I saw this commercial and it really struck me because I've been seeing a lot on the topic lately. 

This women sent her photo to photoshoppers in different countries and told them to make her pretty and here is what she got back. It's so interesting to see what different cultures use to define beauty. Even something so simple as her eyebrows changed so much from picture to picture. My favorite are the ones that still left her looking very natural and just exaggerated qualities they liked (like giving her fuller lips). 

What struck me the most about this video was when she talked about not recognizing her own face. I feel this way too some times. When I look in the mirror in the morning I think "thats not me". I don't have curly/frizzy hair, red blotchy skin, short eyelashes, unruly eye brows, or pale lips. That's not me. I have straight perfectly shiny hair, even glowing skin, long dark eyelashes, shaped eyebrows that are just the right shade of brown, and hot pink glossy lips. That is me. That's how I see who I truly am. Which when I think about it is a little screwed up because that is the person I become after a couple hours of my daily beauty routine. 

I think it was a little bit inspired by something I read earlier this week that talked about how a girls greatest quality is how great she looks. That women are typically defined by beauty and men by success which is typically based on wealth. Both of which are not really accurate values of worth. I think worth is defined by kindness, intelligence, loyalty, and open mindedness. I'm not saying I'm perfect because to be honest I value my own worth on my looks which is why I think I'm often not confident in myself. It's impossible to be confident when you solely based your worth on any one thing. 

This isn't really a pinterest recipe but it is a new recipe I tried so I figured its the same thing. I actually learned this recipe from my summer roommate. She is quite the chef so I'm looking forward to learning more recipes from her :). 

Ingredients: 
1 block of cream cheese
1 box of Oreos
about 15 ounces of chocolate chips

Steps: 
1. Set the cream cheese out to soften. 
2. Put Oreos in a blender or food processor and blend until they are a powder consistency. It's ok if there are some larger chunks just make sure they aren't too big. 
3. Mix together the cream cheese and the Oreo powder until they are fully mixed. 
4. Roll mixture into very small balls (about 1 in diameter). 
5. Put the balls in the freezer for about 10 minutes. 
6. Melt the chocolate down. I suggest doing this in the microwave for 30 second intervals and stirring in between. Also I suggest using a nice chocolate like Ghirardelli because it melts smoother. If your chocolate is thick just add some vegetable oil. 
7. Coat the balls in the melted chocolate. 
8. Place the chocolate covered balls in the freezer until the chocolate is hard. 
9. Enjoy! 

I brought them in to work and every one loved them! They are so easy and are definitely a crowd pleaser. 

I realized last night that I haven't posted one of these in a while and I've recently seen a lot of things in the media about feminists that I would just like to clear up. So here is my list of "Hey it's ok to be a feminist."

... and be male. Feminist just describes someone who believes in the equality of the sexes. YES I SAID EQUALITY. Feminists don't want to make men their slaves or anything, we just want equal treatment for men and women. 

... and want to be a stay at home mom. Just because you don't want to be a working woman doesn't mean you can't be a feminist. Feminism is all about having choices, and if that's your choice then more power to you. Just make sure that you made that choice because it's best for you and your family not because you are nervous or scared of returning to the work force. 

... and still be girly. Feminist and being butch is not the same thing. 

... and still be straight. Feminist is not the same as lesbian. 

... and still lack confidence. Feminists aren't people who are totally cool with their bodies. We all struggle with body image issues and feminists try to help that by breaking down social standards of beauty. I really like what Tina Fey said in her book, Bossy Pants, that she liked doing shoots with feminist magazines best because they still photoshop you, they just photoshop you to look like you would on your very best day, not change who you are. 

... and like taking care of your boyfriend or husband. That's just human nature to take care of someone you love. If he doesn't return the favor then maybe you should rethink your relationship. 

... and like to cook and clean. That's part of being an adult. If you don't cook or clean then you really should grow up. 

... and be a hopeless romantic. There is nothing wrong with wanting to find love and be loved. Everyone wants that. Just remember your worth isn't defined by who loves you. 

If you think any of this is untrue then you really need to learn what feminism really means. Here is a video that might help. 
Inspired by this. 

I was really inspired by this quote...

I have it as the background of my ipad because I love it so much. I always make sure to cheers at every drink so here is a list of 10 of my favorite toasts. 

1. To the only ship that doesn't sink, friendship! (this is always my first cheers of the night so naturally it's the first on my list)
2. To good drinks and great friends. 
3. May we get what we want, but never what we deserve.
4. May the best of our todays be the worst of our tomorrows.
5. "Never above you, never below you, always beside you". Touch the glasses top bottom then side slam down and drink
6. To having a heart as full as your glass, and a glass that's never empty. 
7. Here's to you and here's to me
The best of friends we'll ever be.
And if we ever disagree,
Well, fuck you and here's to me.
8. Life is a waste of time. Time is a waste of life. So why not get wasted and have the time of our life.
9. To the nights we'll never remember with the friends we'll never forget. 
10. Here's to those who wish us well, and those who don't can go to hell