The "Not Ready For A Relationship" Response - Explained!

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Just because he doesn't want to date you doesn't mean he doesn't like you...

Let me clear this whole misunderstanding up...
It's very typical that when a girl has feelings for a guy, and he makes some sort of comment that "He isn't looking for a relationship" we tend to take it totally the wrong way by assuming it means he doesn't want us in his life at all.   I know I know, but that's not what the books say...but sometimes the books aren't always right.   It's actually healthy for people that don't have time for relationships to actually avoid them, especially when they are focusing on career goals, financial situations, or something else in their life.   Of course, they want to reap the benefits of a relationship and that's why often times we end up "hooking up" with people we hope want more, when they really just want that benefit. If you are cool with that, then go for it,  but think about this.. if a guy truly doesn't have some sort of feelings for you and enjoy your company, why would he even want to associate with you to hook up, unless of course you are his fantasy girl with looks or sexual chemistry.  

photo by Supermariolxptvia PhotoRee


 Sometimes a guy will want to enjoy your company without having to discuss a relationship, but keep this in mind...if he truly is developing feelings for you, they will continue to come out and eventually you may be able to move forward with that.  You can't help the inevitable. Embrace it... Embrace the fact that you can hang out with someone that you really get along with and whose company you enjoy, but you don't have to worry about all of the other drama right away.



Make your priorities things like your job, your financial situation, your friendships with your girlfriends, and your health & fitness.  Let a guy just be a supplement to that, ALWAYS! And once you can conquer that (I'll cover that topic more over the next month or so) you will hardly be affected by a guys decision to not want to start a serious relationship with you... I Promise!

My Happiness Project - January - Boost Energy - COMPLETE!!!

As I posted at the beginning of the month (here) I am doing The Happiness Project, inspired by Gretchen Rubin's book.  Each month I'll read a chapter and work on that goal.  At the end of each month, I'll write about how it went.

For January, the goal was to Boost Energy.  Below are the steps I planned to take to reach this goal and how I did each one. 


1. Get at least 7 hours of sleep a night
I made sure that each night I was in bed by 10:30 ready to fall asleep.  Even if it took some extra time, I was atleast in bed.  I stopped texting by 10, told my friends goodnight, and signed offline.  Often, just laying in bed and playing around with my dogs helped me doze off.  Unfortunately I had 2 terrible colds during January so my sleep schedule was all messed up, but I would say I still accomplished my goal.


2. Exercise 5 - 6 days of each week
This has been very realistic for me even though I thought it might be difficult.  Being single gives me more time to work out and having an accountability partner (Hi Kate!) who checks in with me daily to see if I plan to work out and then again to see if I actually did work out, really pushes me to follow through each day.  Plus, I find that I'm not as sore now because my body is getting more used to exercising.

3. Keep a clean, organized, and un cluttered home
This is by far a great thing that I think everyone should do! There are several ways that I decluttered my home (and life)
  • I gifted extra blog freebies that I didn't need or use.
  • I sold higher end items like purses, shoes, electronics that I don't use often on ebay.
  • I donated clothing to Goodwill.
  • I eliminated two whole storage boxes in the basement simply by combining the contents and cleaning out the stuff I really didn't need to save anymore.
  • Rather than buying CD's, I download MP3's and rather than buying books I may not read again, I buy them on a Kindle.
  • I went through my medicine cabinet and really thinned it out.
  • I cleaned out my pantry and it now makes grocery shopping and making a list much easier.
  • All closets and drawers have been cleaned and organized
  • I got rid of extra wire hangers. I don't use them and they are annoying.
  • I pitched all my old icky ratty shoes, all except 2 pairs.
  • I always ask myself the question "If I was moving right now would I pack this or pitch it?"
  • I unsubscribed to junk mail!
4. Simplify my To Do Lists
I used to have a list for everything - work, home, songs to download, things to buy, goals to achieve, etc.  It actually added stress to my life rather than making me happier.  So, I combined my lists so that I only have 1 work To Do list which stays at work on my desk, 1 blog to do list which is an organized planner book, 3. One personal /home/life to do list which is in my planner book.  That's it!  If I want to buy a book or remember to buy it, I add it to my wishlist on amazon, RIGHT AWAY, that way I don't have to hang on to the list.  If there's a song I want to download, I do it RIGHT AWAY!!

