Sanity Savers: Series Intro

Hey There!

This post is way overdue and to make up for that I've put in the time to test out a few more methods of staying organized. Thanks for sticking with me!

Autodidactism & Web Design

Anyone that knows me intimately, knows that I am a collector of knowledge. What I mean by that is that I will spend hours researching a random thought I had and graze every article and ebook, watch every video, and listen to every podcast until I feel I have a firm grasp on the subject. Having Adult ADD has not stopped me from finding ways to learn about my interests because I can learn at my own pace. Doing well in college, however, is another post entirely. Lately, my mind has been wondering the realms of financial independence and learning how to build my own web page to help grow this blog.

Job Found, Job Loss: Overcoming Setbacks

I accepted a job offer last month and was very excited to begin working this month, especially because I am a mother and would finally be able to afford independence. Unfortunately, I was terminated only two weeks in and I'm now back to square one.

I am very disappointed that I won't be working with that company. I liked what I was being hired to do and the pay was amazing. I would be making more than I ever have in my 24 years of life. I was terminated due to a violation of the company's attendance policy and if I could go back, I would probably react the same way.

Wellness Journey: November 2013

Hello There!

November has been quite an exciting month for me. I turned 24 and accepted a job offer!
I am very pleased with how November turned out. Once again, due to injury, I didn't exercise at all. I did eat very clean, though. I bought lots of fresh and frozen fruits and veggies this month. I actually still have a lot of my frozen fruits left over that I can use in December. This month, I established a bit of  routine. I'd wake up around 0630 (90 minutes before Eli) and eat mango yoghurt with granola and drink a cup of caffeinated tea. During lunch, I would eat a meal that consisted of about 4 - 6 oz of meat (chicken or turkey), a veggie, and a drink. Dinner was just about the same as lunch, but with a starch added, like pasta, rice or potato.

Below is a typical breakfast for Eli:

Year 23: A Year in Review

Hey There! I have to admit Year 23 was pretty amazing.

I got to spend the entire year being a parent to my love, Eli. I was in a relationship. I started this blog. And I was hired to my first job in over two years!

The best part of Year 23 was:

Eli & His Favorite Chair

Hello Friends! In our living room there's a chair that sits in the far corner of the room. It's beat up from years of wear and tear, but very comfy and a great place to read a book with a cup of tea in the evening when Eli is asleep.
Lately, Eli's become tall enough to climb on the matching ottoman and wiggle himself into the chair. He loves the way it rocks when he moves around and he giggles and smiles the entire time he sits in it, however long that may be. This chair is no longer fair domain, it belongs to Eli now.

Chair: Purchased by my Grandmother | Shirt: Hand Me Down | Overalls: Oshkosh |
Sneakers: The Children's Place

~ Domo ~ Facebook | Twitter

Wellness Journey: October 2013

Hello Friends!

As I've previously posted, I've decided to modify my Fitness Journey posts and turn them into Wellness Journey posts. After some major changes in my life, wellness is something that I can focus on right now.

I didn't stick to my fitness routine at all last month. However, I did manage to lose weight because I altered my eating habits. While I didn't cut any calories, I changed the foods I ate and what I drank. I am officially at 185 pounds as of today. If you've been following along with my Wellness Journey on this blog and just on Facebook in general, you know what my highest adult weight was 211 pounds when I was pregnant with Eli in 2012.

One of the main reasons I haven't been able to exercise is because I injured both knees in September. I have been feeling a lot better mentally since then and managed to get in a quick workout at least once a week, but nothing like the training I was doing before.

I've only been able to do standing calf raises, wall push-ups, and a few dumbbell exercises that are very low-impact, but it's better than nothing. The workouts don't take more than 10 minutes to complete, but leave me feeling exhausted afterwards. I'm hoping that I'll get my energy back in the next few weeks with healthier eating and vitamins.

Updates: From Fitness Journey to Wellness Journey

Good Morning Everyone!

As of October 31st, I won't be able to post anymore monthly Fitness Journey: Progress Shots. There is a reason for this and I promise I will explain it in a post soon. If you were looking forward to that content, I am truly sorry to disappoint you. The posts will be resuming in Summer 2014, but for right now I will be focusing on the wellness side of my journey to a healthier lifestyle.

