I Just Can't Live Without Them!

Ladies, did you ever find the best beauty products that you can't live without? Did you ever love them so much that when you get to the last drop you find yourself trying to get every last bit out? That's how I feel about Philosophy. I absolutely CANNOT live without them.


1) I use Purity face wash every single day, twice a day, in the morning and at night. It doesn't have a soap residue feeling, but its still creamy and lathers up a lot. The best part about it? It smells SO fresh and clean, takes all your makeup off and makes your skin so soft:o)


2) Amazing Grace 3 in 1 is...well, amazing. Really. Before you even put it on your poofy sponge, smell it. You will fall in love instantly. It smells clean and girly and you can use it as a shampoo, body wash and bubble bath. You only need a little bit because it makes a lot of bubbles! The grace collection includes baby grace, amazing grace, inner grace and pure grace. **For my birthday last year I got Vanilla Birthday Cake and it smells so yummy, I only use it on my bday:o) **



3) Their ENTIRE skin collection is what keeps my skin young. I use it all and I SWEAR by it. GO TO SEPHORA AND BUY IT, it's def pricey but WORTH THE INVESTMENT! First I use Purity face wash, then I use When Hope is not Enough face serum, then Hope in a Jar moisturizer goes on. To finish, I always use Hope in a Tube eye cream so I don't get bags under my eyes or dark circles after a long night out:o) For exfoliation 2 to 3 times a week you can use the Microdelivery Peel with peptide crystals, Microdelivery Exfoliating Face Wash or the Microdelivery Exfoliating Face Cloths. Your face will look brand new and honestly, there is a reason why they named the skincare kit "Makeup Optional". Your skin will glow so much that you won't want to put makeup on!!


4) Lastly, when my ex-boyfriends sister got married a few years ago she wore their scent "Falling in Love" to her wedding. Ever since then, it instantly reminds me of brides. I remember her spraying it on her wrists and neck right before she walked down the aisle and I just smiled. I knew why they gave it that name. Two of my friends have worn it when they got married too, so my theory still stands:o)

oh, and when you get the chance to try these products for yourself...make sure you take the time to read the philosophies that are on each one of the bottles. they will make you realize why every day is a special day and why you are so beautiful:o) enjoy<3

Not Me! Monday

I did NOT continue my obsession with Rachel Zoe by going out and buying her book "A to Zoe", she is absolutely fabulous and I adore her. If you haven't seen her show yet, and you are LOVE LOVE LOVE fashion (and Rachel!) as much as I do, check out the Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo.

I did NOT go to my brother's football game against Downingtown West today. They did SO great, I am SO proud of my brother for doing so well under pressure. I was NOT the loudest fan on the sidelines, no NOT me! :o)

I did NOT go to dinner at Rinos with my Dad. We haven't had a date night in what seems like forever and it was so good to catch up and have a great dinner.

I did NOT get a new WORLD SERIES lanyard from my Dad to put my ticket in for the game and wear. This only means one thing, we're going again this year and we'll once again be on tv:o)

I did NOT catch up on my weekly gossip magazines (US weekly, Life and Style and People Style Watch).

I did NOT take such a long hot shower that I actually "ran out" of hot water. Thank god for Philosophy Amazing Grace body wash, it makes everyday wonderful for me<3

I did NOT finish my thank you notes and my thinking of you cards for the week.

I did NOT go to class late today, because lets face it, that's just NOT me:o)

Soggy Saturday

whew, what a day. I worked open to close and was completely exhausted throughout the entire shift because of the lack of sleep from last night (as well as the MONSOON that came through Chester County today, the rain always makes me sleepy).

even though I started on a new book, I think tonight is going to be a good night to catch up on the last two episodes of Grey's Anatomy that I missed:o)

oh yeah...and I almost stepped on a tiny frog walking down my driveway, I'm so glad I didn't squish it...YUCK!!

Oops! I Missed It!

