It’s a gross understatement to say 2020 was a rough year so I won’t say it. Instead I’ll look forward to the new year with cautious optimism & lots of prayer. Speaking of prayer, I recently heard Joshua Aaron’s Hebrew cover of the song The Blessing, & it is a spiritual experience. It’s the perfect prayer to lead us into the coming year so I recommend you find a quiet spot, close your eyes, & let the song wash over you. Wishing you & yours a healthy 2021! 💙
“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” ’ “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”– Numbers 6:22-27
Yevarechecha Adonai, VeYishmerecha • The LORD bless you and keep you • יְבָרֶכְךָ יהוה, וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ
Ya’er Adonai Panav Eleycha ViChuneka • Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you • יָאֵר יהוה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וִיחֻנֶּךָּ
Yisa Adonai Panav Eleycha, VeYasem Lecha Shalom • The LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace • יִשָּׂא יהוה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם
Yehi chasdo aleicha le’alfei dorot • May His favor be upon you to a thousand generations • יהי חסדו עליך לאלפי דורות
Mishpachtecha viladecha • Your family and your children • משפחתך וילדיך
Dorotecha achareicha • Your generations after you • דורותיך אחריך
Rucho telech lefaneicha • May His presence go before you • רוחו תלך לפניך
Letsidecha achareicha • Beside you and behind you • לצידך, אחריך
Misvivecha belibecha • All around you and within you • מסביבך, בליבך
Hu itcha • He is with you • הוא איתך
Baboker uvaerev • In the morning in the evening • בבוקר ובערב
Betzetecha uvoecha • In your going and your coming • בצאתך ובואך
B’sivlotecha beoshrecha • In your weeping and rejoicing • בסבלותיך ואושרך
Hu itcha • He is for you • הוא איתך
Hu itanu im kulanu • He is for us, He is with us • הוא איתנו עם כולנו
• The world lost Kobe Bryant & his daughter Gianna along with Alyssa, John, & Keri Altobelli, Ara Zobayan, Christina Mauser, & Payton & Sarah Chester. Kobe was my favorite athlete & one of my biggest inspirations; I still don’t have the words to describe the deep sorrow I feel or how much I miss him. 💔
“The ABC Murders” by Agatha Christie ( ✔️ Clairvoyance – Read a 5-Star Prediction ✔️ Tome Champion – Finish One Book ✔️ Magi Might – Read a Book With Purple on the Cover )
Let’s take a look at the numbers: I ended 2020 with 497 art blog followers (up from 486), 475 lifestyle blog followers (up from 472), & 293 subscribers + 140,868 views (up from 274 & 121,601). I must admit those numbers are extremely disappointing & feel like a slap in the face after a year of work. Even though I wasn’t very active creatively, I put my all into every single blog post & video I produced. I’m letting my self stew in misery for a bit, but then I’m going to suck it up, hold my head high, & do better in 2021.Onwards & upwards! ➡️ ⬆️
📖 This Bible verse feels very appropriate after the year we just endured so I’m leaving you with Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to break down and a time to build up; A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain and a time to lose; A time to keep and a time to throw away; A time to tear and a time to sew; A time to keep silence and a time to speak; A time to love and a time to hate; A time of war and a time of peace.”
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*Note: I don’t like to label things as “trashy” because I consider that insensitive to both author & reader. I did a google search for “trashy YA” after both Twilight & Vampire Academy fell through, & this book popped up. I went with it because it was available to me on Scribd.
– N o v e m b e r 1 2 t h t o D e c e m b e r 1 1 t h –
*Note: Even though I didn’t win the Disney Plus Dream Job contest, I decided to continue with my 30-day marathon. You can expect a variety of throwback shows & beloved movies as well as my thoughts on the brand new app.
*Note: I worked most of December & got sick so some of my holiday content was SUUUPER late.
After my Disney Plus failure, I decided to get back on the horse & try again. I entered the CenturyLink Hallmark Movie Dream Job contest, and . . . I lost again. 😂 I made lemonade out of lemons & did a “25 Days of Hallmark” marathon. Each day I picked one old Christmas movie & one new one from a Kurt Adler advent calendar, amounting to 50 movies total. Enjoy!
