at home in Ellwood City, not too fair from Pittsburgh, distance-wise, but far from the luxuries of a downtown living lifestyle. However, there is one thing that is amazing about Ellwood City and that, is the Fourth of July Arts, Crafts, & Food Festival.

My mom and I are pretty much obsessed about the Festival, as is just about everyone else in the Ellwood area. The year I was born, my mom said that I better not interrupt her time at the Festival, which, I didn't, because I was born on the Monday after. The Festival features great (but horrible for you) food from local churches, clubs and other community groups, a judged art show, children's arts and crafts area and craft vendors from all over the US. I know this for a fact because I always pick up every business card. And I remember one Festival while hanging out at a friend's mother's booth, we were talking to a girl sitting in the booth next to us and she told us about her family who traveled to different fairs all summer, every summer; she was from Texas. 

This past weekend, Friday through Sunday, was the 2013 Festival and did not disappoint. Although it seemed like a lot of people were scared away by the rain and a couple favorite vendors were missing, still the same great weekend with fireworks to end the weekend. I bought the most stuff I have ever got from the Festival this year too, mostly jewelry, guess I'm a grown up? How was your weekend?

Fashion Forward Fridays: eShakti Custom Dress Review

Dress: eShakti | Shoes: Brash | Jewelry: Charlotte Russe | Purse: Vintage

A while back, I was contacted by eShakti to do a review. Since I heard of them through other bloggers, I jumped at the opportunity. A custom, designer dress made just for me? Uh, yes please! After going through a ridiculous process of narrowing down my favorite dresses and then asking my friend's opinions, I found the one that I wanted. Unfortunately, when I went to order it, they were sold out.

So I picked the dress that seemed the most like that one, which was a fitted bodice light chambray dress. Obviously the dress I have on in the pictures above have similar features, but it's not quite the same and while I do like this dress, something about it just doesn't make it "me." I chose the length of the skirt, sleeve, and added the keyhole back and the pockets, to make this dress the most customized one I could order - but I think the length of the skirt is what bothers me. I'm always nervous about ordering dresses online because I think they'll be too short. Knowing that, I ordered this as "below the knee" so that my big booty would have enough room, but this skirt gives it A LOT of room, and makes it a little too long for my style. Also, something about the length of the torso just isn't right. It might be my fault for guessing my height wrong but something about the shortened torso of this dress just isn't the most flattering for me. "Next time" I will do better looking at alllll the details before ordering and making sure all my measurements are exact.

Although I love all the customization options and love a lot of the pieces eShakti has to offer, since receiving my dress, it's been hard to get back in contact with the woman who started this correspondence, so if you order something, keep that in mind. However, I love the company overall. They are making clothes for women of all sizes and making them fit the size and personality of each customer by the changes you can make to their clothes. I suggest you check them out! For custom clothing, they are very reasonably priced.

P.S. I made my brother take these photos of me, he did a good job taking a bunch and letting me pick out which ones to use, he was a good sport. Oh. And these were taken at a new "urban park" in "downtown" Ellwood City. Our little hometown is getting so pretty....but that's about all it's doing.

Never ordered from eShakti before? Go here to receive a $25 coupon.

This is a sponsored post, I received this dress for free, but all opinions are my own.