A few of my favorite things

1. Going off Campus As seniors we receive the special privilege of going off campus for lunch. During my fall semester, I hardly ever took advantage of this. Now I try to make it off campus everyday. This and going to spouts for the sandwich special has become one of my new favorites.

2. Popsicles I totally forgot how much I love Popsicles till one of the editors brought a box to yearbook one day. The coolness of a yummy Popsicle is truly unbeatable. It was the best part of my day when the staffers compared the change of color on their tongues.

3. When other people fall I have been known to fall, trip, and stumble from time to time so it's refreshing when my follow clumsy friends take the big fall to the ground. It's nice not to be the only one who trips over nothing while simply walking.

4. Church camp "This one time at church camp.." now that that's out of the way. I love church camp, I compare it to family vacations. This year was my last one and it was one of the best. It was most likely the most calm weekend I've ever had at camp and it was also the perfect get away from the craziness in my life at the moment. It was also strange to think that just four short years ago I was afraid to get into the van to go to my very, first camp. As camp came to a close, it made me more and more sad to know it was my last camp ever. Hopefully, I will be running one of those camps sometime soon.

5. Mini me Meet one of my best friend's little sister, Kendall. I swear this cool kid is trying to be the next Melanie. When I went over to Kaylie's house for our usual Gossip Girl night her sister only did something if I did, had soda if I had soda, and desperately wanted to sit next to me during diner. She actually only put on her PJ's when she saw I had mine on as well. Yes, it's always nice to be admired and copied.

6. Best friend time My best friend Dahlya has a history of being kinda busy. Whether it's travel, school, or auditions Dahlya has a full load. For this reason, when she has a free moment for best friend time I take it. She makes my days better and brighter so spending time with her is a must. Honestly, these past couple weeks she has been the best possible friend ever and every time I spend even a ounce of time with her I become more thankful for her presence in my daily life.

7. Dance parties Every year at church camp we throw a dance party. Last year, it was 80s themed and this year was neon. It got a little crazy and the best part was at the end when all the seniors got into a huge huddle to spend the last song together. My youth group is cool.

Looking back I'm not sure where the past two weeks have gone. I was thinking about it earlier today and I had a lot of fun but my business has consumed me to the point where I don't remember falling asleep. But, I wouldn't trade my life for anything. I was reading my journal the other night and I came across a paragraph I wrote on December 19, 2010, "I feel so lucky sometimes. Even when I'm really stressed I am still loved by God, I still love others, and I am still loved by others. Even when I have a lot of problems going on I am still forgiven. I have faith." This still rings true in my life today. As my best friend once said to me, "Life is too short to be sad about anything."

Baby, it's cold outside

 Actually it wasn't that cold. Last weekend, my church family and I took a trip to Prescott. In years past when I went on those retreats it was freezing. Expect, this year, it was beautiful, cool and bearable. Thankfully, I didn't need to pull out the snow coat for my last winter camp. Although, the long sleeved shirt and wearing socked with my toms came in handy. When dressing for colder weather keep the colors simple while adding pieces with patterns. Take note of how the pink shirt goes with all the other colors; blue, grey, yellow. A simple color like this one can pull all sorts of other colors into a outfit and be helpful when adding floral sunglasses. By the way I got the shirt for only five dollars! Who knew winter clothes could be so cheap? Well winter in Arizona.

Outfit breakdown: Jeans-Kohl's Shirt-Old Navy Gloves-Target Scarf-Target Shoes- Toms Coat-Forever 21 Shades- Target

The fashion tradition that almost wasn't a tradition

Every year my church holds a winter camp that I've always looked forward to. The cold weather, spending the entire weekend with church family, and the amazing memories have made winter camp one of my favorites. But, in the past four years, I've had a tradition that's set winter camp aside from any other church event. Since freshman year, I've bought a special fashion piece that no one else has and I wear it just to camp. My first year I got a cherry red rain coat while during my sophomore year I brought Victorian black and white patterned boots. Last year my church decided to have a day dedicated to skiing so I wore a yellow snow hat. Yes, every camp I had my fashion tradition and each year other students and leaders tell me how cute they think my pieces are. However, the unthinkable happened. While I started packing for my last winter camp I forgot to find my unforgettable fashion piece. In years past either I've stumbled upon, saw in a issue of teen vogue, or found in a store my wearable item. With senior year craziness and not having any money I completely forgot to keep my eyes open for my last chance to show off my fashion addiction. To add to my trouble I realized my dilemma the day I was suppose to leave for camp.