Farewell to Carl Ruiz (chef), Carol Channing (actress & singer), Caroll Spinney (Big Bird & Oscar the Grouch puppeteer), Lee Mendelson (Peanuts producer), Luke Perry (actor), Gabe Khouth (actor), Georgia Engel ( actress), Peggy Lipton (actress), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Rene Auberjonois (actor), Rip Torn (actor), Robert Forster (actor), Russi Taylor (voice of Minnie Mouse), Ron Leibman (actor), Stanley Donen (choreographer & director), Tim Conway (actor & comedian), & Tyler Skaggs (Los Angeles Angels pitcher).
Let’s take a look at some numbers from the past year: I ended 2019 with 486 art blog followers ( up from 431 ), 472 lifestyle blog followers ( up from 420 ), & 274 subscribers + 121,601 views ( up from 244 & 88,153 ). To be honest, those numbers are disheartening. I didn’t see significant growth in 2019, & that is a knife to my heart. That being said, I accept partial blame. Even though some rough patches were out of my control, others fall on me. I felt unmotivated for most of the year which led to getting behind on work & producing content months after production. It was a quarter life crisis that really got to me, & I’m determined to be much better this year. This is a new decade, a new chapter in my life, a chance to refocus & reap more fruit from my labor. 2020s, I’m about to kick butt & take names. Watch out! 💥
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It is time to say goodbye to the past year and look ahead to a brand new chapter. Out with the old & in with the new! I know this has not been a great year of consistency on my blog, and for that I am deeply sorry. I can only promise to try my very best to do better in 2019 and move on. Walk with me down memory lane & see what my year looked like:
Farewell to Anita Shreve (author of “Stella Bain”), Aretha Franklin (singer), Barbara Bush (former First Lady), Billy Graham (evangelist), Burt Reynolds (actor), Charles Lazarus (founder of Toys “R” Us), Dorcas Reilly (creator of green bean casserole), George H.W. Bush (41st president of the United States), Jerry Maren (Wizard of Oz), John Mahoney (Frasier), John McCain (politician & Vietnam War veteran), Kate Spade (designer), Ken Berry (actor), Ed King (co-writer of “Sweet Home Alabama”), Luis Valbuena (baseball player, former Los Angeles Angel), Mike Taylor (Walk Off the Earth), Nanette Fabray (actress), Penny Marshall (Laverne & Shirley), Scott Wilson (Walking Dead), Sigi Schmid (former LA Galaxy coach), Stan Lee (comic book editor, publisher, & writer, co-created Dr. Strange & Spider-Man with Steve Ditko), Stephen Hillenburg (creator of Spongebob Squarepants), Steve Ditko (comic book artist & writer, co-created Dr. Strange & Spider-Man with Stan Lee), & Verne Troyer (Austin Powers movies, Jingle All the Way, & Men in Black).
Let’s take a look at some numbers as inspiration for the coming year: I ended 2018 with 431 art blog followers (up from 357), 420 lifestyle blog followers (up from 346), & 244 Youtube subscribers / 88,153 views (up from 188 & 72,815). I look forward to growing my internet family in 2019. Onward & upward! ➡️ ⬆️
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Some of you may be sorrowfully singing “Where are you Blooogmaaas??” Apologies for my sudden exit from the festivities. I had to work every day leading up to Christmas, and most of my time at home was spent relaxing and sleeping (in between uploading pre-filmed Youtube videos & reading to reach my 2017 goal). I hope you enjoyed what I was able to post in December. If it makes you feel a little more warm & fuzzy on the inside, I will be doing a Christmas do-over in January to make up for my low spirit during the actual holiday season. Basically I’ll be catching up on all the cheesy movies I didn’t watch. Moving on to the subject at hand. The new year has arrived so it’s time to take a look back at the past twelve months:
Farewell to Adam West (Batman), Christopher ‘Big Black’ Boykin (Rob & Big, Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory), David Cassidy (Ruby & the Rockits), Della Reese (Thats So Raven, Touched by an Angel), Don Rickles (Toy Story franchise), Heather North (Scooby Doo franchise), Jerry Lewis (Martin and Lewis), Jim Nabors (The Andy Griffith Show, The Carol Burnett Show), June Foray (DuckTales, Looney Tunes, Mulan, Rocky & Bullwinkle), Mary Tyler Moore (The Dick Van Dyke Show), Peter Sallis (Wallace & Gromit), Rose Marie (The Dick Van Dyke Show), and Sir Roger Moore (James Bond franchise).
