Saturday, March 31, 2012

March 31

Keep only one set of clothes that you use exclusively for cleaning and throw out the rest.  You do not need a lot of clothes you don't feel good in your closet.  Your closet should be organized and full of comfortable, flattering clothes.


Usually, once a year I have a huge cleaning of my closet.  This means that it is a sty for about a quarter of a year.  I have a walk in that I just stuff everything into and I also have a lot of clothes that are out of season or I simply don't wear.  I am working on it.  Anyway, here are some helpful links if you are interested in having a clean closet:
http://excelle.monster.com/news/articles/2234-10-essentials-every-woman-should-have-in-her-closet?page=2
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/how-to-organize-your-closet1.htm
AMANDA

March 30

Stop living for other people.


Though I don't live exclusively for other people, I do find myself altering who I want to be for other people, which is slightly ridiculous.  I don't think anyone should tell you who to hang out with, what to do, or where to go.  I know that sounds cliche, and I know you might think if you don't have a controlling boyfriend or children that you are not guilty of this.  You would be surprised how often it happens and you don't even realize you are doing it.  I am currently experiencing problems like this but I know that if I stand up for myself, I will be a happier person.
AMANDA

Thursday, March 29, 2012

March 29

Create the world you want to live in.


I think I fall into the habit of expecting things to happen.  I think women generally (yes, I am playing this card) expect men to take control of making a relationship happen.  It is very easy to become comfortably unhappy.  Unfortunately, I don't even have any romantic relationships in the works to act upon.  Today, though, I finished watching AFI's top 100 movies.  Just as fulfilling, right?
AMANDA

March 28

Enjoy the little triumphs of each day.


So today I made my friend a "feel better" gift that consisted of stuff like Hershey kisses and funny notes.  I also tried to smile at people, let people merge (though the gratification there was minimal), and open the door for people.  Now, generally, people are assholes so I didn't get many thank yous (with the exception of my friend).  Still, I felt better doing small acts of kindness which I guess is what counts.  To spread the cheer, I will direct you to a funny video:
AMANDA

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

March 27

Don't be afraid to enjoy the quiet.  Don't be afraid to be loud.


This is very odd because I feel like I both excel and fail at this message.  When I am with my mom, aunts, or sister I have no problem being loud and silly.  However, when I am in front of large groups of people, I clam up.  I also can really enjoy quiet when I am alone but then I tend to seek solitude too much.   All about the balance which is something that Brie can handle better than I can.  Take it, Brie!
AMANDA

March 26

You must decide to be happy and make that commitment to yourself.


That is the whole point of this book, right?  To be happy on purpose.  I definitely think it has to be decision.  I don't think you should ever be ashamed of being unhappy.  I feel like a lot of us tend to look at those less fortunate than ourselves and say "well, I should be grateful for what I have."  I think this is fine if you acknowledge your own feelings.  Plenty of people who are very fortunate in their financial situations are unhappy.  It is nothing to be ashamed of (yeah, I ended a sentence with a preposition; what of it?).
AMANDA

March 25

Say "I am courageous and brave and I will look _____________in the face."  Fill in the blank.


I am courageous and brave and I will look my loneliness in the face.
AMANDA

March 24

Finish your high school or college education.  Go for it!  It is never too late.


Do not have to worry about this one but I will say that there are plenty of opportunities out there nowadays for extended learning.  You could take online classes or night classes.  Just saying.
AMANDA

March 23

It takes around 21-28 days to establish a new habit.  Pick a new habit to develop and work on it gradually.


I choose

  • exercising two days a week for one hour
  • I will do this by making exercise plans with my friend at the beginning of every week
  • For this week: track on Thursday, Wii sports on Tuesday
AMANDA

March 22

Take a look at the following areas.

  • How you eat
  • How you keep up your living space
  • How you approach exercise
  • How you approach projects

  • With great gusto and happiness
  • Full of happy things that I love
  • I actually just started doing a fitness program with my one friend so I approach it pretty well as of late
  • Eager and a little too easily
AMANDA

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

March 21

Breathe.


I just took some really deep breaths and it felt really good.  It is great advice...um...what the hell should I write?  I imagine I would have a similar feeling were I ever assigned an essay on blinking.  Let's see...it is good to slow down sometimes.  Um, it can relax you especially in stressful traffic related incidents (I got stuck behind a bus today).  Uh, anyone watching Psych tonight?  Any takers?  I am going to just sign off now...take it, Brie!
AMANDA


I may have mentioned this before, but I use deep breathing in my daily life. Whenever I'm feeling stressed or worried, I just breathe deeply, and my head becomes clearer right away. I highly recommend incorporating deep breathing into your day. Below is a link for a website that goes into detail about the benefits of deep breathing and how to properly and more effectively breathe.

http://www.onepowerfulword.com/2010/10/18-benefits-of-deep-breathing-and-how.html

xx Brie

March 20

Don't assume you are trapped in your current position.  Constantly learn new skills to enable you to have a back up plan.  Information is power.


