The Do's And Don't's First Date (Relationships)

First dates are always nerve-wracking because you want the other person to like you. I'm currently in my 4th (and hopefully last relationship) and I will say all of my first dates are all different. I have also went on a dates where nothing advanced after that. Here are my Do's and Don't's for the first date:


DO'S

• Do something that allows you talk. Some ideas are go to dinner or go mini-golfing,
• Do something that you both agree with. If one person doesn't want to go mini-golfing, then work together and figure something else to do The same goes for going out to dinner, the restaurant needs to be one that you both agreed on. 
• Be polite and maintain eye contact.
• Wear an appropriate outfit. If going mini-golfing, heels probably won't feel very well after awhile.
• Do ask them questions about themselves (their work, their family, their hobbies, etc.).

DON'T'S 

• Don't go to a movie for your first date because you can't talk to one another.
• Don't rush anything. If a kiss is going to occur,then both people need to want it to happen or it could be an awkward moment
• Don't talk about past relationships.
• Don't be on your phone throughout the date as it will make your date feel like you don't care about them and what they are talking about,
• Don't be sad if the first date is the only date you'll have with that person. There are more people out there in the same position as you.

<3 Amanda 

National Cancer Survivors Day

Today is National Cancer Survivors Day and I first want to say the cancer sucks. I personally have known a few people who are survivors, currently going through and sadly lost their fight. The statistics are hard to read: 

• According to the National Cancer Institute, In 2016, an estimated 1,685,210 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and 595,690 people will die from the disease.
• Based on 2008-2012 deaths, The number of cancer deaths is 171.2 per 100,000 men and women per year .
• Based on 2008-2012 cases ,The number of new cases of cancer is 454.8 per 100,000 men and women per year 
• The most common cancers in 2016 are projected to be breast cancer, lung and bronchus cancer, prostate cancer, colon and rectum cancer, bladder cancer, melanoma of the skin, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid cancer, kidney and renal pelvis cancer, leukemia, endometrial cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
• Based on 2010-2012 data,Approximately 39.6 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes
• In 2014, an estimated 15,780 children and adolescents ages 0 to 19 were diagnosed with cancer and 1,960 died of the disease.

(National Cancer Institute., n.d.)

Like I mentioned above, I haven't personally been affected by cancer but I have had(have)family and friends who were affected by cancer, so I feel like I have been affected by cancer.  My aunt went through Skin Cancer and I believe that she is in remission but has to get tested every now and then to make sure she doesn't relapse. My cousin (by marriage) is a cancer survivor. My mom's cousin is a Breast Cancer Survivor. One of my close friend's mom is currently going through cancer(although I can't remember which type she has). Sadly, a family friend passed away a few years ago due to cancer.

I just want to say that I'm thinking of all of you who have lost a family member or friend to cancer. If you're in remission, I pray that you remain in remission. If you're currently going through cancer, I'm thinking of you too. You are strong and you will kick cancer's butt.

Reference:

National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Cancer Statistics. Retrieved June 04, 2016, from http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics 

<3 Amanda

The Scariest Airplane Ride

In August of 2001, we went to Montana with my mom's side of the family. We all met at the airport and my grandma gave all of us grandchildren candy and a little stuffed animal.We then boarded the plane and everything was going well until we hit some turbulence..okay actually more than "some" turbulence. This might be tmi but in my immediate family, my oldest brother and I were the only ones that did not throw up due to the amount of turbulence. We landed safety and to this day I still remember the conversation between my dad and the pilot. He was standing at the front of the plane like they normally do after the pilot lands the plane with the flight attendants. My dad thanked him for keeping us safe and landing the plane. I'm one hundred percent serious, the pilot told him that he didn't think he was going to land the plane either so that kinda put things into perspective.

My grandma set up a luncheon type thing at the airport since we had to be at the airport really early in the morning.But due to all of the turbulence we had,nobody wanted to eat. It also really scary thinking about it because the next month is sadly when 9/11 happened. R.I.P. All of the lives lost on that day. Our airplane ride to Montana is one that I will never forget.


<3 Amanda

Blogger Interview: Love And Blues

My next blogger interview is with Leah,who resides in Utah. She is a wife and a stay at home mom to her little boy. Her blog is called Love And Blues located at http://www.loveandbluesblog.com/. I love her blog because it's unique and talks about how we should give back to first responders and military personnel for everything they do every day, especially risking their lives for us to keep us safe.

Q: What is the meaning behind your blog name?

A: Blues is a nickname my husband had in high school, so I thought it would be cute to incorporate into my blog name since I originally started out writing a mommy blog. It also just so happens that "blues" is a term for a police uniform, which was perfect for a blog about being a stay at home police wife. I thought about changing the name when I changed directions blogging, but it was too much work and I thought the name still fit well enough so I kept it.