The numbers aren’t why I do what I do, but it’s inspiring to see how far I’ve come. I ended 2017 with 357 art blog followers, 346 lifestyle blog followers, & 188 Youtube subscribers (72,815 views). I hope to add many more to my internet family in the coming year. Onward & upward! ➡️ ⬆️
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January 24 – I went to The Roadshow with my mom and best friend Lydia; our favorite bands were We as Human, Third Day, and Skillet. Afterwards we had a late night dinner at McDonald’s. Fun times! – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTJkvirgnbI –
March – I started my internship with Shakar Photography. I loved working with my boss Ambreen, her husband Shalin, and her other assistant Kayla. I not only met new friends but also experienced my first Indian wedding. This is a job I will never forget! – http://shakarphotography.com/# –
May 1 – God performed a miracle, and I passed my driving test. Bonus: I still HATE driving!!
September 22 – My wisdom teeth were removed. Not too bad!
September 29 – God performed yet another miracle, and I graduated from The Art Institute of Dallas with honors. My degree was bachelor’s, my major was photography, and my portfolios were conceptual (Nymph) and landscapes (Deep in the Heart) respectively. – https://laurenmichelelifestyle.wordpress.com/2014/09/20/lauren-michele-photography-portfolio/ –
October 5 – Greg Laurie brought Harvest America to the American Airlines Center in Dallas. It was a fun night with my mom. – http://harvestamerica.com/ –
November 5 – I turned twenty-one. So much power, so much responsibility!!
December 2 – My family lost a very dear friend, Shelly Bowles. It was sad for us to lose him, but he is in Heaven now with no more cancer.
Sadly, many notable people passed away in 2014. I would like to take this time to remember them, specifically those who influenced my life in someway: Ann B. Davis (Brady Bunch), Casey Kasem (Original voice of Shaggy Rogers), Christine Cavanaugh (A Flintstone Family Christmas, Aladdin, Babe, Darkwing Duck, Dexter’s Laboratory, Hercules: The Animated Series, Recess, Rugrats, The Powerpuff Girls, The Wild Thornberrys), Chuck Smith (Founder of Calvary Chapel), James Garner (Elderly Noah, The Notebook), Joan Rivers (Fashion Police), Maria von Trapp (Inspiration for Sound of Music), Mickey Rooney (National Velvet, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Black Stallion, Night at the Museum), Norman Bridwell (Creator of Clifford the Big Red Dog), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Hunger Games), Richard Bull (Nels Oleson, Little House on the Prairie), Robin Williams (Aladdin, Hook, Mrs. Doubtfire, Night at the Museum, Noel), Russell Johnson (The Professor, Gilligan’s Island), Shirley Temple (Heidi), and Sid Caesar (Coach Calhoun, Grease).
I am not on for making resolutions but what the heck!! In 2015, I would like to…
1. Get a job (preferably one involving lots & lots of books)
2. Pay off some of my college debt (A scholarship falling from heaven would be nice)
3. Blog more consistently (I am trying!)
4. Write a book (Already started)
5. Get back in shape (the “Freshman Fifteen” has got to go; it is time!)
I made some very realistic resolutions, most of which I really need to accomplish. It will be fun to come back on December 31st, 2015, and discuss what I accomplished. I hope you all have a very fun & safe holiday.