Thank you so much for your support!


Until next time friends: peace, love, and green tea <3

~ Domo ~

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Little Eli Guy #5: Major Picture Update Post | Months 13 - 17

It's been a while since I've done one of these posts, so this is going to be a huge picture post! What is Little Eli Guy Doing Now?
As I'm typing this, Eli is asleep nearby. He's snoring loudly and rolling around, waking up briefly to make sure I'm still in the room. In the past few months since my last LEG (Little Eli Guy) post, we have had so many adventures together and reached all his milestones. Since the last LEG post, Eli has:

Visited Historical Landmarks in the city.

Fitness Journey: Progress Shot & New Fitness/Wellness Plan | September 2013

191.0 lbs. - September 2013

I haven't exercised very much in the last four weeks because I've been feeling under the weather, but after taking my progress shots, I am re-motivated. I am going to set a few wellness/fitness goals for myself each week and reward myself when I meet them. If I fail, I will have to give up something I want for the week, like going to the movies or a restaurant. Here is my wellness/fitness routine for the next four weeks: Fitness 1) Yoga for 30 minutes - 3 Days/Weekly 2) Walking - 2 Miles/Weekly 3) Calisthenics  - 3 Days/Weekly 4) Rest - 1 Day/Weekly Wellness 1) Track all meals for accurate caloric intake. 2) Have at least 10g protein and 5g fiber in every meal. 3) Take vitamins every morning. So far this is what I have planned for fitness/wellness. Please leave comments below if you'd like to know more about my lifestyle or stats or if you have questions in general. Also, check the FAQ tab on the top of this blog, I may have answered your question already. Until next time friends, peace, love, and green tea <3 ~ Domo ~ Tumblr | Facebook | Twitter

Fashion for the Fatigued: Style after Eli

 

The start of a new season always makes me happy. I feel like it’s a clean slate and the possibilities for next three months are endless. Of course, I’m exaggerating, but the feeling of newness is definitely in the air and I’m ready to tackle a new project. Myself.

It's been seventeen months since Eli was born and I'm still wearing maternity clothing three sizes too big. I admit I've been a little afraid to buy anything new. My weight has yo-yoed for years forcing me between twelve's and sixteen's and my body is nowhere near toned. But, recently I've managed to follow a fitness routine and I lost a significant amount baby weight. I'm putting my needs on the endless list of responsibilities and making it a personal goal for Fall/Winter 2013 to buy the staples for a new wardrobe.

Blogs, Vlogs, and Lookbooks

 

I've been reading a lot of blogs, scanning magazines, and watching hauls and lookbooks on YouTube for the past few months. Something I noticed right away was that many people were following every trend and trying to incorporate it into their style whether it suited them or not.

Some vloggers, bloggers, beauty gurus, and style icons have a distinct style. Unfortunately, what I’m continuously seeing online and on the street is repetitive styling and ill-fitting clothing for the sake of being trendy. I believe in wearing what you want and feeling confident in what your wear, but at five-three with an inseam of thirty, I also believe in tailored clothing. Whether you're rocking a Gothic Lolita or Bohemian style, clothing tailored to your body can make a ten dollar blouse look like a one-hundred dollar blouse.

If I had the money to burn on new trends, I'd be tempted to buy everything, but I happen to be on a tight budget, so I have to choose my clothing more thoughtfully. Most trends I’ve seen don’t become staples and are not long-lasting. Since I tend to keep my clothing five or more years I have to pick pieces that flatter, are good quality, are versatile for many occasions, and affordable. I might have champagne style and beer money, but I grew up learning to thrift, so I know how to find a bargain. I’m sure I can find every piece on my wishlist in my price range.

Finding Style

 

At the ripe old age of twenty-three, I'm finally branching out and dressing in something other than sweats and sneakers. I’m craving a more mature style without sacrificing my individuality and quirks. Although I dabble in Cosplay, dressing in bootcut jeans, a t-shirt with some kind of geek culture reference on it, and sneakers are my “uniform”. I’m ready to change that up and make it more adult.



Lower East Side Chelsea Flat in Black - Payless | Merona Large Tote Handbag in Black - Target

 

This year, after realizing that I had no casual shoes or a bag big enough for both my things and Eli's, I purchased a pair of black, patent flats and a huge cross-body/tote bag. These two items are the beginning of an evolved style.

I can wear the flats with jeans, pants, a skirt or dress, and the bag is black with silver hardware so it goes with everything! Both items were less than forty dollars each and also very good quality. If taken care of properly, I’ll have both for a year or more.

There are so many items I want to add to my closet, so I thought the only appropriate thing to do (since this post is already so wordy) was to make a collage on Polyvore!

Here you go!:

 

All About Ponte by thelazyscholar featuring band rings

Mossimo blue dress / Forever New cap sleeve short dress, $54 / Orla Kiely sleeveless top, $155 / Topshop white cardigan / DKNY shirt / Under Armour moisture wicking shirt / Vero Moda button shirt, $53 / Safiyaa shirt top / Mango coat / Oasis red blazer, $93 / Dorothy Perkins fake leather skirt / Bridal flat / Vans waffle trainer / Monet t-strap pumps / Kate Spade long purse / Jimmy Choo black envelope clutch bag / Marc by Marc Jacobs flower earrings / Lauren Ralph Lauren yellow gold necklace / Astley Clarke cord bracelet, $130 / Band ring / Hive & Honey drop earrings / Kate Spade polish jewelry / Ponte pants

   

Fall 2013 by thelazyscholar featuring ankle length pants

Forever New black skater skirt, $54 / Under Armour moisture wicking t shirt / Topshop cable knit cardigan / Ralph Lauren Blue Label wool cable knit sweater / Wallis sleeveless blouse / The North Face faux jacket / Uniqlo beige trench coat / H&M jeans, $47 / Apt. 9 ankle length pants / Chinti and Parker short mini skirt / Moschino high waisted pencil skirt / Converse trainers, $70 / Flat bridal shoes / Side zipper boots / Boohoo wedge heel shoes / TOMS black flat shoes, $54 / ALDO platform flat / Monet peeptoe pumps / Yves Saint Laurent loop belt

 

 

 

What are you most excited about for Fall/Winter 2013? What do you like/dislike about what I've chosen to be the basics/staples of my new wardrobe?

 

Let me know in the comments below. That rhymes. :)

 

 

Until next time friends, peace, love, and green tea <3

 

~ Domo ~

 

 

 

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Upcoming Posts & Updates!

It's been over a week since I last posted anything here, but I haven't forgotten about you guys! I have posts in my queue that I've been working on and I'm almost ready to post them. The Lazy Scholar Blog

The two future posts I'll be doing are:

* Sanity Savers: Using A Planner to Manage Your New Lifestyle
   * I'll be describing how I manage my life and Eli's including: how to get back on track if you've gotten overwhelmed and behind in your new lifestyle's responsibilities (my son threw my planner in the trash, so I have to search for a new one before I can post this), and I'll be including lots of pictures!

* Products of the Moment
   * This is new series where on the first day of the next month I will review my most used products of the previous month. I may decide to also post this in video form on my YouTube Channel.


Family Life

Right now I've been focusing on research for future posts, regulating my sleep schedule, and planning activities for Eli and I to do.
It sounds boring, but my research for these blog posts have taken me to so many places I didn't think I would be able to go since I'm not a childless twenty-something anymore.
I'm very excited about Fall and I'm looking forward to putting out more great content and sharing my life with you guys through this blog and my YouTube Channel, so please subscribe to both so you are in the loop!

Until, next time friends, peace, love, and green tea <3


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Fitness Journey: Progress Shot for August 2013

August 2013 - 189 lbs.

This is the two-piece swimsuit that I recently wore on vacation. Here is a look at my body post-Eli. Obviously, I'm in need of a lot of toning, but with time and dedication I will look healthier.

Every month I'm going to take a progress shot of myself in this swimsuit and post it next to this one.

Follow me on my journey to having a healthier body and body image!