For this reason, thirty minutes before I had to be at church I went shopping. Thankfully, my speedy shopper skills kicked in and I shopped at four different stores within twenty minutes. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything that was good enough to be the last item I would ever bring to camp. As I was about to give up and tears were swelling up in my eyes I looked over at a row of crazy ribbons at Micheal's. There it was; a bright polka dotted bow. Ironically, at camp this year we were having a neon dance party and this ribbon would be the perfect addition to my crazy outfit. As fast as I could, I may have pushed some old ladies aside, I bought the ribbon, ran to Target and got a hot pink headband to attach. At camp I assembled the two together and like magic I had the perfect headband. The last minute piece ended up being a huge success and the neon dance party was so much fun. Even though it was my last winter camp I look back and think how those camps whether I was wearing boots or a red rain coast was some of the best times of my life. My trips to camp may be over but hopefully one day I will be running those events.

Coat: Walmart

Rain boots: Online

Hat: Target

Headband: Micheal's and Target

A few of my favorite things

1.Ihop I think Ihop tastes better in the late hours of the night. I would never pass up an opportunity to go have a plate of fries at midnight. I partly feel like I'm cheating on Village Inn but sometimes those chocolate chip pancakes are too hard to ignore.
2. Strange Obsessions I feel a little less crazy when I meet others who have strange obsessions. I mean the whole infatuation with frozen yogurt comes to a smaller extent when I see people talk about their "can't live withouts." A very good friend of mine in yearbook is in love with orange soda and not just any brand but Crush. So when we went to Walmart and we saw that a four pack was on sale for an dollar he flipped. It was the same reaction I would have when discovering a new frozen yogurt place and I don't feel alone anymore.
3. Aprons I believe aprons are one of the best parts of baking, besides eating yummy treats of course. I once found a apron in an antique store that had a soft color of pink, little Eiffel Tower pattern, and two big, black bows. This apron screamed Melanie and when my mom bought it for me for my sixteenth birthday, my collection began. However, my best friend Jenelle has a beautiful hand made one that I've had my eye since Jr high. Every time we bake at her house that apron is first and foremost.
4. Fun people There's a girl in my youth ministry with the same name as me. At first, I hated the thought of another Melanie walking around on my turf. So when this younger version of me walked into my life I couldn't bear the thought of a second Mel. However, Melanie is such a positive force of energy, my life would be dark without her. She is such a fun, open women of God and I'm so thankful for her and her willingness to try new things. Such as, my Zumba class, that she was so open to try with me. She makes experiences and situations better.
5. Quality time this past Sunday after church a couple of the females leaders and I sat outside one of their homes and talked. Talked about past camps, funny stories, and life lessons. It's refreshing to spend time with the women whose words, lives, and actions impact my relationship with Jesus and myself on a weekly bases.
6. Surprises I love, love surprises so much. Well I don't like them so much when I know when they're coming but a good surprise is the best. I always subconsciously feel as if a surprise is around the corner that's how much I love them. Once again my good friend Kavita surprised me with a tiny box with a cupcake inside. It's awesome to have such great friends who have good taste in cupcakes.




It's been such a fabulous week full of fun, laughter, and growth. Lately, I've been working extra hard on improving myself and working on my 2011 goals. I've learned a lot about myself and I really love where my life is heading. I know for a fact that things are about to get crazy but if I've gained anything from this past week is the knowledge that no matter I go in life God is moving in all directions.

A few of my favorite things

"the most important things in the world aren't things."