Happy New Year readers! –Lauren Michele :)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34-35
Good evening readers! So, here’s the deal. I am once again feeling less than jolly tonight, but instead of being “Bah Humbug”, I want to improve my mood. We are going to have some fun and do some Christmas-themed quizzes together. I have chosen one quiz from each of my favorite quiz websites. Feel free to explore and find more on your own. Warning: they are addictive and will take up hours of your time. Let’s do this…
Which Christmas decoration fits your personality? “You got a Christmas Tree! Everyone and anyone can feel the awe and majesty that you can give any room. And it is in that moment, that the beholder knows that it is finally Christmas. You are the decorations of decorations, as you yourself, are in turn decorated again with hangings, lights, and ornaments of all shapes and sizes. From house to house, you are incredibly personal, as no two of you are alike. Some like you so much, they don’t take you down until Spring!” I have no words. This is both the funniest and the most flattering compliment I have ever received. I am obsessed with Christmas time so I don’t have a hard time believing I ooze Christmas spirit. But awe and majesty? That makes me sound pompous. Here is the link to the quiz: http://www.playbuzz.com/avibwx10/which-christmas-decoration-fits-your-personality
Which foreign Christmas tradition are you? “You are throwing food at the ceiling. In the UK you’ll be shouted at if you don’t eat the food put in front of you, but in Slovakia you’ll be expected to throw food at the ceiling. It’s thought that a spoonful of turkey and gravy lobbed at the ceiling on Christmas Eve by the head of the household will predict how much luck the family has the next year. The more food that sticks to the ceiling, the better their luck. Unless, of course, you’re the person who has to clean it up.” What does this say about me? Apparently I get major holiday mood swings. Fair enough considering my love/hate relationship with Christmas spirit this year. Here is the link to the quiz: http://www.buzzfeed.com/jackdanielsuk/which-foreign-christmas-tradition-are-you?b=1
Can we guess your favorite Christmas movie? “It’s a Wonderful Life. Forget about all these newfangled holiday movies – you’re into the classics. You love a feel-good movie with a message, and every time a bell rings you’re positive an angel gets its wings. You like nothing more than gathering around the TV with the people you love to carry on the Christmas tradition of watching George Bailey learn how to appreciate life.” False. This is not my favorite movie, and I do not hate modern holiday films. However, I do love feel-good movies with a message, and I do treasure traditions shared with family so this result is 50% inaccurate. If you are wondering, my favorite holiday movies are “Old Fashioned Thanksgiving” and “Nativity Story.” Here is the link to the quiz: http://www.zimbio.com/quiz/7kYouobapL1/Can+Guess+Favorite+Christmas+Movie
I hope you enjoy these quizzes as much as I did. Feel free to comment and let me know what result you got and how you feel about it. Stay merry readers!
– Lauren Michele :)
What does December have that other months don’t have? The letter D.
How did Scrooge win the football game? The ghost of Christmas passed.
What kind of motorcycle would Santa ride? A Holly Davidson
Why was Santa’s elf depressed? He had low elf esteem.
What did the reindeer say before beginning his comedy routine? This will sleigh you.
I hope your noses are in tip-top shape because tonight’s post is all about CANDLES!! Today was the sacred day that die-hard Bath & Body Works shoppers crave the other 364 days of the year, leap years excluded. Today was “$8 Candle Day.” I cannot tell a lie. This whole “I need a gazillion candles in my life” craze is new to me, but I caught on quickly. First of all, the store was absolute chaos. California women do not mess around when it comes to sales, even if they are holding one or more babies. I was poked, prodded, stared down, and 100% overwhelmed. Even the employees were getting trapped by the sea of shoppers. Despite my “fear”, I was more worried about the candles. People were moving about as if the store was full of cotton instead of fragile candles. Take a chill pill!! If you can’t already tell from my dramatic narrative, I am NOT a crowd person. Fun fact about me: I will not go to a store to wrestle over an item in person. However, I am a master online shopper; I will bid to the death. Perhaps I will share some of my wisdom with you another time. Back to the topic at hand. I made it out of the store alive with four candles. At $8 apiece with the inclusion of a $10 off coupon, I paid a little more than twenty-three dollars total. That is the amount I would have paid for ONE candle on a normal shopping day, and I walked out with FOUR candles. Hallelujah, praise Jesus. I love saving $$$!!! I will end this post with a description of each candle, including Marshmallow Fireside which was purchased last month. FYI: These descriptions come on the bottom of each candle; I cannot take credit for the text in quotation marks.
Cranberry Woods – “Fresh tart cranberries, blackcurrant, and warm cinnamon bark combine in a delightful fragrance inspired by the magic of the woods during harvest time.” I chose this candle over “Frosted Cranberry” because the scent was more delicate. Despite the absence of citrus, the scent has a citrus quality that cuts the harshness of the cranberry. This scent is ideal for any Thanksgiving table.