I'm very proud of myself and I do have much more energy and more free time.  I am not stressing as much and I don't feel overwhelmed at all.  In fact, not once this month was there a time that I said "I'm overwhelmed!" 

Check back tomorrow when I introduce my February Happiness Project Goal!!

My New Verizon iPhone5 & the BEST Customer Service EVER!!!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013


So for the past (almost) 2 years, I've had an HTC Thunderbolt from Verizon.  I was skeptical to get the iPhone when Verizon first came out with it, just in case there were bugs, etc.   Well,  fast forward to now....  ever since August I've been frustrated to tears over my Thunderbolt.  Maybe it's just bad luck, I donno, but it was to the point that my flash on my camera didn't work, the touch screen lagged, the power button stopped working, if I held the phone in my hand and bumped the side of the screen it would reset the phone, and plenty more things. It was BAD!  It really did not help my anxiety. 

Now, I have a Macbook Pro so it makes more sense for me to get an iPhone because they are more compatible with each other, but the only thing I was afraid of was the expensive phone, mixed with a ton of fees and plan changes and data usage, etc, etc, etc.  Ahhhh!!

So I happened to tweet about some frustrations about my phone and that I couldn't wait to switch to the iPhone5, and that's when Verizon AL tweeted me, offering to help me upgrade (even though it was a week early, we could get started) and find the best deal.  Right away I was floored.  I NEVER have had a cell phone company or store ever reach out to me like that.  

After a few phone calls with Shawn from the Verizon store, my iPhone5 was on it's way to my house.  It was super easy to get my options set up.  I wasn't poked or prodded into saying yes to anything I didn't want.  I didn't need unlimited data and I like the minutes I have.  I wanted insurance and I got it.  Simple as THAT!  I got it on a Thursday and called the store to have it activated.  They were waiting on my call so when the phone rang, they saw my number and instead of "Hello" I was met by "Ready for your new phone?!"!  I was so happy. 

Honestly, if you need help with your plan or it's time to upgrade... I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend contacting Shawn or any of the great folks that work with him by reaching out via Twitter, Facebook, or their website.   You can even tell them that Ellen sent you!



4 Great Gift Ideas For Your Man on Valentine's Day

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Here are 4 great ideas for your boyfriend this year on Valentine's Day!


photo by clvrmnkyvia PhotoRee
1.Anything Beer Related 
A Beer of the month club membership is an amazing gift that he'll thank you for every month.  Also there are some make your own beer kits available at various stores.  

photo by mtr79via PhotoRee

2. Very Nice Underwear and Socks
It's something that men rarely buy for themselves, hence why they have underwear and socks that are tattered and torn.  Go all out and get him some name brand underwear and some super comfortable athletic socks.  Make sure you also let him know you LOVE how he looks in them!

photo by limowreck666via PhotoRee

3. Tickets to his favorite comedian's show or his favorite band's concert
  Use Ticketmaster.com as a good start, and you get bonus points if the tickets are for him AND a friend (if you don't like the comedian or band.) It's a good way to show that you encourage him to spend time with his friends!

photo by é¡”ãÂªÃ£—via PhotoRee

4. A Gift Card to a Video Game Store
This is a great way to show him you respect his hobby.  Guys always assume we aren't fond of video games and the time they spend on them.  This is a great reminder that you are a great girlfriend!


A Splash of Art: Wine and Paint Event at The Vineyard at Hershey

Who knew that wine and painting could be so fun.  Maybe because it's relaxing, or maybe even because the wine gives you courage when you start doubting your artistic abilities.  Whatever it is, I had a blast at The Vineyard at Hershey when they hosted a wine and painting event with A Splash of Art

Wineing and Painting!

Me and Daniela with our matching BFF necklaces!
Me and my best friend Daniela arrived at the event and got to try several different wines!  I had to let her sample my favorites so she could fall in love with them as much as I did! Shortly after, it was time to head upstairs and choose a seat.  Our easels, canvas, paint, brushes, and apron were already sitting out for us.  We listened to the instructions that the artist gave and followed along with her. 