1. Pomegranate frozen yogurt it's the best and my new favorite flavor.
2. Dariashe has become of my closest friends. She makes my day brighter, I can tell her anything, and she freaks out when a fire truck comes down the street. Strange but funny.
3. Racquetball Thursday this has become one of my new favorite events to look forward to. I love the game, it's a great work out, and when all my friends get together to play we can't stop laughing and having fun.
4. Watching my friends play racquetball now I'm not saying I'm the queen of the racquetball courts however my friends will not being going to the Olympics anytime soon. I love them but their sports skills, or lack of, keeps me laughing all day long.
5. Small Groups this is my church's mid week program and I so love it. We meet as a youth group for hang out time, worship, and an lesson then break off into small groups with students your same grade, gender, and school. However, this semester is different for the seniors. Instead of small group time we meet as a large group of seniors. It is beyond awesome and I pray the rest of the semester goes well. But that's not the best part. As a student leader I show up to church a couple hours early and help set up for that nights event. This is my favorite time of the week. I love greeting all the leaders, helping any way I can, and being at church. Words couldn't even begin to describe how great the people I go to church with are. When I think of the relationships I have there I automatically think of the word of community because that what it truly is. I know, without a doubt, that every single leader at small groups will be there for me no matter what and it was so good to be surrounded by that again. I compare it to the feeling you get when you come home after a long trip and your comfortable bed is there waiting for you. That's why being at church is my favorite.
6. Helping my friends ask their dates to dances Yes, my new nickname is Melanie, the dance queen because I've been helping a lot of my friends ask or answer for school dances. I love it! I get be creative and help others. The best of both worlds in my opinion.



Life is great and I am seriously so happy. I am very too blessed to be stressed about anything and no matter I am still loved by God and I've got some really great relationships in my life. For instance, I got an random note today from a friend who lives in Gilbert that said, "You're beautiful and great and I love and appreciate you." That was my favorite part of my whole day.

Favorites are bombastic.

Pay It Forward

"Compassion is the ultimate and most meaningful embodiment of emotional maturity. It is through compassion that a person achieves the highest peak and the deepest reach in his or her search for self-fulfillment."

Pay it forward. Simple as that. I learned in church today that if you see a need it's your job to take care of it. Everyone has a story, issue, and need. However, when was the last time we put aside our problems to help others. Today, I got the opportunity to attend one of my friend's church. All day I debated whether or not I should attend that night's service. I had already been to my church that morning and due to family issues I was having an awful day. While I was deciding if I should go my youth pastor told a story about Jesus that made my choice clear. Jesus had the compassion to put his needs aside at all times. There is a popular Bible story in Matthew 14:13 called Jesus feeds the five thousand. The background info is that right before Jesus performed this miracle His cousin John was beheaded. Now if one of my family members had just died and thousands of people were following me I would most likely send them away. But Jesus didn't. He saw they needed something to eat, He had compassion (verse 14), and feed them with all the food that he had. That's pretty amazing. So what about us? How would you response? We read how God did but given the responsibility how am I responding? When we sit in our Christian, safe bubble we limit our opportunities. If any person wants self-fulfillment; guess what it's not about you. It's how you response to others. If you help 3 people those 3 help another 3 and if it continues then 31,381,059,609 people could be helped. Those who are crazy enough to believe they can help others and change the world actually end up doing it. Nothing changes when nothing changes. So pay it forward. Do I have my own issues? Yes, but it's not as important as others.


I did end up going to my friend's church tonight; but today I am really thankful for Central Christian. A church that has been my support for the past four years. An important lesson I've gained from my experience there is "if you live in the past you'll miss the blessings of the future." Central has been a great part of my life and I know will always be there for me cause it's more than a church it's my home. I have no worries when it comes to the future for I'm leaving for college with wisdom, love, and strength. At my church the cross is central. Jesus died on it and handed it to us. It would be easier for me not to have invested myself in a community, a church, and a relationship with God. But whats the point of living a easy life when you a live a dangerous one.

Thank you to my youth pastor and senior pastor who taught me this essential life lesson today.

Under My Umbrella

The weather hardly ever changes where I live but when it does I'm rain ready. Puddles beware... Special thanks to my church for letting my photographer and I shoot there. Enjoy my first outfit post











Outfit Breakdown: Grey V-neck from Forever 21, Green Coat from Kohls, Purple Hat from Urban Outfitters, Rain Boots from Internet, Black Dress (can't remember), Black Tights from my step mom's closet.