Until next time friends, peace, love, and green tea <3

~ Domo ~

Tumblr | Facebook | Twitter

Surprise Vacation! - Traveling With A Toddler & Without Trouble

In early August my boyfriend surprised me and our son with a trip to Atlantic City the beach. This also happened to be our first vacation as a family. Neither my boyfriend nor I are drivers, so we took mass transit for the entire 75 mile journey, with a toddler, and luggage in tow. This post is the story of how we managed to stay completely sane despite obvious obstacles.

How We Packed

I knew we were going to be gone for at least three days, including the day of departure, so I decided to use three bags for Eli and I.

I decided my best bet for packing everything efficiently in one bag would be to use my massive, black cross-body tote bag from Target. 

For Eli, I packed two bags, his Winnie the Pooh baby bag from Walmart for clothing and baby essentials (now available on Amazon), and a tiny Spider-Man backpack from CW Price as a carry all for snacks, toys, and swim diapers (similar). I found that packing so many bags was a hassle to carry around because there was no place to store them adequately while traveling. Next time, I'm going to purchase either two carry-on bags (Eli's future bag and my future bag) or use my huge duffle (similar) and my cross-body bag from Target.

How We Traveled
Since S and I don't drive, we decided the easiest way to travel to the beach would be to take mass transit. I live fairly close to a rail system called the SEPTA Regional Rail service which travels from suburban areas into and beyond downtown Philadelphia. The train is a 10 minute walk from my home and only a 20 minute ride into the city. After taking the train to Market East Station, we then walked to the Greyhound Terminal which is located across the street. Greyhound Terminal services many bus companies including, but not limited to New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit - New Jersey's Mass Transit System), which is what we caught to the beach. We caught Bus 551, which is a direct route from Philadelphia to Atlantic City. The best part about taking mass transit is that we don't have to worry about gas, tolls, getting lost, or parking fees, and the cost of a roundtrip ticket for an adult is only $20 each. Eli travels for free!

Where We Stayed

For our first night in AC, we stayed at the Howard Johnson. The hotel was two very long, but walkable blocks from the Boardwalk/Beach and the staff was very friendly during check-in and check-out. Our room was located on the third floor, had a king bed, shower/tub combo in the bathroom, and overlooked the pool.

What I loved about the hotel was the cleanliness and closeness to everything and the built-in outlets in the lamps! What I didn't like was that there was no microwave nor a refrigerator in the room, there was a wall unit installed near the front door, but no formal closet, the hotel offered no crib in room, and no complimentary breakfast -  all important things when traveling with a toddler.

The second night we stayed at the Best Western Envoy Inn, which was our prefered hotel because we'd stayed there two years ago. This hotel is also located two blocks from the beach and one block away from the Howard Johnson. Our room was located on the third floor, had a king bed as well, shower/tub combo in the bathroom, a formal closet, and most importantly had a microwave and mini fridge. What I loved about this hotel is its proximity to everything, the friendly staff, the cleanliness of the hotel and our room, the hotel offered a rollaway crib, complimentary breakfast and high-speed internet, and it's located right next to a 7 Eleven. What I didn't like was the lack of a pool. How I Unpacked
In each room, I unpacked our belongings so we could feel more at home and settle in.

I put all toiletries and makeup in the bathroom. Emptied the staples of my purse into the side draw and put food items and medicine up high so Eli couldn't get to it.

We even had our own draws in the armoire to store our clothes. 

What We Enjoyed

What we loved most about going to AC was seeing our son feel the sand under his feet and stand in the ocean for the time. 

S and I even managed to visit the stores at Tanger Outlets and eat at the Hard Rock Cafe before heading home! Overall, we had a blast! I can't wait to go again next year. Maybe Eli will be tall enough to ride the attractions on Steel Pier.
Until next time friends, peace, love, and green tea <3
~ Domo ~ Tumblr | Facebook | Twitter

Sanity Savers - A New Series on Managing Mommyhood & RL (Real Life)

This is an introductory post for a new series that I've named Sanity Savers.

This is a guide for anyone coming to terms with the death of their previous childless lifestyle, because there's a hell of a difference in hanging out in the city until 2 am with your friends to staying up with your baby/toddler until 2 am.