I missed Thankful Thursday! So here it is...


I'm thankful for my dog Trainer (pictured) and our new puppy Bentley, they both light up my face when I walk in the door and know how to make me laugh.

I'm thankful for the Phillies advancing to the World Series!!!!!!!!! This is so incredible and I'm glad I get to share it with my Dad again this year.

I'm thankful for down feather comforters. They are so cozy and keep me warm all night during these cold fall/winter months.

I'm thankful for snail mail. I love getting old fashioned mail from friends, its the best:o)

I'm thankful for on demand. I can watch my favorite movies and tv shows that I've missed during the week.

I'm thankful for music. There's so many times when I can't speak what I feel, and certain songs will do that for me.

Lastly, I'm thankful for my wonderful family. I can't say it enough. My great grandmother will be in heaven soon and we will miss her dearly. <3

Twists and Turns

After much anticipation, Dan Brown finally released his new book, the "Lost Symbol". If you've ever read any of his books, including his most popular novels such as the "Da Vinci Code" and "Angels and Demons" (both made into movies), you understand why I think he's such a great author. The main reason I respect Dan Brown so much is because he does an incredible amount of research before he writes his books. As a history major, I can appreciate the amount of background information he gives the readers about cities, buildings, myths, symbols, etc. His books always keep me on the edge of my seat, turning pages and wanting more. This in many ways is his best book yet and I HIGHLY recommend it for those of you who love to read, I finished it in 3 days:o)

P.S I Love You

CALLING ALL LADIESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!
I have seen my fair share of movies about love and I can honestly say that I have never seen one as good as P.S I Love You. The Notebook, The Holiday, You've Got Mail are all of my absolute favorites but EVERY SINGLE TIME I watch this movie I can't help but think to myself "Wow".

It's the story about Holly, a young woman who loses her husband, Gerry, to a brain tumor and has a hard time dealing with his death. They met each other in a bar in Ireland, she was traveling and studying art there while he was a native.
After his death, Holly receives a series of letters that Gerry had written to her, knowing he wouldn't be with her much longer. The letters arrive to her in unexpected ways and each one gives her a different task to do. For example, Gerry tells her to get a bedside lamp because she hates getting comfortable in bed every night and having to get out and turn off the light before falling asleep.

At the end of every letter he says "P.S...I Love You." While completing many of these different tasks, she learns to live her life as best as she can, surrounding herself with the people who love her the most. In her final letter, Gerry explains to Holly that he wants her to love again. The last letter says "Dear Holly, I don't have much time. I don't mean literally, I mean you're out buying ice cream and you'll be home soon. But I have a feeling this is the last letter, because there is only one thing left to tell you. It isn't to go down memory lane or make you buy a lamp, you can take care of yourself without any help from me. It's to tell you how much you move me, how you changed me. You made me a man, by loving me Holly. And for that, I am eternally grateful... literally. If you can promise me anything, promise me that whenever you're sad, or unsure, or you lose complete faith, that you'll try to see yourself through my eyes. Thank you for the honor of being my wife. I'm a man with no regrets. How lucky am I. You made my life, Holly. But I'm just one chapter in yours. There'll be more. I promise. So here it comes, the big one. Don't be afraid to fall in love again. Watch out for that signal, when life as you know it ends. P.S. I will always love you."

It's SUCH an incredible story, and while it will definetely make you cry...you will also smile because its not a sad story but its happy because its exactly what every girl would want her husband to do for her if she only had so much time to be with him. Watch it and enjoy, I KNOW you'll love it<3

Phillie Phever

Once again the Phillies are the NL East Champs and they are having a great postseason. Ryan Howard is earning the title, Mr. Red October. What an incredible ball player, and people wonder why almost all of my Phillies shirts have #6 on the back. Cliff Lee is well..."unbeLEEveable" and can't be stopped. Citizens Bank Park is ROARING with excitement and the white towels are spinning up in the air again.




