Baby, I was born this way.

Recently, I went to my parents house to grab some things I was storing. While I was there, I had a great idea for a Mother's Day gift, so I started going through old pictures. With ever turn of the page I caught myself saying:

First: "Wow, I was a big baby."

Second: "These picture tell A LOT about who I am."

So here are a few of my favorites with commentary:

1. Camera Happy

This is me: Chubby and Content. From the beginning I loved the camera! Even as a small baby I would pose and smile.... I love(d) the attention!

2. Caught in the act

I was most known for crawling into places I wasn't supposed to be. I would take out all of the pots and pans, jump up on counters, and wiggle my way into the dryer. To this day, I leave all the cupboards open. Some say (my mom) I am unorganized, but I say I am always in the process of reorganizing! 

I don't think she buys it.

3. Foodie

Like I said before, I was always smiling for the camera. UNLESS I had food. Case in point: Shoving a PB&J in my face. I have always loved food. I grew up with a lot of different styles of food, so I am always open to try anything. 

P.S. Isn't my brother adorable in his Ninja Turtles shirt?!

4. Mother Hen

My mom always used to call me "Mother Hen" because I would always try to take care of my brothers.

 I always loved baby dolls and taking care of anything. 

I've always known that I would be a mom some day and every time someone asked, 

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"My response was always having to do with helping people:

Teacher

Pediatrician

Gymnastic/ Dance Teacher

Babysitter (Yes, I thought this was a profession)

And Now my dream is coming true: I'm going to be a REAL grown-up teacher.

5. Dancing Machine

I was in dance classes and gymnastics before I ever touched a soccer ball, and I would like to think that's where I learned my coordination. I loved music and always performed in talent shows (once again, I loved the attention). 

When I got my first pair of tap shoes I remember never taking them off. I loved making melodic taps as I walked. Once I even told my mom:

"Mom, I'm going to tap ALL over this town!"

6. I was born a princess.

My mom had these costumes custom made for us. Because of my Middle Eastern background (I'm half Palestinian) I was obsessed with Aladdin. These costumes cost a pretty penny, so I had no choice but to be Jasmine for 3 or 4 years in a row.

These picture made me realize that I am who I have always been (If that makes sense). I grew up with the best example of a strong independent woman that I consider my best friend and inspiration. 

As each day passes I can only hope that I become more and more like her. 

Do you ever realize this? Tell me your stories!

Love you mom! 

P.s. My mom lost the perm YEARS ago, don't worry :)

Inspired: Water for Elephants

Beautiful, tragic, romance. A man who would do anything for the woman he loves, to protect her. I'm actually welling up just thinking about it. It wasn't a chick flick, in my opinion. I truly enjoyed everything about this film. As soon as I got home I was perusing the blog-o-sphere and found these beautiful images. Now, I'm not one to blog about weddings mostly because I think I would become obsessed. Well, maybe.

I used to be an assistant photographer with Quicksilver Photography right out of high school. Ever since then, I've been completely inspired by wedding photography, well photography in general. You get the picture (I'm so funny!).

When I found these photos I fell in love. They were inspired by Water For Elephants and Marilyn Nakazato out did herself. They are so romantic and lovely. Plus the couple is gorgeous. I'm sort of lusting over this man. I think it's the suspenders. I just may run away with the circus.

If you love:

 animals

 whimsical love stories

 Rob Pattison

beautiful things

 tear jerkers

 love 

then you should see this movie!

...In With The New

Just a little tidying up. Please don't be alarmed! It's still me, I promise.
Let me know what you think.
I added a few more buttons, if you feel so inclined.

P.S. Do you smell what the Rock is Cooking?!

On The Edge

***Disclaimer: It was really windy! So, it's the winds' fault that I look abnormally large-and-in-charge.

(Vest, tank, bracelet- F21, Skirt- Thrifted, Sandals- Sam Edelman, Sunnies- Michael Kors)

What a lovely day it turned out the be. I mean, can't you tell as I am frolicking in these pictures? 

It started out like so: 

Sunshine, Coffee, VW Bus, New Apartment, Music, Family.

What more could a girl ask for?

I wanted to share some things with you that I've been loving lately. 

Link Lovin'

I love getting to know people. I stumbled upon this little 'getting to know you' section at The Whim Wham Life. I just adore Bonnie.