Gourmet Espresso – “The fragrance of rich espresso delightfully brewed with artisan coffee beans is the perfect complement for your homemade holiday treats.” Coffee lovers need this candle in their life. I am not a coffee aficionado nor do I drink pure coffee, but this scent is absolute heaven. This candle was made to be lit in your kitchen every morning.
Holly Jolly Christmas – “Have a holly jolly Christmas with this festive blend of bright mandarin, red pomegranate, and fresh balsam.” Christmas-themed scents tend to be too spicy for my taste. If you are like me, this is the candle for you. The notes of fruit add just enough pop to the fresh balsam without being overpowering. A “Fresh Balsam” candle is also available, but I chose this candle instead because the scent offers more than one note of Christmas.
Marshmallow Fireside – “A sweet toasty end to a long cold day – toasted marshmallows and sumptuous vanilla cream blend with the comforting aroma of rich smoldering woods.” I am not a huge fan of sweet scents because they can be very nauseating. While this scent is very sweet, in small doses it is a pleasant pick-me-up. You know that scent from bonfires that makes your eyes and nose burn? Hints of that toastiness are present and break up the sweetness a little bit. This scent is 100% dependent on the first impression. You either like it or you don’t; there is no compromise.
Mint Mocha Bark – “Wrap this delectable medley of creamy smooth mocha, vanilla, and icy mint in a bow and give it to your nearest and dearest.” Plain and simple: if you want to have the scent of a Starbucks peppermint mocha frappuccino within reach at all times, this is the candle for you.
Now go forth, shop, & fill the air with fragrance. Stay merry readers!
– Lauren Michele :)
“It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Good evening readers. I’m pretty sure the title says it all so this post will not drag on. I have been in a blah mood today. I could not fall asleep all day, and my mind refused to focus on an activity (e.g. reading). On the positive side of things, candles are $8 at Bath & Body Works tomorrow, and I am finally leaving this apartment after one week of illness. No cough or sneeze will stop me!! Perhaps my post tomorrow will be all about my new candles. Wont that be fragrant! Sorry. My brain is crazy from the boredom. What else did I do today that was interesting… I watched the finale of Gracepoint. Did anyone else follow Gracepoint from the beginning? Crazy ending. I wont give it away, but I finally predicted something on a TV show. I’ve basically won at life. Not really. I also watched Elf. I love that movie! My favorite part is when Buddy the Elf hears Jovie singing in the shower, innocently joins in, and scares her. That scene tickles my funny bone every time. Well, that is pretty much the extent of my day. Sorry I wasn’t in a holly jolly mood today; I did my best. Good night and stay merry readers!
– Lauren Michele :)
“Cindy Lou Who: Santa?
Grinch: WHAT?
Cindy Lou Who: Don’t forget the Grinch. I know he’s mean and hairy and smelly. His hands might be cold and clammy, but I think he’s actually kinda… sweet.
Grinch: SWEET? You think he’s sweet?
Cindy Lou Who: Merry Christmas, Santa.
Grinch: Nice kid… baaad judge of character.” – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Good evening readers. I am feeling especially rested today after my NyQuil-induced sleep last night. That stuff should be illegal!! Though I am not yet 100%, I am feeling well enough to listen to Christmas music and write a Blogmas post. I am not sure if you remember this, but I tried out life as a Youtuber earlier this year. After my college graduation, I decided to take a break because I was not feeling as excited about it as I was when I started. Today, out of the blue, someone commented on one of my videos and requested a makeup tutorial. I know it is only ONE comment, but as a small Youtuber, it is both an accomplishment and motivation. Sooo… I am thinking about going back to Youtube and filming the requested makeup tutorial as well one or two special Christmas videos. I will let you know when that happens so that you can tune in if the videos interest you. Perhaps this time around my perfectionist ways will not alter my personality. :P
I hope all of you are having a very merry Christmas thus far. Surprisingly I am having a very difficult time getting into the Christmas spirit. I am currently dealing with a lot of changes and emotions so that could be the cause. I also blame the “Sunny all the time” California weather. Not Christmasy at all!! I need to remedy this problem because time is running out. I started my Christmas festivities way back in October, and I still feel like time went by too fast. I might have to start in September next year!!
That is all for now. Stay merry readers!
– Lauren Michele :)
“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.”
– “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, Clement Clarke Moore
Lauren Michele ❤️ 