The World Series is not far away and if you ask me, I think we have a great chance of getting there. Dad and I went to the World Series last year, we were in Philly every single day of the week leading up to the night of our victory and it was the most incredible thing I've experienced. You can't understand the meaning of the "city of brotherly love" until you've witnessed a World Series victory. Right before Lidge threw the winning pitch, Dad looked at me and said "Ang, I am so glad you're here with me, I was here with my Dad the last time we won the World Series. I'm letting you know right now this is it, we're the champions." If anyone knows my Dad, he knows his teams.




Sure enough, Lidge did it and fell to his knees. Before Ruiz caught the ball, the ENTIRE stadium fell SILENT. It's like everyone waited to hear the ball go into the catchers glove. Then everyone cheered. Dad was balling his eyes out, he was so happy. What a true Philly fan. I'm really hoping that we get to the World Series again this year so I can celebrate with Dad again:o)



Harry would be proud<3

You Are Always With Me in My Heart

Halloween is approaching which only means one thing for me, Brooke's anniversary. For those of you who don't know, I met Brooke Ashley Weaver on my very first day at Shippensburg University; she lived in the room right next door to me. We became incredible friends who had a sisterly bond. Brooke was an avid horseback rider thanks in large part to her beautiful horse, Bailey. She competed in many horse shows, the Devon Horse Show being her biggest accomplishment. Brooke and I shared a very strong hatred towards thunderstorms, she would often curl up with me in my twin bed and we would tell each other goofy stories just to take our minds off of the weather. After my freshman year, I transferred home (one of the best decisions I have EVER made, Ship just was not right for me at all) but Brooke remained one of my best friends. She supported me with my decision knowing I wasn't happy there.





October 31, 2004 I tried calling Brooke to see if she went to a halloween party up at school but her phone was off. For Brooke this is rare, she would have her phone on no matter where she was, she always wanted to be available. I tried calling several other people but to no avail. I decided to try one more person due to the fact that I now had a pit in the bottom of my stomach, I knew something was wrong, and I knew it was Brooke. I finally got a hold of her roommate, Kate, who told me that Brooke had passed away late that day from a brain aneuryism and her parents were going to be the ones to tell me. My mom was next to me when I got the news, and I dropped to my knees never experiencing that immense amount of emotion before; I thought my heart was going to stop because it hurt so bad.




I stood up to speak at her funeral, looking around at the room filled with so many people who loved her so much. Brooke was an organ donor; she saved approximately 31 lives from her one life. Remarkably enough, her corneas were donated to a young boy who I hope today is able to see thanks to her. I've never been a very religious person but I truly believe in guardian angels. Brooke is with me whereever I go. Her parents have given me several items that I treasure so dearly, one of which is a silver bracelet that never leaves my wrist. When I say that I take Brooke with me whereever I go and she never leaves my heart, it really becomes an understatement. Sometimes I can just feel it, I know she is with me, especially when I need her the most. Brooke, whereever you are right now, I love you and I miss you so very, very much. You. are. my. hero.

Not-So Fabulous Fall

Summer is absolutely my favorite time of the year. I love walking around and looking up at the sun, letting it warm up my face while I smile and think "gosh what a beautiful day". Then there's flipflops or barefeet:o), bathing suits, flowy sundresses, the sand, the surf...but now fall is officially here and I'm starting to realize how fast the summer really went. Next to summer I think fall is my favorite season, my birthday falls around this time and it makes me happy to see the seasons change but there are some things I like and do not like about fall...

1. Things slow down a little bit for me. While I used to LOVE going out on Friday nights, it was my way of "letting lose" after a long week, now's the time when I like to come home, put on my comfy Victoria's Secret sweats, curl up and watch a movie. Fridays become my un-winding, relaxing nights because I know that Saturdays and Sundays I have to work all day. This is also a really good way for me to catch up on all those shows and movies I keep saying "oh yeah I really wanna see that!"