Steph J. Love her style and this playlist is one you're going to want to add to your iPod. 

Ever having a bad day? Well Looky here! This will cheer you right up!

Oh, You wanna see the cutest baby in the world? Okay, here you go!

I posted this on facebook before, but I just can't get enough of this song. 

There you have it, friends!  Do you have any Link Loves?

And this little gem? Well... I guess I have to work on my timing. Awk.Ward.

P.s. I'm going to see Water For Elephants with my mom today! I'll let you know how it is!

Brighten Up

Oh hey there! I just wanted to stop by and say.... Well... You rock. 

No Joke. You really do! You make my heart so happy! I read all of your comments it just get the biggest smile on my face! So for that, I just wanna say thanks! 

Now that we have the mushy stuff outta the way (I'm a big ol' sap!) I gotta tell you a secret! 

I HAVE A CRUSH!

A Coral Crush. 

I saw this lipstick on Cupcakes and Cashmere yesterday and had to get it!

Here a few picks of what my Friday looks like so far:

(Mabelline- Coral Crush,  Shirt- Wal*Mart Miley Cyrus, Necklace- Tiffany & Co)

A braid is essential for Fridays!

Messy hair, don't care!

Happy Friday, my loves! Have a wonderful Easter!

Such a waste of a heart.

+

Friends, I need to ask you a question. Because I'm in sort of a pickle. And not the good kind, ya know the original kosher dills, cool, crisp, and crunchy. Nope. This is more of a...

Soggy, Mushy Mess of a Pickle. 

I'll just get right into it...

         Sitting at a cafe tapping my little fingers away as I was writing my thesis. I take a break and look up out the window. And there He is. No, not God. But the other him. Instant flash of heat, and chills, and loss of breathe. Can you say mini-panic-attack?

Why? I don't know why my body was having this reaction when my mind was thinking, "Wow, he looks good. Like, really good."

            ***Yes, I know he may be reading this...

Lucky, I actually dressed myself that day and had been loaded up on caffeine (this could be the cause of the rapid heart rate), for the slight chance I would catch his eye and be forced to say our awkward, "heeeeeey, how have you been?" Which would have probably resulted in me crying or something of the sort. Uggh.

Exchanging friendly words with my friend working he left by saying, "Tell Brina I say hello." 

So here is the question. I know I'm getting to it in the most round about way... 

What would you do in a situation like that? Would you:

A. Pretend like you didn't see him and continue to work on your computer even though your brain is on lock down from sending any sort of message to your fingers.
B. Get your butt up outta the chair and say, "Hey mr. tan-and-looking-oh-so-hot, fancy seeing you here!"
C. ?????

I'm all out of options, folks. Please help me in this situation, because with my luck (and the size of this city) it is bound to happen again, and again... I'm just sure of it.

I would greatly appreciate your advice, funny stories, or any little tid-bit you're willing to share.

Sincerely,

Miss afraid-of-getting-hurt-again.

P.s. If this post had a theme song it would be Satellite Heart- Anya Marina

I'm Sorry, Trees. Please Forgive me.

Well hello,  lovelies! I hope your week has been significantly better than mine! Not saying mine has been terrible (it is only Tuesday!), but it's just been less fun than I would like. I'll break it down for you:

1. Senior Thesis = enemy. So far, 36 pages, over 50 references, and graphs & charts up the butt!

2. Research Design. Surveying, documenting, hypothesis....oh the life of a sociologist!

3. Portfolio for health- 4 activities, 1-2 pages each

4. Take home test- 8pages. 

I don't even want to count how many trees I'm killing.

 I'm sorry Trees! Please forgive me. 

And I know what you asking yourself...

Why are you blogging, and not working on homework?

and I say to you:

Life is about having fun. Enjoying everyday to the fullest and taking a mental break!! OKAY?

Sorry for yelling. I'm a little stressed. I'll leave you with this picture of two of my best friends.

 Justine and Molly.

We went to Texas Roadhouse grill for dinner and it was Delish!

P.s. Justine is my new Roomy! I've known them both since the 4th grade. Forever Friends, that's what I call em :)

Happy Day my lovely Blends! (Blog + Friends)

 Still working on that word combo!

Confession Friday

I think this video speaks for itself.

