Five on Friday

Oh happy day!

It's almost the weekend. Annnd I actually have plans (I know, even I can't believe it). Tonight I'm going to happy hour with my cousin after work and then tomorrow I'm going out with Amy and Courtney and our boyfriends to celebrate Amy passing her boards for her CT program YAY.

Today I'm linking up with The Good Life, A. Liz Adventures, Carolina Charm, and Hello Happiness for Five on Friday. So let's get down to business to defeat the huns.

ONE // I ordered this months tshirt from Whitney at IWYP. If you've been living under a rock for the last 3 months or don't know what #IWYP is, you can google it or click here.

I've heard soo many good things about these shirts, so I can't wait to get it in the mail and feel how soft it is! Also check out Whitney's post from Wednesday about Envy vs Jealousy because it's perfect.

TWO // I'm ordering tickets for Jason Aldean with Florida Georgia Line and Tyler Farr for August!

THREE // This week, Amber at Mr. Thomas and Me started a #sayyesproject photo challenge for her birthday and I've actually been posting!

FOUR // I got my Proactive + in the mail on Tuesday and it's really doing wonders for my skin...except for this.

Well I love my new Proactive + and all, but it's BURNING as I work out. I feel like a billion fire ants are tap dancing on my face.

— Monica (@littlemonnny) March 6, 2014

FIVE // I'm wearing magenta pants at work today.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Annnnd linking up with Whit for Backthatazzup Friday.

Nelly and Florida Georgia Line because my dad was grooving to this in the car

yesterday morning and I'm still laughing about it.

Last Week on Instagram

I was looking through my IG pictures from last week and realized that even though this weather sucks, it’s making for some really awesome photos. I mean mother nature must be going through menopause or something because she can’t decide between being a 20 degree winter wonderland or sitting at 55 degrees and thundering like the sky will fall down. It’s gotta be the change. Or maybe just climate change. Who knows? All I know is that I’m ready to wear flip flops and the bathing suits I just bought at Target on Friday night. Wow, ramble much?
What was I talking about? Oh yeah, my awesome phonetography (I may have made that up) skillz. Here are some really nice pictures that only looked good because I’m good at tapping my phone screen (no, it’s not because of Flappy Bird).
Although it’s pretty, I want Winter to end…like yesterday

This one is where I pretend to be artistic while preparing to paint my nails because Jordan wanted to know #widn. Her pic was her adorable nephews so I think she wins.

A nice lady in the lane next to us waited to pull up until I got my shot. I’ve never seen anything like it #nofilter #hashbrowns

I went to the Phantoms game with Sarah on Friday. They lost, but I’m totally used to my teams losing (looking at you Sixers…and Temple…and pretty much every other Philly team). It was a really fun game despite the fact that there were a zillion brats kids who probably should have been on leashes.
On Monday, my friend Sadie called me and asked if I wanted to go sit in on a rehearsal for our old high school choir. So we did. It was nostalgic and awesome and apparently we’re legends now. They were learning a song we had performed for a competition so of course we more more than happy to help out.

And then there was this. Remember when I said I didn’t graduate and I ordered my senior portraits so that I could feel like it was official? Well, they finally came in the mail. TADA!

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes!

Instagram makes me feel like a better photographer than I am. Please tell me I’m not the only one who feels this way!

 

Have a great weekend, everyone! Just an warning: I'll be live-tweeting the Oscars on Sunday night. And if Frozen doesn't win best animated feature, I'm out. So in honor of my new favorite movie, I'm linking up with Miss Yoga Pants for #backthatazzup Friday.

 

 

Guess Who's Back...Back Again

Monny's back...tell a friend. Now everyone report to the Blogger, to the Blogger, to the Blogger. Now everyone report to the Blogger alright stop. It's posting time.

Excuse me while I get my white girl on, but I'm here. Yes, it's really me! I've missed blogging so much. A week without internet Mexico was awesome. The weather was perfect(almost) and I only got minimal sunburn! I'm sure I'll have like a week long recap because I have no idea how to get it all into a few posts but I will try.

I came home to some awesome surprises last night. I got my second Influenster VoxBox. This #JollyVoxBox tissues, a mini roll of duct tape, an eyeshadow trio, a box of chocolate (Momma always said...), and lip lacquer. I'll write a review of these products when I've gotten a chance to actually use them, although I couldn't resist opening the chocolate and it's delish.