2. There are things like Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Pumpkin Bread, Chili and my favorite, the Spiced Cider (which I heat up) from Chadds Ford Winery. Call me nostalgic, but every person has something pop in their minds when they think of fall.

3. Is it strange that I LOVEEEEEEE watching the movie "You've Got Mail" in the fall? I honestly don't know why or how that started but it's almost became ritualistic for me to watch it as soon as I see the leaves start to fall off of the trees. My favorite part is when Tom Hanks writes to Meg Ryan and says "If I knew your address I would send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils" (talking about the kids going back to school). Calling all teachers!!!! Maybe that's why it's my favorite part! I always think to myself "Awwwwwwww, how cute would that be!?"

4. For those of you who know me pretty well, you know I H-A-T-E socks. Therefore, I have come to believe that Uggs, were made for me:o) Uggs aren't made to be worn with socks, and they are my absolute favorite pair of shoes that I own. I almost live in them starting in the fall. I also love my black North Face Fleece. Both of these have proven to me that there are certain things you can spend a good deal of money on but become "staples" for certain seasons.

5. Football is pretty obvious, I live for college football. I also have become the honorary cheerleader for my brother and his football team at Downingtown East High School. Shout-out to you #13!!

6. I really hate when it rains, unless its in the summer when its a warm rain giving all the plants a drink after a hot sunny day. *Queue the laughing* But I really hate rainy days because of the worms. I know, I know, its such a pointless thing to say but seriously...the worms come out, you end up stepping on them and I swear to you, I think it even smells like worms when it rains! lol.

7. What I miss most about summertime is being able to sit out on my porch and relax. We have this wonderful, large porch that my Mom has made into this little...sanctuary if you will. She has all these nice big plants (ferns, flowers, etc), candles and my fav, the porch swing. I can sit there, listen to music, read, or just watch everything around me for hours.

I'm curious to know what everyone else thinks of this time of year. What do you think of when you hear the word "fall" or "autumn"? Are there certain things that you love to do? Are there certain things that you don't like? Blog away:o)

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for my education. Even though I have struggled to get where I am whether its deciding to declare a set major once and for all or pass my PRAXIS test, I feel that I have accomplished so much this past year and it feels amazing.

I am thankful for my family. My brother and I have become almost inseperable in the past few months. To him I am his #1 fan...and the loudest one in the stands at his football games. My sister continues to excel in tennis and I find myself fascinated at her talent level at such a young age, its very inspiring. My cousins have become more like siblings and close friends and the bond that we now have is something that will only continue to bring us closer and closer. My Mom and my Dad have voiced their extreme appreciation for the friendship that the three of us have together. For 25 years now they have done an incredible job as parents.

I am thankful for my girlfriends. Gosh, where would I be without them!? "Friends are like stars, you may not always see them, but you know they're always there" My girlfriends never let me down. Some have married, some have moved, some have remained the same but regardless of how we have changed or where we are now, sometimes it only takes a short text, phone call or a girls night out to really understand how much you need your girls<3

I am thankful for coffee. Lately I have become dependent on it, especially Starbucks. I have ventured out and tried many different kinds of coffee but anything that can keep me alert and productive gets my thumbs up.

I am thankful for my Blackberry. Its hard to think of a reason why anyone wouldn't call it their "crackberry". I am constantly checking my texts, emails, Facebook and Twitter as a way to constantly stay in touch with many people. I love that I can do this anywhere I go.

I am thankful for Target. You can find anything at Target and they just recently built a brand new store right around the corner of my house. I can get groceries, movies, clothes, and furniture there, it will never let me down.

Lastly, I am thankful for Taylor Swift. She has become my new found obsession and I cannot get her songs out of my head. They are to much fun to sing in your car or house but even more fun to dance around to while you're getting ready in the morning or while you're making dinner at the end of a long day:o)