Inspiration Motivation Realization

Stoked for Love

Reality matchmaking shows are not my thing. I tried The Bachelor but I just couldn't get into it. I believe a handful of contestants on dating shows actually want love, but more often than not, they're just wanting fame. 

Lately previews for Ready For Love have been all over TV and the first thing that caught my attention was that the featured lead singer of one of my all time favorite bands Plain White T's, Tim Lopez,  (sang lead on Rhythm Of Love) will be searching for the one on this new NBC dating show.

The second part that caught my attention is how real it seems to be. In one preview producer Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives) talks about why this show is different. The reason it's different is that they hired the top three matchmakers in the country versus hiring casting agents like other shows. I think that's amazing because they're not casting "parts", like who's going to be the "drama queen" or "America's sweetheart". 

Basically, I'm super stoked for Ready For Love, it looks romantic, sweet, and most importantly, REAL. Although, since my brother was on Catfish: The TV Show and I saw a lot of stuff behind the scenes, I also realize that reality television is never what it seems. For a deeper look into this upcoming series, watch the video below.

Boo Hoo. Valentine's Day is a Fake Holiday!

This may seem a little late, being that it is March 2nd. However, I actually posted this on my facebook a day or so before Valentine's Day; and have decided to share it on my blog as well.

A part of me always secretly wishes (well, not so secretly now) that someone will send me flowers or get me a card or do something romantic for me, but I know it's not all about those things. One day I will get those things and be loved unconditionally and all that romantic crap. Until then, I don't mind spreading love to others, because everyone deserves it.

Here's my take on the romantic holiday.

Valentine's Day Haters say:“This is just a day created by Hallmark and businesses alike to get a ton of money.”

I say: There are more ways to show someone you care without buying the traditional chocolate, Hallmark card, teddy bear, jewelry, etc. Make your loved one breakfast in bed. MAKE a card or present; like the always classic “coupon book”. Go on a picnic. Spend the day watching sappy love movies. Be thoughtful. If you dislike the fact that businesses make a ton of money on a day that’s “not even a holiday” or a “stupid holiday” or blah, blah, blah, then do something creative and different and still protest traditional Valentine’s Day things.

Valentine’s Day Haters say: “You should tell/show people you love them every day, not just one day of the year.”

I say: Yes YOU SHOULD! But do you? Probably not. Really, you should tell people you love them every day, and show them in special ways whenever you get the chance. But Valentine’s Day is a day where you can tell someone all the reasons you love them and make them feel even more special. Take time out of your busy schedule and surprise someone. Have fun. Be extra romantic; all without being considered corny. It’s Valentine’s Day. Everyone’s corny!

Valentine’s Day Haters Say: “Well, what about the people that don’t have a significant other?”

I say: I haven’t had a boyfriend ON Valentine’s Day EVER. Like, ever, ever, ever. But I still adore Valentine’s Day. It’s such a sweet holiday. To celebrate, I do things to show my friends and family how much I care. Sometimes I’ll decorate my moms’ kitchen with hearts and pink and red table clothes and so on and so on. I get her and my step-dad little presents and candy. Sometimes I give them random gifts that have nothing to do with love or Valentine’s Day at all; something that shows my thoughtfulness. I even make homemade treats when I can. I make little gift bags for friends, co-workers, and other family members. It’s fun, I love seeing people happy. Everyone deserves to be shown love; even if it’s just from a friend, co-worker, or sibling. You’re never fully alone, even if you’re not dating someone. And you don’t always have to receive something to feel loved. Don’t spend the day being upset you don’t have a “Valentine”, instead spend the day showing love to those you care about, because the people you love – friends and family – they love you too, and that’s reason enough to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day Haters Say: “I don’t have money to spend anyways on such a ridiculous holiday”.

I say: This year I literally have $3 in my wallet. I’ll probably make decorations by hand; and I have some old Valentine’s cards that I never got around to using. I’ll give them to my Mom and Step-Dad, but what I write inside and the words I say are more important than the fact that I have disposable cards for different holidays. Money isn't everything. I mean, not all the time. I know on most days, having a ton of money would really help my broke-ass out. But on a day that’s meant to express love, you don’t necessarily need money. And those who really care about you will know that you put an effort and they’ll understand that you didn't have the money to do anything extravagant. Even a nice little text or an e-card to someone who isn't nearby, can be really sweet. I like to find something with humor that fits me and the person I’m sending it to. So they know that I actually thought about what I sent them. Or the fact that someone sends me a text on any holiday, even Valentine’s Day, is sweet because I know that I crossed there mind.

Maybe I’m just a hopeless romantic or maybe too sentimental, but Valentine’s Day shouldn't be “hated” . . . yet so many people express their dislike for the day with such passion! It actually saddens me somewhat to hear people complain. If, no matter what, you just cannot stand Valentine’s Day, then at least let others enjoy it in peace. Why be so angry and upset and argumentative when others are just trying to love?

Don’t hate. Appreciate!

Love,

Elle Marie

Porn. Yes... PORN.

A lot of guys watch porn. Notice how that was a statement, not a question? A. lot. of. guys. watch. porn. Guys who are single, married, or dating someone. Maybe they watch it alone, maybe they watch it with their significant other or maybe with their friends (I KNOW for a fact that some guys actually do that, I haven't decided if I find it gross or funny).

My friends come to me for advice on this subject often. They somehow find out their guy is watching porn (because guys really don't know how to hide it!) and they get upset. I mean, I guess I can understand why they get upset, but really, I don't find it a big deal. I'm always honest with my friends, even if it's not what they want to hear. So I say, so what? It's better than them cheating right? And as long as it's not some freaky-deaky porn, like midget porn or something, then I wouldn't be too worried.

