High Five for Friday

Happy Friday!
Thank goodness. I need this week to be over and can't wait for the upcoming three day weekend! Last night I had the pleasure of developing another ear infection (that was sarcastic) so I'm on antibiotics. Second ear infection in three months? That's a little much for someone who's in her mid twenties, right? Aint nobody got time for that.
Here are my five favorites from the week!

1. Gorgeous snow on Monday. It wasn't cold enough to stick around and I still had to work, but having this beautiful view when I woke up was worth the messy drive to work!
2. Chris made baked ziti while I was working late. There is nothing better than coming home to dinner in the oven and the dishes washed. He's pretty cool...I think I'll keep him.
3. I wasn't feeling well from the ear infection mess last night, so Chris decided brownies were necessary. Wow, he's been in the kitchen more than I have this week.
4. 20% off Ulta coupon?! Oh no. And today is pay day. Cause I knew you were trouble when you walked in... {to my mailbox}
5. Pretty mint polish is perfect for Spring, even though it doesn't quite feel like Spring. Love.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend/Easter/Passover (a little late)/whatever you celebrate :)
linking up with Lauren

From a Therapist's Perspective

I've mentioned this before, but my "day job" is being a therapist. It's not an easy job but it's one that I love (most of the time) and something I've always known I wanted to do. It's also something that I feel has bettered me. Let me explain why.

I've learned many things from my five short years of being in this profession. You can't judge a book by its cover. This goes for every aspect of life. You never know what someone is going through just by looking at them. 

                                                                               Source: 29.media.tumblr.com viaAlyssa on Pinterest

Some days, I feel like my clients are helping me more than I'm helping them. They don't even know it. By talking someone through a tough situation, it puts perspective on my life and my practice. It makes me a better as a therapist and a person in general. 

I don't put myself above anyone. Ever. I have plenty to learn, and I don't think I'll ever stop learning. I let my clients teach me things. I listen. I take notes. Because when it all comes down to it, we're all human. We all have real, raw, heartbreaking, overwhelming, and powerful life experiences. We can all learn a little something from each other. 

                                                                             Source: sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net viaAlyssa on Pinterest

It amazes me how people who literally have nothing {monetarily} can show so much strength and resiliency. If they can do it, we all can. Money is just money. Life is about so much more than that. Love, relationships, and connecting with others is what matters. It is also the hardest part of life but it's worth working for. Fighting for. Holding onto.

                                                                                    Source: piccsy.com viaAlyssa on Pinterest

I'm so glad I chose this profession and although it's exhausting and tragic some days, it's one of the most rewarding careers I could have imagined. There's never a day where a lesson goes unlearned, a day where I don't make mistakes, or a day where I come home unfulfilled. To me, that's pretty amazing. People are amazing.

And that's it for this Random Wednesday. Thought? Questions? Comments? I'm no expert, by any means, but would love to chat about my experiences. :)

This weekend... it finally happened

An earth shattering, once-in-a-lifetime event happened this weekend. You really won't believe it. I cut my hair. Ok, it's really not that big of a deal, but it's the only exciting thing that happened this weekend. Besides getting gum stuck in the dryer and ruining some of Chris' work clothes but I don't think you all want to hear about that. I really wish I could erase that part of the weekend.

I got about 5 inches off and but it was a much needed change. I hate getting my hair cut as it makes me so nervous as if the wrong haircut would ruin my life. I obviously need more important things to worry about.

Before and after!

I actually love it! I was having some second thoughts, as I always do after cutting my hair, but I really like it. My ends were terrible and I desperately needed some bangs to frame my face. What do you think? I was bored and also made a vlog to show what it looked like, but holy heck I can't stand the sound of my voice recorded. I think I'll keep that one in the "vault" ;) I need to have a couple glasses of wine before a real vlog ever happens. I don't know how you all do it.

The rest of the weekend was really just spent relaxing. I'm dying for the weather to get warm, but right now the forecast is calling for snow! Come on, it's almost April! In Maryland! Nobody has time for that snow bizznass. My sandals are feeling so lonely, along with my dresses and capris.

I also painted my nails and put up this cute little Spring decor. We'll pretend it actually feels like Spring.

Target "dollar" section! $3

Ugh the cuticles. This weather is killing me!

Now THAT is an exciting weekend! Please tell me yours was more eventful :) In all seriousness, we're really trying to keep things low-key lately because we'll be moving again in a month. That means trying to save money as much as possible and get things done around the house to make moving a little more easier. We still have no idea where we'll be moving but have some up with a semi-plan that I'll eventually share once we decide for sure. I hate when things are "up in the air" but that's the way life goes. I know things will be stable and "normal" soon so I'm trying not to sweat it. Chris and I have been going through a lot of big changes within the past six months... moving, my job change and now moving again and more job changes...other things... when will it stop? So I'm wondering...

How do you do with life being unstable? Anyone else going through this?

Linking up with Sami and Leeann! Also linking up with the I <3 Bloglovin Link Up!

March Birchbox

Another month, another Birchbox! Here's what I got...

1. Caldrea Body Lotion~ I actually haven't tried this lotion yet as I'm saving it for travel. I've heard wonderful things about Caldrea lotion so I can't wait to try it!

2. Serge Normant Volumizing Dry Shampoo~ I'm a big fan of dry shampoos. This one worked well but the smell was way too floral for me. It kind of reminded me of an old lady's perfume and bothered me all day while it was in my hair. 

3. Make Dual Phase Eye Makeup Remover & Make Silk Cream Lipstick~ This is a fantastic eye makeup remover. It took the day's eye shadow, liner, and mascara off in one easy swipe and the oils left a moisturizing feel to my eyes. The lipstick is such a small sample I again, wanted to save it for a special occasion. The color is great and I anticipating liking this lipstick. Bonus... 1/3 of Make's sales go towards a non-profit that supports women-led cooperatives. Win win.

4. Madewell for Birchbox Nail Emery Board~ who doesn't love an emery board? A girl can never have too many. This was a nice surprise with a cute floral pattern on one side.

Do you Birchbox? If so, what'd you get this month? If you're interested in subscribing, click here!

Random Wednesday {20/20 Edition}

No, not 20/20 the eye prescription. Or the tv show. I'm obviously talking about JT's new album, which I immediately snatched up after work last night like a maniac from Target as I HAD to get the one with the two extra songs meaning I couldn't just download it- no, that wouldn't be good enough. So far, amazing. I've only listened to the first few songs because they're all like, 7 minutes long. I'm not complaining. 

While I was at Target, I grabbed a few extras... like Ben & Jerry's and a new pair of flats. I've been doing so well with not shopping, only buying essentials, and I can't even explain how good it felt to buy fun things. If it makes you feel better, why not? I truly believe, in my professional opinion (ha!) that retail therapy is legit. So is Chocolate Therapy.

I don't think there's anything better than this ice cream, JT, and also last night's Pretty Little Liars. Anyone else watch this? Thoughts? I think my heart is still racing. Happy Wednesday, friends! 

Linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday!