Don't fotget to....

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Happy Thursday everyone. The week has been a busy one but alas, it's almost over which means the weekend is upon us! Hope everyone has a fabulous day :) xoxo

25 Things I Have Learned

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Well, my 25th birthday has come and gone and sometimes I can't believe how far I have come in those 25 years and what I have learned.

1. Hard work really does pay off and there is no real satisfaction in taking shortcuts and skipping scene's.

2. Friends and boyfriends may come and go but your family is forever. If you let them, they'll be there for you.

3. Laughing really is the best medicine.

4. It's ok to push yourself and push yourself hard. It's amazing to see how far you can get physically, mentally and emotionally.

5. Anger only creates more anger, and although I may get angry I am learning to let it go faster and faster each time. It is exhausting being angry for any lengthy period of time.

6. Going out of your comfort zone to try new things is scary and amazing - you just have to try.

7. Sometimes you just.have.to.turn.the.tv.off. As much as I love Real Housewives of Atlanta, Beverly Hills, OC, Washington, New York (When are they going to let Detroit represent? No?) It's a great feeling to turn that sound off and frickin open a book.

8. You are a much better person, friend, daughter, wife, girlfriend etc when you do things for yourself. Even if it's just getting out of the house to get a pupkin spice latte.

9. Life is way to short. We are constantly riding on this line of life and death and we need to make sure we make the best out of each day. Did I do my very best?

10. Jealousy and envy are empty feelings. I read somewhere that sometimes your ahead and sometimes your behind and as long as you are defining your own definition of success these feelings cant exist.

11. Take pride in what you do - even if it is not the most glamorous thing.

12. Fake it till you make it.

13. Be positive.

14. The universe does eventually even itself out. People don't get away with things that aren't right - eventually the universe will balance out and they will get what they deserve. Don't try to speed it up, let it happen as it should.

15. Do the right thing - even if its the hard thing.

16. Be conscienctious of other's feelings.

17. It's ok to make mistakes. Thats how you grow and learn but remember "You can learn from others mistakes - not all mistakes are worth making"

18. Have discipline - so many people these days think that things should be handed to them or that they are entitiled, this is just not the case. Unless you are a princess, then yes you are entitled.... so.... have fun!

19. Take advantage of adversity. "If you cant live through adversity, you'll never be good at what you do. You have to live through the unfair things, and you have to develop the hide to not let it bother you and to keep your eyes focused on what you have to do"

20. Be happy. It is just that easy.

21. Have faith. Even if you dont believe in that man in sky. Having some kind of faith in this insane world will ground you, it will protect you, it will give you peace and hope.

22. Do what you feel is right - even if it isolates you. I have always stuck to what I believe in and at times it made me very unpopular and a lot of times people wouldnt come to me anymore because they knew what I was going to say (and they werent going to like it) but I never sacrafised my ideals for the majority and im happier for that.

23. People dont change. BUT people can improve.

24. Never stop learning.

25. Never stop growing. Constantly trying to improve myself physically, mentally and emotionally has never been easy for me but i'll never stop.

In a perfect world.........

I would have all the time in the world to try out these cute Halloween Decorations. I guess my pink light up skulls and stuffed spiders will have to do. But seriously how awesome are these ideas! All found here - of course.

This Week I will.....

• Go to zumba class and work up a sweat
• Read more of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
• Make my own lunch
• Catch up with all our laundry
• Think positive thoughts
• Take more pictures
• Make some "me" time
• not sweat the small stuff
• count my blessings everyday
• Be frugal

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Hey all I am loving this cute cottage up in traverse city that was featured in Apartment Therapy. I love the neutral colors with pops of teal and color here or there - very nice.

Music Philosophy

Have you ever come across something that is so genius that you kick yourself for not thinking of it first? Well I came across an amazing site called Music Philosophy and they make posters out of lyrics from different songs. They are so cute and full of color - I cant wait to grab one myself - the only problem is I don't know how I am going to choose!

The Rhythem is Gonna Get You

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Growing up I have always known that music had a huge affect on me. I found myself being moved by a song, by its beat or lyric. I would listen to it over and over and over again till it was literally a part of me. I guess I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I went awhile without it. Sure I would listen to the radio on m y ride home but dance music a.k.a. Bruno Mars, Usher or Flo Rider doesn’t quite move my soul (at least not lately). So the other morning as I was rushing out the door as I usually am in the mornings I grabbed my itouch (I have an iphone so I don’t use I itouch as much.) When I got to work I turned on my itouch and man it was trip! I came across so many songs that brought back so many memories - songs I hadn't listened to in forever.

Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap - my taste really started to expand after hearing this. It's absolutely haunting and beautiful.

White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes - my mom discovered this song on a fellow Michigan blogger and I was blown away. It's addicting and sucks you right in.

Bowl for Two by The Expendables - I always love a good Reggae song, this one has a more modern flare to it.

Breathe Me by Sia - originally I heard this song on the series finale of Six Feet Under and my GOD people, this song has moved by soul in ways I didn't know existed. It is so freaking beautiful that it could bring tears to my eyes, every time.

You Don't Know Me by Ben Folds - This song has this very upbeat feel to it, but the subject is about a couple of are coexisting and really don't know or get each other... Regina Spektor sings in it as well - BONUS!

Where is my Mind by City Wolf - very soothing and interesting song loved it the moment I heard it.

Hearing Damage by Thom Yorke - amazing beat, amazing lyrics and in a way kind of dark. Great song to unwind too.

Stay or Leave by Dave Matthews - I remember listening to this song over and over after my first real breakup. Dave Matthews always knows how to take it home. Beautiful song - yet very sad. Still always good to come back to here and there.

Unintended by Muse - Muse will always be one of my favorite bands of all time. But this particular song which is an oldie isn't really known. This song is so hauntingly beautiful it gives me chills.

How it ends by DeVotchKa - This song made me cry the first time I heard it. I originally heard it on SYTYCD and the dance that went along with it really hit home for me. It was exactly what I needed in that moment of time and for that this song will forever hold a special place in my heart.

These are a couple of my favorite songs and I love them all because they helped me in some way lifted my spirit when I needed it, inspired me when I was empty and put a smile back on my face. What music/songs holds a special place in your heart?