I love learning new things, though I must admit, I do not put myself out there that much.  I like learning by myself with either books or the internet.  I really want to learn about classical music and art.  Of course, I should probably dedicate myself to more practical things as well.  I think I have mentioned that I want to learn sign language this summer.  I think when people aren't constantly learning new things, they get really boring.  Just saying.
AMANDA


I need to get past my laziness and start learning some new skills. I am currently working on my French. I am also continuing my daily practice of yoga. I am always into learning about new music, but that isn't really a 'skill'. I'm going to find something awesome to learn this summer. I'll keep you guys updated.

xx Brie

Monday, March 19, 2012

March 19

Most people have at least one part of their body that they wish they could change.  Constantly say to yourself "I love all of me!"  Eventually, you will.


I have never really been comfortable with my appearance.  Let's just say I have more than one part of my body that I would like to change.  I think it is always a good idea to pick out what you think is your best feature and focus on that.  For instance, I have always liked my eyes.  They are a really deep brown and big (though not in a creepy bug eye way).  I also have rather long lashes.  This sounds really braggy but my point is that I try to exemplify this feature by wearing flattering eye make up.  I would love for people to comment on what their best feature is.  Don't feel like you are boasting; this is a blog meant to celebrate ourselves.
AMANDA

I'm in the same situation as Amanda. I could name a few body parts that I'm not happy with. On the plus side, I have never seriously considered plastic surgery. I know that if I surgically changed a part of me, I would regret it for the rest of my life. I would feel like a cheater and a fake. Let's see... I really like my eyes, as well. I have been told that they are an interesting color. They are greenish-blue on the outside, and brown near the pupils. I am also happy with my legs. They are very slender and toned. If you play up your best features, people are less likely to notice the features you are more insecure about. In fact, I guarantee that the people around you do not notice your so-called 'bad features' as much as you do (if they notice them at all).

xx Brie

March 18

Take action to set up a back-up plan for yourself. You never know what will happen.

The lovely Diana Fletcher suggests that we, as women, set up a separate bank account for ourselves. Just in case. I have to say that this is a great idea. Someone close to me who had been married for a long, long time, separated from her husband very abruptly. The first thing she did was move some of their savings to a separate account. But for those of us who aren't as quick on our feet... well, we should have a back-up plan. You never know.

xx Brie


I think it is a really good idea as well; I would never want to be completely financially dependent on someone else.  I think the idea of having a back up plan can be stretched farther than just setting up a separate bank account.  Maybe have a place you would meet your family if there was an emergency.  My sister and I have code words to use if we are ever in trouble.  Hopefully, we will never have to use them but who knows? 
AMANDA

Saturday, March 17, 2012

March 17

Eliminate three things from your to do list.  Yes, you can.


Oh dear.  I don't know if I can do this.  It is Saturday, which is when I usually catch up on my to do list.  I must follow orders though.
Today I will not

  • Change my sheets
  • Do laundry
  • Think of the last thing I can eliminate.  HAHAHAHA!  Loophole!
AMANDA
Not sure where Brie is but the show must go on!

March 16

When evaluating yourself, be humble, gentle, and honest.


I actually think that I have the most trouble being gentle with myself.   I can be really rough with myself (I think we all can).  Most of the time, I don't even like looking at pictures of myself. I don't want to write too much about being kind to yourself because I feel like we have already addressed this in previous posts.  I will say that I have really been trying to work on this recently and have been trying to name good things about myself frequently.  I suggest you do the same thing.  Please comment with what you love most about yourself.  Do it.  Just do it.  Do it.
AMANDA

March 15

Make sure that you are surrounded by pretty and pleasant things that invoke all of your senses.


One of my passions is to be constantly studying art.  To me, art just doesn't mean paintings or sculptures.  Art means anything that is beautiful or thought provoking.  I love reading literature, listening to music (though I confess, I know nothing about classical music), and watching films.   I think I have done a pretty good job of surrounding myself with art as well.  I have bookshelves that are overflowing with novels and I have pictures of gorgeous places.  I encourage people to pursue art because I feel that, if nothing else, it makes life worth living.  You can start with my other blogs!:)
AMANDA

Friday, March 16, 2012

March 11

The next time you are really frightened, think of warm things.  When you are afraid, you freeze. Think of hot chocolate, fires, and blankets.