I also got my Christmas card from Kaylee. She wasn't kidding when she said she drew cartoons of us. Also, I've never seen anyone address a card like she did. It really says "your bloggy bff Kaylee" on the return address. I LOVE IT. It might be one of the best cards I've ever gotten.

Even my senior portrait proofs came in. It makes me feel more official about getting my diploma, even though we don't get to have a graduation for our major. I think they turned out pretty well. I can't wait to order them!

I'll leave you with one of my favorite pics from our trip!

Linking up with Whitney for #backthatazzup Friday. I think this one is pretty fitting for my mindset this week.

XO - Monny

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Friday Blogland!

Today I want to introduce you to a very special man - my dad! Today is Pop's 53rd birthday (he looks great for his age, amiright?) and so I'm dedicating a whole post to him. I'm sure he's blushing as my mom reads this to him since he hasn't quite gotten the hang of navigating to my blog on his iPad yet.

Anywho, back to why I love my daddy!

ONE My dad taught me from a very young age that sports are awesome. I remember him taking me out back and having a catch with me,teaching me how to hold a bat, and then teaching me to hold a bat again when we realized that I can't bat right-handed. I remember him telling me not to be a sissy to be aggressive and to go after the ball when we'd play street hockey with the neighborhood kids and I ended up being really good at it. He also taught me that you love your teams, even when  the Phillies can barely make it to .500 they suck. You're allowed to curse at the tv and talk about how poorly they're playing, but you still watch every game. I repeat - you. still. watch. every. game.

TWO He can't cook many things (think brown scrambled eggs), but he makes the best eye roasts I've ever tasted and he's really good at buttering bagels. Like scary good, especially when you're sick.

THREE My dad wakes up at 5:30 every morning to drive me to the train, whether he needs to be in work early or not. He waits extra time at the station until the train comes so I don't have to stand in the cold and let's me control the radio (even though I usually pick something he likes anyway).

FOUR For as long as I can remember, he's been leaving notes for us on the kitchen counter. They always make us laugh, even when they're not intended to be funny.

In our house, everyone write their names on their plastic cup...except dad. He's been known to have more than a few aliases.

FIVE He has shown me that it's never too late to be who you want to be. He leads by example and is constantly helping others in need. I have such respect for him and I'm immensely proud to call him my dad. 

Happy birthday, Daddy! I love you, I hope you have a great day, and you'll get your real birthday card tomorrow!

XO - Monny

Linking up with Whitney.

I'm still confused as to why this song didn't win a CMA.

Vlog Like a Bo$$

*My video literally took an entire day to upload for some unknown reason. Here's my late post*

It's finally Friday Saturday!

Today I'm doing something I never thought I'd do. I'm Vlogging Like a Boss with Ashten. For those of you who don't know, vlogging is blogging through video. So today I'm going to "write a post" with my face and my webcam and pray that I don't scare you into unfollowing my blog. NO PRESSURE.

Here we go!

Links you should care about!

Margaret made a Facebook page for her blog!

Harry Potter Lovers Linkup and my Potter Post!

Kiss Nail Dress from my Influenster #VarsityVoxBox !

Ashten is a Vlogging Boss!

Lastly, it's #Backthatazzup Friday so go link up with Whitney!

XO - Monny

Gratitude: week 9

Happy Friday!

I love that it's Friday, but I just can't seem to get my shiz together. Like how I'm wearing one Gryffindor sock and one purple leopard print sock. And had to reheat my tea water...twice. I'm also finishing my gratitude post FROM WEDNESDAY. Jeez Monica. Here we go.

I'm grateful for warm sweaters when it's freezing (see also: a rainy 60 degrees) outside.I'm grateful that I'm only working 3-8 tonight so I CAN DO STUFF.I'm also grateful that my midterm math grade is an A. This has never happened before. I'm navigating uncharted territory.

Now onto the photographical Instagram portion of this post.

ONE: I'm grateful for manicures that stand the test of manual labor. If you ever get the chance, use Healthy Hoof high-gloss protectant. Yes, it's for horses. Yes, I put it on my fingers. Yes, it's a miracle worker.

TWO: I'm grateful that I got to spend 17 years of my life knowing this woman. My godmother had the biggest heart out of anyone I've ever known. She would help anyone in need and she taught me the meaning of the word "laughter." I miss her every day, but I'm grateful that she instilled all her kindness and love in her kids who are the best friends I could ever ask for.