Painting was so much easier than I thought it would be because we had step by step guidance along the way and since the painting was broken down into steps and sections.





I was so proud of my completed painting and was super excited to see what everyone else's looked like!


It was a great atmosphere and I had such a fabulous time.  I can't wait to attend another session.  If you want to attend a painting event, be sure to check out the schedule of events on the website for A Splash of Art so you can register!

My Progress: 90 Day Weight Loss Challenge with Creative Bioscience

If you remember back in December, I posted about myself participating in the 90 Day Weight Loss Challenge thanks to Creative Bioscience. I got the chance to try out Raspberry Ketone 1234.  This product is ideal for my busy lifestyle where I'm always on the go and following my crazy schedule. Raspberry Ketone helps boost my metabolism and give me energy to get through my workouts at the end of a long work day.  

So far, my first 30 days went great!  I was able to stick to my workout routine (except the days I had a REALLY bad cold) and I've noticed a very significant weight loss around my waist and my thighs, which were the areas of my body that I had the most fat. 

If you want to purchase the product I used, visit http://www.lifefitstore.com/ and use the code ROSS to get a discount!  Check back in 2 weeks when I post another progress update!!

PicturesonGold.com Review & *Giveaway* Ends 2/4

Monday, January 28, 2013

If you love Photo Jewelry, you will love the Photo Lockets especially Valentine's Day Lockets then look no further than PicturesonGold.com!   They have a huge selection of lockets that you can customize with a black or white or color photo of your choice and you can even choose what it says on the inside.   This is a great Valentine's Day gift idea! 










I received a heart locket that I chose to have engraved with the date me and my best friend met!!  I love this because being single, we both turn to each other for a lot of stuff!   I love this necklace and how beautiful the engraving is on it.  The etched picture is so gorgeous and looks like an actual photo!!   

Be sure to check PicturesonGold.com out on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest
One winner will get a customized locket of their own!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Giveaway* Win 2 Tickets to ValenWine's Day in Wine Country at The Vineyard at Hershey

Sunday, January 27, 2013


Do you have plans for Valentine's Day yet?   Good!  Because on Saturday and Sunday, February 9 and 10, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country's 15 wineries are participating in ValenWine's Day!   Both days, you can visit your choice of wineries (whether it's 1 or 15) of the 15 participating ones.    Not only will you get to enjoy hand-crafted wines paired with chocolates from around the world but you will also get 10% off wine purchases and receive a complimentary souvenir glass.   

The Vineyard at Hershey is participating and that's a great place to start your tour especially if you live in the area!! 

Participating wineries include...
Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery
Buddy Boy Vineyard & Winery
Cullari Vineyards & Winery
Hummingbird Ridge Winery
Hunters Valley Winery

Moon Dancer Winery
Mount Hope Winery
Nissley Vineyards (Winery Location)

Red Shale Ridge Vineyards
Tamanend Winery
The Vineyard at Grandview
The Vineyard at Hershey

West Hanover Winery


And any guests who visit 5 or more wineries that weekend will be entered into a drawing for a Wine Country excursion with Premiere One limousine!


 Tickets are $7.50 per person or $10 for a couple.  Designated Driver tickets are free of course!!


To purchase tickets visit http://hhwcvalentines.eventbrite.com/
OR
Enter to win 2 free tickets below! (It's super easy!!!)





Here's How to Enter:

1. Like The Vineyard at Hershey on Facebook here.
2. Leave a comment on this post with your name and email address.


Bonus Entry: (must complete the main entry first)
1. Follow The Vineyard at Hershey on Twitter here.

2. Leave a comment on this post with your Twitter name.

The giveaway will end on Monday, February 4th and will be chosen via Random.org.  I will announce a winner on Tuesday.

Pawbox Review

Friday, January 25, 2013

Pawbox is a monthly subscription program for you and your pet that sends out a monthly box full of goodies including toys, treats, and health supplies.  It's a great way to get new goodies each month without having to break the bank at the pet store, plus who ISN'T excited about receiving surprises in the mail!?