Q:What made you decide to start blogging?

A:To be completely honest, I heard blogging could be lucrative, and our family could use the extra money. I love writing, so I figured it was worth a shot!

Q:What do you blog about?

A:I blog about showing appreciation for first responders and the military primarily, but I also write about service and patriotism in general.

Q:How long have you been blogging?
A: I've only been blogging for about 3 months, so I'm still very much a newbie!

Q:What do you like to do beside blogging? Any hobbies?
A:Oh, lots. I love to knit, for one thing! I actually had a knitting blog when I was 13/14 that has sat untouched for years.  But I also like to run, paint, draw, and read. I'm currently saving up for a violin because I'd love to learn how to play!

Q:Have you had writer’s block? What did you do?
A: YES! Especially with such a specialized niche, I've hit walls. When I first started blogging, I wrote a list of all the ideas I could possibly think of relating to my topic. There's at least a hundred possible ideas, some being old content re-imagined in a new way. When I feel like I have nothing left to write, I consult that list and new ideas come to mind that I either write on immediately or add to the list.

Q:What’s one thing you want your subscribers to know?
A: I'd love for my subscribers to know that I work really hard on writing. I fret about what they'll think and spend a lot of time trying to find topics that I think will resonate and inspire them. I'd love for them to know that I'm more than willing to hear suggestions or constructive criticism because without my readers, my blog is nothing.

Q:How do you balance being a mom, wife and blogger?
A: This is something I've really struggled with. If I had it my way, I would happily blog from morning until night. That means it'd be easy for me to neglect the household chores or take time away from my son. I have to work on restricting myself to 2 hours or less a day (5 days a week) and anything that doesn't get done in that time just doesn't get done. It takes a lot of discipline and I'm still working on it, but I'm getting there!

Q:What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their blog?
A: Try to refine your niche beyond "lifestyle". I know it's fun to write about anything and everything, but it's hard to find people who want to read about everything you're interested in. People will connect with you better if you have an overarching topic.

It's also easier to write more quality content if you have a focus, not to mention monetizing becomes easier. Niche-ing is definitely the way to go in my opinion.

Q:Where do you see your blog in 5 years?

A: I'm not really sure! I hope that I've created something bigger than myself, that's not only helpful to society but also profitable so that my family can live better and be more comfortable.

Q:What do you want your readers to take from your blog?

A: I want them to understand the importance of service. I want them to know that only through serving others can we improve our society and ourselves. There's so much today that encourages people to focus inward to fix their problems, and I'd like to be the opposing voice saying that if you want answers to your prayers, you'd better get to work answering the prayers of others.

Q:What’s your definition of giving back and the importance of it?

A: This goes right along with what I'd like readers to take away from my blog. Giving back is everything. Helping others is the most important thing we can do in this life.

Q:Do you have any other social media sites?

A; I have a page for Love and Blues on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

I agree with her. Giving back is everything. Again, you should check out her blog;Love And Blues located at http://www.loveandbluesblog.com/.  Thank you again for letting me interview you Leah.

<3 Amanda 

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is the 19th of this month.I thought I would give you some ideas of what you could give or make your dad. You could go really simple and do something like a "diy" craft or go on a more extreme level;it's all up to you.

1. Write a letter to him.You could tell him all the reasons why you love having him for a father or you could thank him for things he has done for you in the past. In my opinion, dads really likes letters as they come from the heart and hand written letters are the best.
2. Get him his favorite snacks and candy
3. Get him tickets to a sporting event if he likes sports
4. Make him breakfast in bed
5. Make him a cake or sweet treats.
6. Take him out for breakfast,lunch or dinner
7. Take him to a movie
8. Make a slide show for him of pictures of him and yourself (or with siblings if you have any)
9. Give him a hug 
10. Buy him a new shirt
11. Just spend time with him

<3 Amanda 

Fun Survey #2

In celebration of it already being the first of June,I thought I would do a bonus post today and make it a survey.

1.Spell your name without an E,R,S,H,K,I,M,L,C,A,Y,N: D

2.Are you single? No

3.What is your favorite number? 7

4.What is your favorite color? In order: Pink, Purple and Orange

5.Least favorite color? Red

6.What are you listening to? Chris Cagle

7.Are you happy with your life right now? I'm 90% content. There are some things I would change but I'm not in control

8.What is your favorite subject in school/ college? High school- English; College- Hmm..Probably either a College Composition Class or an Early Childhood Course as that's my major.

9.Do you shop at Abercrombie? Not really

10.Do you have money? Yeah

11.Would you take an ex back? Never.They are in my past for a reason!