THREE: I'm grateful that I can cook a damn good meal without burning the house down working too hard.

FOUR: I'm grateful for rainy days that I can watch from the inside.

FIVE: I'm grateful for Fall, even though I hate the cold.

SIX: I'm grateful that my boyfriend attempted to smile when I shoved a camera in his face.

SEVEN:...and that he's accomplishing everything that he wants to before graduating.

EIGHT: I'm grateful that I got my assignment done without stressing too much and that I got to bed at a reasonable time on Wednesday night.

What are you grateful this week?

XO - Monny

Friday?

Happy Friday, y'all (I still feel weird saying that)!

I had all intentions of drinking a beer and writing today's blog post before bed last night, but after the beer, I laid my head down to rest my eyes for a minute and woke up NINE HOURS LATER. So, here we are finally getting that post done.

Except, I have no idea what to write. Aw crud. Okay, new plan - write whatever comes into my head. Annnd GO!

Should I bullet it? Yeah sounds good.

• The new Snapchat update looks like a kindergarten classroom.
• I made my Earl Grey perfectly today.
• I can't believe I have an A in math. It is seriously a miracle. But really.
• Really not looking forward to 7 hours of manual labor today.
• How does Whitney fit all that into her purse?
• I bet Kris is jealous of my whistling skills.
• I should probably answer the questions Meg sent for my blog spotlight. 
• I should also probably apply to graduate like now.
• I'm so happy I'm making blog friends!
• especially ones who help me fundraise. 
• And I'm happy that it's only a little awkward asking people for their numbers.
• I may or may not have used this line last night.

Linking up with Whitney for #backthatazzupFriday

I think that's about it. Have a fantabulous weekend, everyone! XO - Monny

I Hate Facebook

Happy Friday!

I'm so happy I made it through this week! All that's standing between me and Irish Shenanigans Celtic Fest 2013 is Stat class, work, and one sleep!

Back to today's #Blogtember post. I'm supposed to be writing an anonymous letter to my Facebook friends, but I hate letters. Instead you get

THINGS I HATE ABOUT FACEBOOK

"Click LIKE if you love God, keep scrolling if you love the devil." These posts drive me batshit insane. If I want to prove I love God, I'm sure I can find another way to let Him know. I don't need to use Facebook to do it. I'm pretty sure He doesn't have a Facebook anyway.

Math problems. If I want to do math, I'll start my stat homework. I don't need to put my answer in the comments for no one to see. This is social media, not Algebra I.

Game requests. No I don't want to play Candy Crunch, Shitville, Diaper Dash, or Vampire Mafia. I have more important things to do than sit on my ass racing to serve fake customers lemonade or burnt souffle.

Drama queens. There is nothing worse than the girl/guy who starts shit on Facebook, only to post a status saying that they're "so done with people who cause drama." YOU CAUSE ALL OF IT. If you don't want people to know about how much drama is in your life, you probably should post every insignificant life problem on Facebook.

Diary entries. We the people do not need to know every single detail of your day. This is the real world - people just don't care that much. If you want to document your day, create an online diary and write in it for you. We don't care how many calories you consumed today or what color your underwear is. Anyone who cares that much will text you or call you on the phone. Spare us, please.

My brain has it's own file folder for stuff I hate about Facebook, so this probably won't be the last post you'll read about it. And as usual...

I know you hate Facebook too, let's talk about it in the comments!
XO - Monny

Linking up with a hungover Princess Whitney for #backthatazzupFriday !

In honor of the Irish Weekend I'm about to experience, here's one of my favorite Celtic Woman songs!

Gratitude : week 6

Happy FRIDAY (Friday, gotta get down on Friday) Blogland!

I've gone at least 2 weeks without linking up with Steph for Gratitude, so I'm smushing it all into this one post. Don't worry, I didn't stop being grateful for things, I just got lazy.

There are so many things to be grateful for.

ONE: Spontaneous dinner and drinks at the Irish Pub with the boyfriend.

TWO: Finally having a minute to start a book I've had for almost a year. One chapter in and it's just as good as I expected.

THREE: Pumpkin coffee season!

FOUR: Bewley's breakfast tea to wake me up (straight from Ireland Wegman's).

FIVE: Starting the search for grad schools.

SIX: Last minute road trips with Peggy and Dad!

SEVEN: Finally having a picture of Me and Kim after being friends for 2 and a half years.