Inside this Pawbox was the following:




Simple Green BIO DOG:

THis stuff is great because it gets rid of stains and odors and you can use it on almost any surface such as carpets, rugs, upholstery, and even your dog's bed.  I used it on troublesome areas where my dogs have had accidents and they tend to repeat the accidents.  Since using it, there have been no more accidents!

My Doggy Bite Cookies:
My dogs absolutely loved these.  They are all natural treats made from high quality ingredients so they promote good coat and nails and overall good doggy health!!

Pegetables: 
This was too cute because it was a little corn on the cob shaped dental dog chew that's made from natural ingredients and gives your dog the benefits of real vegetables.  Grace snatched this up and enjoyed it the rest of the night!

Fingerbrushes:
These are a necessity in my home and it's great to have more of them.  It makes brushing my dog's teeth much easier and they have better breath!


Toy of the Month:
The Toy of the Month was a tennis ball with a rope through it and my dogs enjoyed playing with it for hours on end!  Tug of war is so cute to watch when it comes to Chihuahuas!!!


Pawbox is only $10 a month and that includes shipping.  It's also a great gift idea!!!

Is it REALLY normal to text each other 24/7?!

Tuesday, January 22, 2013


photo by herby_frvia PhotoRee

Okay, so I got to thinking the other day....after talking with a friend about someone who went almost a whole day without texting them after they had been texting on and off all day the few days before.   When you bring up a situation like that everyone automatically tends to chime in and say "He's not into you!"  And that could be the case, but at the age of 25 or older, most of us have an apartment or house to take care of, kids and/or pets to care for, a workout routine, a full time job, and overall a busy life.    There's not always endless hours to text back and forth all day, after all - what is left to talk about???     

So now this begs the question...Is it REALLY normal to text each other all day?  

photo by ☻mrhappy☻via PhotoRee

Remember in your parent's day.....Well, how can you forget, mine always chime in "In my day we didn't have text messaging.  We had a phone, and we'd call twice a week when we weren't at school or working.  We weren't up each others behind the whole time and we didn't become dependent on waiting for each other's call, we all had lives." 

That is a very good point.  These days, if we aren't checking our messages on Facebook, we are looking at our tweets, our instagram feeds, our email, and our phone for missed calls and texts.  But if the guy you are talking to is a true gentleman, he'll maybe check in with you once a day right?   So then why does it matter how many minutes have passed since he last texted you?   And wouldn't you rather have a guy that wants to see you (not just text you), respects you, and is genuinely interested in face to face interaction and conversation with you?

This is why I feel some women have so much confusion trying to see the real signs of a guy being interested in them.   Technology makes it almost a requirement to be talking or communicating 24/7.   And actually, I'll give you this little piece of advice ladies, some of my longest and best relationships, involved texting only a couple times a day if that!   


Just something to think about! 

Is it Taboo to Talk to an Ex While in a Relationship?


photo by mercurialnvia PhotoRee

This is an interesting topic and I get a lot of advice questions about it... Is it taboo for friends to talk to an ex?   It all depends on many factors.

Friendship FactorHow close are you to the friend and how close are you to the ex?  If you hang out with the friend on a regular basis, I'd steer very clear of the ex, just because it's awkward and uncomfortable in the future.   If you were friends with both the ex and the friend long before they ever dated, then you can maintain a friendship but try to not blast it out in public, which could make either party uncomfortable in the weeks and months that follow.

How Bad of A Breakup? The next factor is how bad (or not bad) of a breakup it was.  Did it end in shoes being thrown and a huge huge sobfest?  If so, then you need to be there for your friend!  Even if it ended amicably, steer clear of the ex as much as you can in the weeks that follow.  Sometimes wounds are just too brutal in the beginning.

Why Bother?I have always wondered this myself, but why do people sometimes go out of their way to talk to a friend's ex?  Do they want to make you jealous, do they want to keep the peace, or do they just not think that far ahead?   When I have friends that go through break ups I just stay completely out of the ex's path.  If I happen to see that ex out and about, and he says Hi, I might wave or nod back, but I won't be striking up any conversations.  It's important to support your friends, and imagine what you would want them to do if the situation was reversed.