12.Are you outgoing? Sometimes

13.Are you gay? No

14.Where do you wish you were right now? In my own house/ apartment

15.What should you be doing right now? Probably starting homework

THE CANS:Can you blow a bubble? Yes

Can you do a cart wheel?No

Can you touch your toes? Yes

Can you wiggle your ears? No

Can you touch your tongue to your nose? No

THE DIDS:

Did you ever want to be a doctor? No, I hate blood

Did you ever want to be a fire fighter? No

Did you ever want to be a teacher? Yes :)

Did you ever break the law? No

Did you vote for Bush? N/A, I couldn't vote then

THE DOs:

Do you like roller coasters? The small ones

Do you own a bike? No

Do you play the lotto? No

Do you like football? Sometimes

Do you have a shopping addiction? Not really

THE DOES:

Does your family have family picnics? No

Does you wallet have any pics in it? Yes

Does your job bring you satisfaction? I'm currently unemployed if you don't count being a student a job

Does a soft answer turn away wrath? Huh?

Does sex mean love? It depends. If 2 people love one another, then yes BUT if a guy is raping a female, then no

THE LASTS:

Last person you hung out with? My brother 

Last car ride? Back home

Last text message? My college

Last baby you held? Um...friends'

Last time you shaved? Last night 

LAST THING?

What was the last thing you bought? Groceries 

What was the last thing you had to drink? Coke,not my favorite but I was thirsty. Lol

What was the last thing you watched? Blake Shelton and Gwen on YouTube

What was the last thing you read? This question

What was the last thing your hand wrote? Blog ideas 

THE WHOS:

Who last talked to you on the phone? Dad

Who was the last person you took a picture of? Me

Who was the last person to leave you a comment on Facebook? Lori

Who do you miss right now? Dad and my boyfriend 

Who last hugged you? My boyfriend 

CURRENTLY:

What color shirt are you wearing? Purple 

Have any tattoos? No

Have you any piercings? No

Straight hair or curly? Thrown up in a messy bun

Where are you? Table

HAVE YOU EVER:

Failed a class? Yes

Professed your love and been turned down? Yes,who hasn't 

Accomplished a life goal? Yes

Thought you were pregnant? To be honest,yes.

Sang in front of a crowd? In choir but not by myself

SIX THINGS YOU WILL FIND IN YOUR ROOM:

1. Laptop

2.Planner

3. Pens/Pencils 

4. Pillows/Blankets

5. Books

6. Purse

THREE RELATIONSHIP QUESTIONS:

1.In a relationship? Yes

2.Want a relationship? I'm in one 

3.Wanna get married? Yes

FOUR THINGS ON YOUR MIND:

1. My boyfriend 

2. School work

3. Family 

4. My blog

<3 Amanda 

May Monthly Favorites

This is my first month doing monthly favorites. Let me know if you like these or not.

Food items:

-Watermelon icebreakers  

(http://www.target.com/p/ice-breakers-duo-watermelon-sugar-free-mints-1-3-oz/-/A-14708804)

-Smucker's Uncrustables Peanut Butter and Grape 

(https://www.meijer.com/product/grocery/frozen/frozen-meals/pocket-sandwiches/smuckers-uncrustables-peanut-butter-and-grape-48-oz/t1/t1-865/t2/t2-9975/t3/t3-225/t4/t4-2030/5150004815.uts)

-Smucker's Uncrustables Peanut Butter and Strawberry 

(http://www.target.com/p/smucker-s-uncrustables-peanut-butter-strawberry-jam-sandwich-2-oz-4-ct/-/A-13234505)

-Pagoda Potstickers Pork Potstickers 

(https://www.meijer.com/product/grocery/frozen/frozen-meals/other-meals/pagoda-express-potsticker-pork-949-oz/t1/t1-865/t2/t2-9975/t3/t3-225/t4/t4-379/7218066857.uts)

-Pagoda Chicken Potstickers

(https://www.meijer.com/product/grocery/frozen/frozen-meals/other-meals/pagoda-chicken-potstickers-949oz/t1/t1-865/t2/t2-9975/t3/t3-225/t4/t4-379/7218066850.uts)

Beauty and etc. items:

-Jergen's Original Scent Lotion 

-Eos Revitalizing Care Hand and Body Lotion 

Blistex Medicated Mint Lip Balm 

(http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/blistex-medicated-lip-balm-stick-spf-15-mint/ID=prod381423-product)

-Garnier Fructis Hydra Recharge 1-Minute Moisture-Plenish Treatment:Dry Hair (Top Photo)

-Garnier Fructis Sleek And Shine Intensely Smooth Leave In Conditioner  Cream: Frizzy, Dry,        Unmanageable Hair (Bottom Photo)

School supplies:

Paper Mate Flair M Pens 

(http://m.target.com/p/paper-mate-flair-felt-tip-marker-pens-medium-point-assorted-24-pack/-/A-50358888)

<3 Amanda