EIGHT: and discovering different gardens every Monday at Temple Ambler with Kim.

NINE: Finding inspiration in the most unlikely places.

Last, but not least, I'm thankful that there are throwbacks songs like this to start off my weekend.

XO - Monny

#SelfiesForDays

I can't believe I just named my post that.

TGIF! Today’s #Blogtember prompt calls for a self-portrait. I can’t draw. But maybe, just maybe, it wants me to figuratively paint a self-portrait of myself so yous can learn more about me. In the case that it’s option one, I’ll improvise and use selfies instead. Maybe I’ll throw in a little option two and show pictures that really describe who I am.

I’m a girl who loves taking pics with her family. Can you tell by the way I take selfies with my sleeping dad or how I’m pseudo-attacking my brother? Maybe you can tell I love my family by the pictures I post with sis The Mustached Gangsta. Apologies to mom, who doesn’t have a goofy picture with me lately. I guess I could always use a quote from her because I have plenty of them. I’m giggling silently to myself on the train at this one “I keep inadvertently playing with her toes.” Yeah, that's good.

If you happen to look through my phone you’ll figure out another thing that makes me me. Food and drinks are a central theme in my selfies (and Instagrams for that matter). I mean I don’t look like it, but food is one of my favorite things. Seriously. Give me a five dollar cup of buffalo tots and I’m on 

cloud nine. Except don’t make me pay for the expensive gourmet tots because that price is cray cray.

Apparently I like hiding when people take pics of me? No, I’m not Asian. Yes I can fit my whole body into a hoodie (or toybox, hamper, or locker). No, I’m not a G, but I can pretend, right?

I make faces. Lots of faces. The first two are some gems I found in Greg’s Skype folder from my freshman (Sophomore?) year of college. Damn, screenshot feature. I have no idea about that last one.

That last one kinda looks like the obsessive girlfriend meme.

Here are some more weird pics. This picture is a gross exaggeration, but did you know that I’m allergic to the sun? Forrealz, I can’t go out for an extended period of time without getting hives all over. #sadpanda Also, I’m really good at turning myself into Mariachi singers on Snapchat. And then something about battling people with giant foam Q-tips? Also, freshman year of college. I think I thought I looked like a badass. Pffft.

Lastly, I take a ton of selfies at work. Add me on Snapchat and that’s basically where the majority of my Snaps come from. Works Snaps all day, erryday.

  

I hope you enjoyed the plethora of embarrassing selfies/non-selfies.

XO - Monny

Linking up with the no-longer-single Whitney for #backthatazzupfriday 

Monica Means 'Advisor'

Happy Friday, bliggity bloggers!

Today’s Yesterday’s #Blogtember post is about the best advice I’ve ever received. Considering the fact that my name literally means "advisor," it's weird that I receive advise more that I give it. People have been giving me advice my whole life. “Do this, say that, don’t wear white after Labor Day, kick’em where it hurts, you can’t just ask people why they’re white.” Out of all the advice I’ve ever received, a few tidbits have stuck around. Here I am, relaying them to you. (Maybe I do have the right name after all.)

Don’t take sh*t from anyone.

My parents taught me from a young age that I am free to be myself. No one but God can judge me and I should never let what a person says define me. I was taught to stand up for myself and to stand up for those who can’t. I don’t know if they ever explicitly used these words to get the message across, but that was the first phrase that popped into my head.

If you can’t do something right, don’t do it at all.

Obviously, this doesn’t mean you can’t make mistakes. It means that if you’re gonna do a half-assed job, don’t even bother. Because of this advice, I will always try my best at everything I do except cleaning my room. I know that if I make a mistake, I will fix it and do better the next time around.

Pray about it.

No matter what the situation, I know I can always rely on God for help. Whether He answers my prayers with yes, no, or not yet, I know he’s always listening. Prayer is the best way to sort out my thoughts and to find the answers I’m looking for.

The best you can do is doing your best.

Whenever I feel bummed about a test result or a final grade in a class, my mom or dad always asks, “Did you try your hardest?” When I can confidently answer with a “yes,” I know there’s no way to change the situation and that I shouldn’t keep worrying about something that I have no control over.

These pieces of advice will forever be mantras repeating in my head to use whenever I need them most (like now, while I’m searching for grad schools).

XO – Monny

P.S. – Linking up with Princess Whitney

#Backthatazzup with my favorite band since I couldn't be at their concert in AC tonight.