Basically...
When in doubt, steer clear, and keep yourself out of all the drama!

Outfit of the Day: Red Black & Grey

Monday, January 21, 2013

Yes, the sun was in my eyes, but I was quite proud to show off my red jeans!  I love them and they make every outfit pop.   I just chose black and grey on top to tone down the rest of my look!!
Red jeans outfit



What I Wore:
Boots - Marshalls
Jeans - Marshalls
Cami - Express
Grey Top - Express
WatchOutForTheWoestmans

I'm a part of Nutrisystem #NSNation

 I am so unbelievably thrilled to let you all know that I am officially a part of Nutrisystem Nation and for the next 4 months (February - May) I'll be using Nutrisystem and blogging weekly about my progress.

I am super excited to not only lose pounds, but also to lose inches and work on portion control! In addition to eating Nutrisystem, I will be working out 5-6 days a week.  I can NOT wait to see the results.  I am SO going to be ready for Bikini Season!!! 

My goal is to lose 3 inches off my waist and about 10 pounds.   No matter what I do with exercise, my stomach is the most difficult part of me, that's where all my fat goes to so I can not wait to see how a healthy diet from Nutrisystem will help me reach my goals!





Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog.

Disclosure: Nutrisystem has provided me with their program free of charge for participating in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogging Program. There is no other monetary compensation and  all opinions are my own,




 

Outfit of the Day: Red Jeans

Friday, January 18, 2013

I finally found a pair of red jeans that I had been looking for all Summer and Fall!!  I'm so glad, and I paired it with a blouse and my ebay-find, a black vest!!


So What I Wore:
Jeans - Marshalls
Boots - Marshalls
Shirt - TJ Maxx
Vest - Ebay

How to Break Up the RIGHT Way - A MUST READ!

Thursday, January 17, 2013

We have all had it, at least once, I know I have.  The guy you are with totally handles the break up in the wrong manner.  No respect or decency to you, and he has no experience with this in the past so how can you blame him I guess.

photo by Ivars Krutainisvia PhotoRee


Well, I put together this little guide to breaking up that can go for both men and women.  But I’m directing it more at men! LOL

1.       Do it in person.   A text message or email or even Facebook message is just so distant that it stings even more than saying it in person does.  When you break things off in person, it gives the other party a chance to express their emotions to you and let you see how they feel.  If they can’t get that off their chest, how are they ever supposed to come to terms with the break up? 

2.       Don’t avoid them.  Yes, sometimes out of sight out of mind is okay, but often times your ex will try to get ahold of you to talk a bit more and just get some closure.  Maybe they have questions and need answers, regardless, you OWE it to them to listen and to not take the easy way out by just ignoring them and moving on with your life.

3.       Don’t flaunt a new flame, hot girl friend, or single life status in their face.  Give it AT LEAST 2 weeks before you start the “So happy to be single” posts or the online flirting.  I mean, come on, all that does is make us feel as if the entire relationship meant nothing to you and you aren’t affected by it.  

4.       Choose your words carefully.  Write down all your feelings, rather than just say them  in the heat of the moment.  The person you just dumped is especially vulnerable so anything you say the wrong way will be brutal and devastating. 

5.       Let them say whatever they want.  If your ex wants to scream how evil you are to your face, that’s fine… just know that this is a normal reaction to being dumped and you need to just stand there and take it.  Now, don’t stand there and take any physical abuse but just know that it’s normal to be called a plethora of bad names!

6.       Before the break up, start distancing yourself.  This makes it less hard to adjust for the person who is left behind.  Say that for a few weeks you are thinking of ending the relationship, start to hang out with your friends more, separating your life from your boyfriend/girlfriends, etc.  We can take hints and our instinct goes off that tells us something might be off.  Smart people will adapt to that and start distancing themselves as well.  

7.       Do not divulge all the intimate details of the breakup to anyone right away.  Maybe a close guy friend but definitely not a close girlfriend (if you are a guy).   Let it all sink in with your ex for about a day or two before you begin talking about it.  

