I'm like Tinkerbell...I need applause to live! (Rachel on Glee)

CAPES [something empowering] Trying to be someone other than yourself cheats yourself out of being you and cheats others from experiencing the true you. Plus it's exhausting.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Joss & Main is an amazing website that offers designer-everything at up to 70% off. In order to receive these discounts, you have to become a member. I signed up, and was put on a waitlist for 2 days. But the wait is over, and now I'm an official member. Join me by clicking here!

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] What's at the end of your glassybaby rainbow?

Let there be light.

CAPES [something empowering]

Don't give up your power by thinking you don't have any.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction]

My coffee snobbery has gone to a new level: I can now only drink espresso from Ladro, Fiore, and Peets. Sorry Starbucks and Tully's, but you were out of the running a long, long time ago.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy]

Did you know that you are supposed to have at least 3 (yes, 3!) forms of light in each room of your house? Well, now you that know...you are now aware of the necessity to stock up on some cool table lamps pronto.

the online guide to avoiding "that"...

CAPES [something empowering]

Hope is frail but it's hard to kill.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction]

Henna hair dye! Lush has made it possible to have beautifully colored hair without covering your hair with harsh chemicals. Hats off to them...and hats off to unveil those gorgeous locks.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy]

I recently googled the probability of solving a rubix cube in under 3 minutes and was directed to a site titled "the online guide to bedding women". Funny. But gross.

Above vs. Upbove

CAPES [something empowering] Being aware of your issues and overcoming your issues are two different stages. Don't get stuck just being self-aware. Overcome.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I want these and this hoodie (and yes, I'll bedazzle a heart on the sleeve, inspired by you-know-who).

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Why isn't "above" spelled "upbove"?

Thump thump

CAPES [something empowering] If you're not quite ready to give your heart away, give a heart poster away. It's truly the next best thing.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Evernote - I use it for blog ideas as well as grad school stuff. It's awesome and yes, there is an app for it.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Speaking of hearts...I have had a heart murmur since I was younger. The doctor told me that it is caused from my heart being so strong that it pumps extra hard and creates a murmur. If you look up my name (Andrea) you will find that it means "strong-hearted". Coincidence? Maybe. Or maybe not.

"We don't see things as they are. We see them as we are." -Anais Nin

CAPES [something empowering] Your perspective is different than mine. My perspective is different than yours. Respect means understanding what it means to interact with others despite differences. To reject diversity simply means you demand others to see things as you see them, which will never happen.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Jaydiohead. A mash-up of Jay-Z and Radiohead.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Documentation of the first time my nephew took a sip of carbonated water. He thought it was funny. And I think he is funny.

40 days out.

CAPES [something empowering] "The night is darkest just before the dawn." Be patient with your night; wait out the dark. Light will come.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Seattle's got soul? Love this basement band, and the blog Sound on the Sound.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] 40 days until I leave for Kenya. Let the countdown begin!