I cannot remember the last time I was truly frightened.  I am pretty much immune to scary movies at this point and I avoid going out alone at night.  This is a really interesting technique.  I would actually like to learn more about these things.  So, readers: what do you do whenever you are scared?  Please comment!:)
AMANDA

March 14

What activity did you love to do as a child?  Figure out a way to fit that in by the end of the month.


Is it a good thing or a bad thing that I haven't seemed to change since I was a child?  I was constantly reading and refused to go to sleep unless my bed was covered in books.  Of course, I also liked to play pretend with my sister and walk to this old creek around our house (which ,come to think of it, was really dangerous).  I think I will try to fit in playing outside.  Maybe I will try to play kickball or do an obstacle course outside.  We will see how this goes.
AMANDA

March 13

The next time you are in a conversation that starts to be gossipy and nasty, walk away.  Do not become involved with that nonsense.


Speaking of which, anyone watching Real Housewives of Orange County tonight?  New episode and I am super excited!


Ahem...anyway, gossiping is really bad.  Seriously, any time I am around intense bitching I am embarrassed for the female sex.  Although come to think of it, guys are just as nasty as girls.  Actually, I have heard some guys that are ten times worst than the cast of Mean Girls combined.  I would like to believe I avoid these conversations all together, but if I ever am involved, I will be sure to take Ms. Fletcher's advice.
AMANDA

March 12

Go somewhere and do nothing.


I recently went on a weekend trip away to Philadelphia (sorry if it sounds like I cannot stop talking about this but I think it is a good example).  I was able to read two books, get room service, and take walks and it was wonderful.  Weekend getaways are the best; I need to start doing them more often.
AMANDA

March 10

Smell some lavender.


Well, that is specific.  I actually don't have any lavender around but I have seen some really beautiful lavender fields.

That picture is so beautiful it actually just brightened my day!
AMANDA

March 9

Pursue your own interests and plans, without anyone else's approval.


Sorry I haven't updated but I spent the weekend in Philadelphia.  I went to see the Philadelphia Flower Show which is the largest indoor flower show in the world.  The entire convention center smelled wonderful and the flowers were beautiful. It was a really fun weekend of sightseeing (I finally saw the Liberty Bell and took my picture with the Rocky statue).  Here are some pictures of the event:





I think this definitely deserved a place on the happiness blog because it was a fun weekend away from reality and it was really beautiful.
AMANDA

Thursday, March 8, 2012

March 8

Get help with your finances.


I open up a lot of times on this blog, but I am not going to tell you my financial situation.  I apologize.  To make you feel better, look at this:

Isn't le Rage the best?
AMANDA

That was a bit frightening, Amanda. I don't really need help with my finances. That's not to say that I'm in an amazing, worry-free position, but I'm pretty good at controlling how much I spend.

I'm going to go a different direction:



xx Brie

March 7

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.


I am having a really tough day.  Just like Arthur Dent can never get the hang of Thursdays, I could never get the hang of Wednesdays.  I will just say that I have access to every treat but that doesn't mean that I should get every treat.  Sorry, I can't say more that but I am incredibly busy.
AMANDA


The only thing I can think to write about for this post is food. Just because those cookies are available to you, does not mean you should eat them. I'm sorry neither of us have insightful thoughs for this one, guys. I guess it's just an off day.

xx Brie

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

March 6

Make a decision by yourself that benefits yourself.


Today, I decided to play basketball.  I know that seems either hard core or childish, but it was actually a lot of fun.  I hadn't played in a really long time and so it was quite embarrassing for awhile but I got fresh air and exercise.  I never really got into exercising.  Going to a gym and walking on a treadmill always felt artificial to me.   Like I should really be out exploring instead of just mirroring the movements.  It was a lot of fun and I think I am going to try out a few new sports!
AMANDA


Wow, I'm really proud of you, Amanda! I've decided to try to be healthier, too. I'm already a vegetarian, but I feel like I can be doing so much more. From now on, I'm going to try to do at least twenty minutes of yoga daily, take a walk every day (weather permitting), and prepare each of my meals so that they are at least half fruits/vegetables. I'm also considering going vegan for a day or two every week. I'm going to do some more research about healthy vegan diets, and see how I feel about it. When done correctly, vegan diets can be extremely beneficial. Also, animal rights is something I'm very passionate about, and it's something I would like to contribute more to. I will keep you updated.

xx Brie

March 5

Make a list of what you have accomplished today, instead of focusing on what you didn't get done.



