A Different Type of Christmas

I always feel very fortunate to be the person I am, to come from the family I come from & to have the material items that I have. I am in no way wealthy, or even "comfortable" but I know that if I need help with a utility bill or want to consider furthering my education, I can get that help & I have the option to think about more school. I am a very lucky person to have a roof over my head, money in the bank to pay the bills & the occasional extra dollar or two for a Dr. Pepper.
That is why when Christmas rolls around I honestly get very stressed out. I can't afford to buy all the presents that I want to buy for my amazing family & friends & those same amazing people don't actually NEED anything.. Why am I stressing to buy things I can't really afford for people who are just as fortunate as myself?

Well this year my family made a much needed change! 

This Christmas my family & I decided to buy no presents for each other: except for the young kiddos of course. Instead the focus was on sharing a warm, delicious meal & great conversation. The money that is normally spent around the holidays went to much greater places. My students & I created over 100 cards for hospitalized children, my mother & I "adopted" two foster children & fulfilled their Christmas wish lists, & other family members donated toys & money to the local Youth in Need shelter.
Now I am not saying that this different type of Christmas is for everyone & I don't even know if this will continue to be our new tradition but the lack of stress I felt this year and the joy of giving to those who really need it... It is an irreplaceable feeling.
If you are feeling charitable here is the link for Cards for Hospitalized Children: Cards for Kids
This is a great, year round program that distributes cards to kids in hospitals all over the country!
This is the Ambassadors for Children link where we "adopted" foster children for Christmas but they have many programs! Have an old prom dress? Donate it so it can be reused! They accept new infant clothing as well! And many other programs! Ambassadors for Children
I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.
Do any of you have any unique holiday traditions?

The Drama is Back!

FINALLY! Finally an episode that I was just on the edge of my seat about. 

1. I feel so horribly bad for Katie. To have your relationship constantly attacked by not only your boyfriends' friends but they also happen to be your coworkers?! I feel bad for anyone who is in that situation. Now the cheating thing... I don't believe at all that Tom would actually go all the way with another woman when he is in such a committed relationship with Katie but it is heartbreaking to know that he even made out with another woman. By my calculations that means that Katie and Tom were already 3 years into their relationship... that's a big deal!

2. Stassi and Kristen and a real conversation?! I must have missed it if that seen was apart of previews because I was literally floored to see Stassi sit down across from Kristen. It was refreshing to see two old friends that had experienced so much hurt actually be able to have a conversation but it also was so sad to know that they could still be friends had Kristen not made that horrific mistake. Kristen is human, it's normal to make mistakes but (speaking from personal experience) I know that the pain Stassi has had to endure because of that mistake is just too much. Props to both of them for being mature and sharing some wine and gossip together.

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Bravo Roundup

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I'm not sure if anyone knows this or not but... my name is Shelbie and I am a Bravo-holic. Honestly if I am the last person watching the TV, when it turns back on... It's Bravo.. If I'm watching the TV it's more than likely... Bravo. I have been absent lately with my Vanderpump Rules dishing but honestly I haven't been highly impressed with the episodes but next week looks pretty juicy! Right now I am going to live blog about Real Housewives. Yes, this is one day after it premiered but I was taking a final last night so here we go!

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Pay Attention to Me 

1. That title is everything. It sums of all Housewives franchises and honestly.. me!
2. "I guess it's good to be over the 5... No it all sucks, I hate it all!" Love hearing Lisa Rinna talk about aging, absolutely hilarious. She's become an instant favorite of mine.
3. GIGI!!! How can I be her?? She is not only beautiful but her jet set lifestyle seems so dreamy.

4. "We need to get some friends that are a little fluffier." -Kyle Richards... isn't that what we are all thinking? Oh just me?
5. Brandi's ex wants child support?? She is trying to be independent because he left her high and dry and now he is suing her?! I just can't...

6. O.M.G. "Looks like a black tie" "Has a cocktail waitress look" DO YOU KNOW THE DESIGNER IS STANDING BEHIND YOU??? How horrible...
7. On the Brandi and Lisa argument: I have Lisa's back 100%. I think that Brandi totally messed up and that phone call was absurd. "Well if you don't want to talk then we don't have to." Can we please not be passive aggressive? Grow up Brandi. 

I'm excited to learn more about this new wife, Eileen, next week!