8.       Don’t take pictures down or anything yet, just let them be the one to do it because it’s very therapeutic.  While it helps you to not be reminded of the guilt you may feel for the being the one to initiate the breakup, you already got the relief of doing it.  Now let them get relief from removing reminders of you from their home, Facebook, etc.

9.       Don’t try to be friendly with their friends.  Their friends are their support group.  Don’t steal them from us!! Just let us talk to them and break the news.  You have your own friends that you had BEFORE the relationship so stick with them. 

10.   Never say to your ex directly “I’m so much happier now”.  It’s just THE WORST.  So don’t!!

Outfit of the Day: Purple and Plaid

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

 I absolutely love this look because it's relaxed yet chic.  I used the purple color in the plaid shirt to complement my purple skinny jeans and a black cami underneath the shirt helped all the colors pop!


So What I Wore:
Boots - Guess from Marshalls

Pants - Old Navy
Cami - Express
Shirt - Ali & Kris
Real Girl Style Link Up

Participate in Love Notes with Twin Tree Healing #TTH #26ActsofKindness

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

This weekend, Twin Tree Healing, started by 2 sisters, Ali & Greta Hotmer, would like to celebrate the idea of love and kindness by asking everyone to participate in this event!  On January 19th & 20th you are invited to pass out Love Notes.  You can make your own or print out ones from their website: www.twintreehealing.com/acts_of_kindness



Everyone is encouraged to take pictures and videos of themselves spreading the love.  Upload your pictures/videos with the hashtags #TTH and #26ActsofKindness on Twitter, Instragram, Facebook, and any other social media platform you can think of!!

The idea behind this was inspired by those lost at Sandy Hook.  This is a great way to honor their lives and embrace love, by continuing to spread unlimited Random Acts of Kindness. This should NEVER stop! Check out the video above.  And check back next week to see pics of me spreading the love!

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram so you can see me post my kind acts over the weekend!


Here's a link to the Facebook Event.

Winterize Your Wardrobe Without Buying a Whole New Wardrobe

Rather than going out and buying all new additions to your wardrobe for the colder weather, make some smaller purchases that will allow you to utilize your fall and spring (and even summer) wardrobe.

1. Scarves

photo by Mmm...Fiber!via PhotoRee

Get several fashion scarves in different colors and use them to add warmth to your neck when wearing a lower cut top.  This means you can wear a thin Spring or Fall top and just add the scarf.  Scarves are an easy to wear accessory and there are so many different ways to wrap and tie them.
 
2.  Layering

photo by brookesbvia PhotoRee

If you have an open knit Fall or Spring sweater, simply throw on a cami underneath.    You can also utilize blazers and jackets (leather, tweed, etc.) to help keep you warm and give you a more Winter appropriate look.


3. Boots and boot socks

photo by mezonevia PhotoRee

The beauty of boots and boot socks is that they keep your legs and ankles warm AND they look amazing.  Also, if your boots are long enough you can sometimes wear capris or shorter pants underneath that don't actually come the whole way to your ankles.  Who would know?!

The Very Bright Louis Vuitton Spring 2013 Line

 Fashion Week Handbags: Louis Vuitton Spring 2013 Louis Vuitton 31
Have you seen the ads yet in your magazines?   Bright yellow bags and beautiful checkered patterns will be making appearance at Fashion Week this Spring! The Damier Checked Print will appear on the luggage, handbags, and totes in the Louis Vuitton Handbag collection and I am quite pleased.  It's a nice color for the warmer months and even the black and white checkered bags add a splash of unique attitude to these already classy handbags.  I'm so excited to see all of their bags and can't wait till they are available online.  Do you like the new pattern?  What do you think of the yellow?

Outfit of the Day: Mint and Grey

Monday, January 14, 2013

I decided to use the ever so trendy minty green and combine it with a black blouse rather than a white one.  Grey jeans helped make the mint green pop and I also added a zipper bracelet from Romwe!!




So What I Wore:
Sweater - Old Navy

Blouse - Romwe
Bracelet - Romwe
Jeans - Marc Allison
Boots - MUDD
WatchOutForTheWoestmans