  • Helped my sister
  • Finished Emile
  • Exercised
  • Caught up on a few blogs
  • Had dinner with just my mom
AMANDA

  • Read some poems
  • Yoga
  • Watched the news
  • Talked with my dad
xx Brie

March 4

When was the last time you were not authentic?


I am often not authentic when I talk to guys.  I try to sound more fun than I am.
AMANDA

Amanda, you are fun! Any guy would be so lucky to have you! The last time I was not authentic was when I acted very cheerful when I was really tired. I didn't want to sound mean, so I used up so much of my energy to be entertaining, when I really needed to just rest.

xx Brie

Saturday, March 3, 2012

March 3

Dance and sing.


Here are some of my favorite songs that are fun to sing and dance to.


I like Darren Criss' version better than the original.

AMANDA


Ingrid Michaelson - "Everybody"


Phoenix - "Girlfriend"





Santigold - "Lights Out"



The Temper Trap - "Sweet Disposition"


Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Maps"


I hope you enjoy these songs. They are some of my favorites :)

xx Brie

March 2

Don't gossip.


I do my best to not gossip about people.  When you hear women talking about how fat or slutty another woman is, it is incredibly unattractive and embarrassing for them.  Sometimes, I think it is good to vent about a certain person to a friend if it helps you keep your cool in front of that person.  My one friend and I have a policy like that.  It is not really vicious or mean so I guess it doesn't count as gossip.  So...yeah.
AMANDA

I could never say anything cruel about someone behind their back. I, like Amanda, will vent every once and a while, but I don't gossip for the sake of gossiping. When I hear a woman gossip, I just see her as so immature. There are so many better things that you could be occupying your mind with! I would be absolutely crushed if I knew someone was gossiping about me. I'm sure it happens, but I know I can't stop it. That's why I would never intentionally gossip. I hate hurting people's feelings.

xx Brie


March 1

Put yourself out there.


I had a hard time thinking of what to write for this post.  I guess that makes sense, since I have a hard time putting myself out there.  I think there were a few incidents in grade school whenever I made it known to a guy that I liked him and I have been scarred for life.  Rejection is just so humiliating.  Still, I am going to try to put myself out there more starting tomorrow.  Possibly the next day.
AMANDA

I get better at putting myself out there every day. I'm able to be completely honest with my boyfriend, which is 'putting myself out there'. Back in October, I gave my phone number to a group of acquaintances. I asked them to come over to my place for a movie night (you know, just a casual get-together). This gathering was, of course, a plot to get a certain fellow over so I could get to know him better. He didn't show up. He had a good excuse and everything, so I had no reason to be mad at him. I was still upset and disappointed, of course. The point is, though, that I put myself out there. And three months later, he texted me (for the first time). He is now my boyfriend. So, you never know what will happen if your put yourself out there. Most of the time, risks pay off.

xx Brie

February 29

Create.


I create almost every day with my blogs.  I think it is also important to appreciate other people's creations in your daily life, whether it is by reading, going to museums, or watching films.  I am fortunate enough to be able to incorporate art in my life every single day and I am so grateful.  Finally, I believe that it is really important to support and appreciate the art that people in your life create.  I have always tried to support my friends in their talents, whether it be in art or cooking.   My writing has always been supported by my family but I have never really discussed writing with my friends or asked them to read anything of mine.  But I create on a daily basis which is what is really important.:)
AMANDA

I keep putting off this post, because I'm not sure what, if anything, I create. As Amanda said, I enjoy admiring the creations of others, such as art, film, music, and literature. We've mentioned many times that our friend, Mara, is an extremely talented artist. I don't exactly create anything in my daily life, but I like to think that my whole life has a creative feel to it. I like to express myself with my clothing, I listen to really cool and creative music, and I constantly go to art museums. I hope I will one day find something creative that I'm good at to enrich my life even further.

xx Brie

Thursday, March 1, 2012

February 28

Admit your feelings to yourself and others.


I find that I often admit parts of my feelings to other people.  I don't want to launch into a rant, so I give them bits and pieces of what I am feeling.  This is detrimental, because they never get the big picture, but I don't want to keep bringing it up.  Does that make sense?  Anyway, I have never had a problem admitting my feelings to myself.  Which, of course, is the most important part!:)
AMANDA

That makes complete sense, Amanda. And I've noticed that about you. With me, at least, there is no reason to hold back your feelings. I want to be able to do whatever I can to make you feel better. I don't have a problem admitting my feelings to myself...but I will often realize how I truly feel a while after the fact. After that, I have no problem with my feelings. I tend to keep my feelings to myself, because I don't want to drag anyone else's mood down or make them suffer. I am going to work on expressing my feelings to others. I will start right away. I have some unresolved issues...

xx Brie