A Time for Thanks

This is a time of year when the leaves start to change and fall, the weather gets colder, the scarves get thicker and an overall sense of gratitude fills the air. I believe that mid-November through the New Year is a time of year when people are given time off for so many holidays that there is a sense of togetherness and love that you just can't avoid. It doesn't hurt that trees are on display and lights begin to guide your dark drive home. I for one absolutely love this time of year. My birthday was not too long ago and I like the time spent together with friends and family. I hate the cold. Hate the snow. And hate scraping ice off of my car. But otherwise.. it's not too shabby.

I decided long ago that I would not let sale prices and extended hours ruin my holidays or warm spirit. I pledge not to shop at all on Thanksgiving and if I don't have the time on "Black Friday" either.. oh well. I used to work at a place that would open at midnight Thanksgiving night. For me, those extra hours absolutely killed my holiday spirit. I couldn't sleep correctly, I was stressed and worst of all I couldn't even enjoy my holidays because I knew work was looming.. only a few hours away.
I hope that all of you are able to enjoy your holidays however it is that you enjoy them. Maybe that is by shopping, maybe you even shop with your family! Or maybe you stay in with your boyfriends' family, in your PJ pants and play board games ;) either way, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

My List of Thanks: 

•  My education, and that I have a great assistantship
• My family, for always being there & giving me many laughs
• My boyfriend for dealing with my high highs and my low lows and for never his never failing love 
• The blessing of having the means to pay the bills, turn on the heat and eat a good meal

2014 AMAs... Or really the 2014 Live Concert with Awards

I can't help but consider the American Music Awards a live mashup concert with some awards in between performances and great outfits. Anyone else feel this way? We all have that one radio station in town that plays just the top hits from country, rap, R&B, hip hop etc. and the AMAs are when this radio station gets to come to life! Without further ado, here are my hot and not lists from the show. I must say... I was less than overwhelmed this year. 

My Hot List:

  Selena in Giorgio Armani Prive

 I know this was just an on stage dress but I think Taylor rocked this fringe mini like no ones business!

 Fergie in Halston Heritage - to me this is a classy slit, unlike my not list slit!

 -

My Not List:

Yes... seriously... all 3 of them are on my not list. Of course the dresses are made by fabulous designers and they each fit the girls like a glove but all 3 of them are just.. WHAT ARE THEY?? Are those safety pins? Can we not see your entire thy.. for one? And what's with the mesh? I just can't.



What looks were you loving and hating this year?

& the Years Go By...

Well another year has come and gone and it's crazy to watch as time just continues to speed by.
Today I turn 24 years old and it seems completely surreal. I kind of love the fact that I am growing up, becoming more independent by the day, and learning more about life but it is crazy to know that I will never be this young again, I will never again turn 16 and get my license, I will never be 8 years old at my clown birthday party again, those moments are gone and now it's time for new moments.
Now it is time to be a 24 year old young adult figuring out life.
I think this is going to be a really positive year. I hope to get a dog, possibly move in with my boyfriend, graduate from graduate school and really progress with my blog. I vow to be happy, live in the moments and not dwell on the past. 24 is a new year and I plan on making it a good one!

To all you fellow Scorpios: Happy Birthday! 

          

 A big thanks to these ladies for celebrating with me!

Birthday Outfit: 

Navy blue and black lace shift dress: Target 

Vanderpump Rules is Back!

I can barely contain my excitement! I am a reality TV junkie and am seriously too excited to have the SUR gang back in action. I will quickly admit that Stassi is my favorite part of this Bravo hit even though many people find her to be way too harsh and... well.. rude. I however think Stassi tells it how it is and is a strong woman who doesn't allow men or "friends" to treat her badly. I think it takes a certain kind of person to really understand Stassi and I happen to be one of those people and I have no shame!
In honor of my favorite show coming back to the air I plan on listing my reactions as they come!

1. How has NO ONE noticed after 3 seasons that those SUR uniforms are heinous?! Come on Lisa.. give these girls an update.
2. Stassi is looking better than ever! That hair.. her clothes.. her sarcasm.. all on point!
3. WHOA! The receptionist at the plastic surgeon.. The lips.. if you missed them, rewind that DVR and check em out!
4. "I can't cry because these eyelashes are mink." -Scheena
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I'm hoping this season gets a bit juicer but a top 4 list is better than nothing!
What did you all think of the season premiere?! Will you be tuning in?

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