Balancing Act

(Dress and Belt- I Heart Ronson @ Jc Penny's, Denim Blazer- Nordy's BP,  Shoes- Nine west @ the Rack, 

Bracelet and sunnies- F21)

I bought these shoes at the end of last summer. When I tried them on at The Rack I fell in love. I loved the color, the height, the comfort was just okay (I can usually get past that part). I guess I never realize how difficult they were to walk in, until I tried my turn at the concrete balance beam.

I was once a gymnast, and figured my skills would come right back..muscle memory, if you will. Then, as I rushed to step up on the platform as my timer light was blinking, a memory came flashing back. The time I fell while straddling the balance beam. Now, if you're a guy reading this... you probably don't have much sympathy, for you have probably injured your manly parts in many unthinkable ways. But please understand: It Still Hurts. Anyway...

I took two pictures before the fear of falling and breaking off my ankle overwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, I'm not afraid of heights. I rock climb with the best of em! (Maybe not the best, but I can hold my own). I just don't do it in heels. The height plus the added height plus the rocky terrain below= recipe for skinned knees. Although I do enjoy a good scar, I figure I have accumulated enough per square inch of skin.

Can you say...rambling? wow. Okay brain, get on track.

It was SO windy out when I took these photos. So windy that it knocked my camera over and made me look like I have a mullet. I promise I don't, but would you still follow if I did?

Looky Here!

Super excited about this one folks!

This is Lilly

She is from MY side of the country!

And she grabbed my button!

(not as dirty as it may sound)

You should check her out. I dare you. 

 As you can see... Her button is on my side bar, too!

Link up! I wish and I'm thankful

Today I am Linking up with Running on Happiness! She is one of my go-to blogs, and I believe you should add Katie to your list. I promise you will not be disappointed! So here goes...

I wish I had a classroom of my own. I'm ready to have a real job, real responsibilities, and a real paycheck.
I'm thankful for my fake (opposite of real) paycheck from waitressing. Hey, Money is Money!

I wish I had the type of budget that allowed me to decorate my apartment with luxurious fabrics and huge pieces of art.
I'm thankful for my thrifty-ness and creativity! I've manage to paint some of my own pieces that I kind of love. Also thankful for hand-me-down furniture! Nothing a couch cover can't fix!

I wish I was my own boss. Sometimes I really don't want to listen to people. I understand the task at hand, give me a chance to prove that to you.
I am thankful I was blessed with patience. 'nuff said.

I wish you all a happy sun shiney day!
I am thankful I have you for Bluddies (Blogging + Buddies). Yikes... sometimes combining words really doesn't work. I'll give that some more thought...

Link up with Running on Happiness!

Oh, and there's a new button over There ----->
That's right! Facebook!
I'll keep you notified of any up coming giveaways.
*gasp* That's right, I said it! Giveaways!

Within Reach

Money. Why oh why.

Being a college student automatically means you are below average in the money department, such is life. 

I'm fine with it. I get it. Life takes money. 

I just wish it didn't require so much of it up front. Please let me explain. 

My friend and I found the MOST perfect apartment. I'm telling you, you would die. It's that good!

Hardwood floors, built-ins, big kitchen, beautiful pocket doors, patio in the back yard, huge front porch. 

My heart may be fluttering. 

So why am I just a little bit upset? Because the manager wants us in next week! Here's the problem:

1. We are both in leases

2. We already paid for this month

3. I'm not out of my lease until the end of May

So here's what would happen:

We pay for half a month and a deposit, then I have to pay another month at my current apartment. MONEY.  Stay positive Sabrina, You're going to win the lottery. 

So to cap off this little whiney post, here are some pictures of gorgeous apartments. Enjoy, my loves!

(Images c/o The Decorista, The Daily Dream Decor, A Punch of Color, and La Dolce Vita)

***Update! I bit the bullet and put a deposit on the apartment! Pictures to follow!

A Brush With Fame

I think if lived in LA I would constantly be on a scavanger hunt for celebrities. I would find myself on one of those double decker buses going through the hollywood hills getting tiny glimpses of the rooftops of celebrity houses. Lame?

Kind of...

But still, I think I've had my fair share of encounters with people in this category. It all started when I was about 6 years old.

J.D. Roth
There was some event in Spokane that he was hosting. It was some game show and people would get slimed.
I got called on to stage and he told me I was too cute to be slimed!
So he gave me a t-shirt and a kiss on the cheek. ohhh first loves!

Then...

When I was in the 6th grade I got to go to the Women's World Cup. It was at the Rosebowl in Pasadena, CA. For some (awesome) reason we stayed at the Ritz Carlton. Trust me, I'm not trying to brag, because I had NO idea how or why we stayed there! 

After the game was over and the crowd went WILD for USA we headed back to the hotel. My dad was exhausted so I just explored by myself. I saw that there was an after party going on... so I walked up to the bouncer and said.

"So.. do you see my name on that list?"

I was a bold little girl!

He looked at me with slight confusion, asked my name, and said

"I don't think so. But go grab a camera, a t-shirt, and a marker. You're gonna need it in there."

I came back with said items and walked right past the red rope. Seeing World Cup Champions all around me, I didn't know what to do! First, and formost I started with Brandi Chastain. 

You remember her, right? Amazing. 

Then since I was a goalie I hit up Brianna Scurry for her sig.

(Yes, She is just as badass in person)

And I can't forget Michelle Akers. Now, I didn't actually meet her, because she was being a grumpy old lady and not signing ANYTHING for ANYONE. 

Whatever... 

Here are a few of the other celebs I've met over the years. Once again... not trying to brag! I just have a little obsession with famous people! Maybe it's because I secretly want to be famous...hmmm

I saw this stud muffin running when i lived in Austin, Tx. I tried to chase after him, but I had little Ava with me and it's hard to run with a two year old in your arms!

This is Jason Wahler from Laguna Beach. He used to date LC. We ran into him in Seattle. Apparently he got in a bar fight that night. He was already drunk in this picture and it was only 3pm!

If you're an American Idol fan or a country fan then you'll laugh at this next one. Bucky Covington!

My mom won "Lunch with Bucky" on the radio and gave it to me and my friend. 

We sat with the band and his twin brother, Rocky. We left our phone number and he actually CALLED!

He left a message saying

 to call him back but

 his number was blocked 

and he forgot to include it in the message. 

Oh well! I guess it wasn't meant to be!

Michael Franti and Spear Head!

Got to be apart of a private concert before one of his shows. It was awesome. 

I'm going to write this post, then come back and name it.

I have to say, I love learning. I love being place in a new environment and just figuring things out for myself. It's nice to know that I am pretty self sufficient and can fend for myself! That being said, I started my new job last week! I'm working at an upscale restaurant (In the lounge, where it is a little less stuffy, if ya know what I mean). My title is technically a cocktail waitress, but I am a SERVER.

Holy Mackerel. We do full on meals. Not just apps and drinks... I had a table spend OVER $500 last night on wine and dinner. Uhhhh....

I forgot to mention that these customers were regulars, they spend that kind of money all the time, and I spilled a FULL glass of water on the gentleman paying.

 I. Wanted. To. Die.

Then, I opened their bottle of wine, and the cork broke! Needless to say I had a mini meltdown, pulled myself together, then walked back over with a smile on my face and said "I swear this isn't my first time!" They laughed, we had a good time, it was all good in the end.

So I've been really busy! I'm working 4 days a week, going to school, writing my senior thesis, apartment shopping... Oh yes, one other little thing..

MOLLY is in town!! (This is the one thing that I would NEVER complain about) I got to see her and Sam earlier this week and we just hung out and talked and played with Sam. I just love him. You know when you see your best friend and it just feels right. That's how it is when I'm with Molly. I just love her family and being at her house brings back so many great memories. Life is good.

Annnyway! I just wanted to check in an tell you why I haven't been present. My senior thesis is nearing the end. Guess how many pages it is so far? Go ahead!


29. Never in my life. But is definitely something that I am proud of and my professor said I have a shot at publication! How Amazing!! Here a a few pictures that I found on my old iPhone. Just somethings that I thought were random and funny :) Happy Weekend!

Sly, Sly bones, Sylvester. My Parents Dog

 I'm kind of a rock band fanatic. I love to play the drums!

 I got this sweet mustache out of a quarter machine! The moles? All mine baby!

 Okay... Make your hand look like this. Got it? Now try to move your ring finger! You can't do it can you?! Crazy huh?

 After a shopping day in San Fran, showing off my purchases. Wait... I don't match?

 The ol Coffee shop I used to work at! Man, I don't miss waking up at 445 to be perky for angry people! The money was good, but my body much appreciates the extra ZzZs.