Not that I totally agree that guys should watch porn, well... not a lot of porn. Because some guys watch WAY too much of it. Seriously, they have problems. But the reason I feel guys shouldn't watch so much of it is because it gives them a false idea of what a girl should look like and act like in bed. We all know that sex in real life is not like sex in porn. And that's the point. That's why people watch it. It's almost the same when it comes to anything in the entertainment business. Magazines are the worst. It's like guys don't even know what photoshop is. Those girls are not that perfect. Yea, gorgeous, but not that gorgeous. (Or that's what I try to tell myself, lol). But that's a whole other blog/rant. :x

So, ladies, if you find out your guy is watching porn, don't take it personally. Men can love you and love porn at the same time. (Cheating, however, is a whole other story). We all have our own opinions, some of you may even think porn is cheating, but not me. If they are not physically touching someone (besides themselves, ha!) or getting emotionally involved with someone, then it's not cheating in my book. Just remember that your man is only human, if you really don't want him to look at things in that nature, then ask him to stop. If he doesn't stop, then send him to porn addiction rehab. Haha. I'm kidding of course.

Love,
Elle Marie

Charlie All Night Book Review

Charlie All Night by Jennifer Crusie is a really great read. (The title of this book is actually the title of the radio segment that Allie produces and Charlie stars). Romance novels like this aren't usually what I go for, but I did enjoy it very much. The characters are realistic, fun, and very solid. The story line is cute and the mystery in the story actually kept me guessing. Though it's kind of naughty, it's not erotica or something. It's sexy but not wild. They don't use gross words that make me cringe, so that was a plus.

This is the kind of book I like to read in-between the science-fiction, mystery, action, thriller, and tragedy type books I read. It's like the kind of book you read to relax you mind, where you don't have to think too much, but yet you get a good read and a romantic story.

If you're into books that are about falling in love in the least expected place, then you must read Charlie All Night. There are some funny, touching, and sweet moments. You'll root for Charlie, Allie, and their friends, and you'll want to punch Allie's ex, Mark, because he's such a douche. The ending is as happy as any fairytale book ending and it will satisfy any hopelessly romantic hearts.

Lyrics by Elle OTW

 Lyrics by Elle of the Week:

image via www.tinypic.com

Waiting

Echo in the emptiness
Can you hear my silent scream?
The one asking you to be with me?
You cursed me with your evil lips
With each and every single kiss.
The kisses that broke the unbreakable-
You always seem to do the things I think impossible.

And your tongue found the part of me that said I wouldn't let you know.
But now you know that I want you so,
And how hard it'll be to ever let you go.

So you wrap me tightly around you finger,
Knowing I'll hold on tight.
Wanting you so bad--
I could almost die.
You keep me waiting,
Make me linger just so,
And when I think I'm over you,
I've got no where else to go

I convinced myself to not try to convince you,
If you want to be with me,
Then that's exactly what you'll do.
So I stand here waiting,
As always, anticipating.
And if you think you'll hurt me,
you probably will,
So get it over with,
Go for the kill.

Don't say you're too busy,
To let my heart down.
You're avoiding the inevitable,
Slowly letting me drown.

I'm hoping to hear the opposite of what I'm preparing for,
I just want to be with you,
And truly, nothing more.

So you wrap me tightly around you finger,
Knowing I'll hold on tight.
Wanting you so bad--
I could almost die.
You keep me waiting,
Make me linger just so,
And when I think I'm over you,
I've got no where else to go

I hold on so tight,
As if you are already mine.
But the truth remains
I still don't know,
Do you want me or should I go?
I can't wait forever,
And I promise I wont, I refuse.
Don't keep me waiting,

Just let me get over you. 

You keep me waiting,Make me linger just so,And when I think I'm over you,I've got no where else to go

It's all about love...

I'm really enjoying the fact that, down to it's core, Lost is all about LOVE. How cute, right? But what I really like is the fact that even though it's a "love story" it's still so hardcore and badass. I mean, BOOM, there goes Ilana. Literally, boom! That's what she gets for throwing that dynamite around like the idiot she is.

Surprise of the night, Jack said something that actually made me laugh (shocker!) "Maybe she (Ilana) died to show us to stay away from the dynamite". But you'd think they'd all learned that a long time ago. Oh, those Losties!

We finally learn what the whispers are... guess the writers aren't keeping EVERYTHING a question till the end. I think it's brilliant that the voices are people that are stuck there, for the things they have done. Almost like it's their version of Hell. I also like that everyone can hear them. Also, I enjoyed Locke explaining how the well got there, another question answered. The writers may have answered one question (maybe one that we could have lived without) but they gave us another question... or at least myself. He says it's not the only well. So where are the other wells, and what significance do they have? Hmmm...

Image via www.buddytv.com

And, holy crap! (Spoiler!) Desmond ran over Locke! How insane was that? And Ben, so adorable and nice in the sideways world (gosh, I love him), making sure there aren't any creepers watching the kids!

I read that some people believe Desmond ran over John because it's the only way to get him to "remember" the alternate/island life. He doesn't have a love on the island or a "constant" so a near death experience is the only way for him to see this. Makes you think that look in his eyes at the end of the show wasn't pain, but the look of remembering something in shock, right? I'm thinking that could be the reason he did that, because Desmond is not a bad guy at all.

The best part of the show, Libby and Hurley finally getting their picnic date on the beach. That was beyond perfect. And when she kissed him and all the memories came flooding to him. Romantic!!!

I really wish the promo for next week would show more, but at the same time, I'd rather just see everything while I watch it. I can't believe the show is almost over :( I just started watching it several months ago, so I feel like I didn't get the whole Lost experience. But I'm glad I get to finish it with everyone else. It's amazing. Amazingly confusing. Ha.

xoxo
e.m.