This series will give you tips and tricks to balance out the chaos that is Mommyhood with the life you used to have.


A few topics I plan to cover are:

* Using an Agenda/Planner to Manage Your Time
* Me Time!: Taking Time for Yourself
* Date Night: How to Dine Like You're Childless with Children
* Style Me Sexy: Dressing for Your New Lifestyle Without Sacrificing Sexiness
* Out and About: Activities You Can Enjoy and Bring Your Children To

In the future, I hope to come up with more ideas for posts. Please send me topics you'd like me to discuss!

Until, next time friends, peace, love, and green tea <3

~ Domo ~

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Mini Beauty Haul - July

I am excited to share with you a few items I've purchased this month and have been using regularly. This is my first post of this kind, and I hope to do a post like this each month depending on what I've purchased.

As you know, I live on a strict budget and when I can buy things for myself that aren't out of necessity, I prefer to buy make up. I wear makeup almost every time I leave the house and I feel like it is a good investment, because my aesthetic appearance is the first thing you notice without talking to me. I want to give a good first impression and make up helps me do that.

Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Palettes - Walmart

I Got Good Jeans

I have already worn this palette and I love color number 3. It looks great against my already bronze skin and gives it just a hint of shimmer for summer. I use color number 2 as a crease color and number 1 as an all over color because it looks horrible on my browbone as suggested.

I'm Getting Sunburned

This is my favorite palette! My favorite color is color 1 because I use it was an all-over -the-lid color and it brightens my dark brown eyes up. I look very sleepy, as most Moms of toddlers do, so this palette is perfect for me to put on and look amazing without much effort!

CoverGirl Queen Collection Lasting Matte Pressed Powder in Q405 Light Golden - Target

This pressed powder works so well with my liquid foundation, also from the CoverGirl Queen Collection, by helping my skin look less oily. I sweat so much in summer running around with Eli and this powder is great for keeping me from looking sweaty and oily all over my t-zone. Plus, it matches my complexion perfectly. You can't even tell I'm wearing it!

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer + Natural Minerals in 025 Sun Glow - Target

I started using this bronzer because I needed one with less shimmer and this one is amazing for my complexion. It's light and doesn't leave residue on my clothing.

Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm - CVS

I have been using this lipstain for about two weeks now and I like it a lot. I do not like the balm, however. It broke within a day of me using it, so I just use the lipstain and apply my EOS Lipbalm with this. I have just begun wearing red lipstains and I don't think I will repurchase this one again, as it doesn't last very long and the color isn't buildable.

e.l.f. Brushes
e.l.f. Small Angled Brush - Target
e.l.f. professional Bronzing Brush - Save-A-Lot

I love e.l.f. brushes! I use the small angled brush to apply my eyeshadow on my waterline and also to fill in my eyebrows. It's perfect. I use the bronzing brush for bronzer and have no complaints about it at all!

That's my mini beauty haul for July. Overall I believe I spent about $35 on beauty products this month, but they are products I will be using for months, so I feel these were great purchases.

I hope you enjoyed this post.

Until next time friends, peace, love, and green tea <3

~ Domo ~

What I Would Tell My Teenage Self (Years 13 - 19)

I was watching a video on Youtube on BubzBeauty channel and I decided to make a post here on what I would tell my teenage self. I had a rough time as a teenager and I can honestly say my life didn't begin to get better until I was a few months away from turning 20. So, here are the things I'd tell myself, with pictures at each age.

Enjoy!

Age 13 (Grade 8) - Keep your head up. You may have had a tragedy in your life, but if you let the sadness take over 10 years from now you'll still be struggling. Also, don't worry about your first love. He means well, but don't look to him for support. A 13 year-old doesn't know how to respond to an emotional situation like this. Look to people that love you for guidance and support.

Age 14 (Grade 9) - High School is going to be exactly like Middle School. You'll end up with the same people who bullied you last year, but at least you'll make new friends who will stick up for you. You'll also find that your heart has healed a little and you have a new love for all things Military after joining Army JROTC. Don't worry about the grades you received this year. If you focus more on you studies next year, you could possibly make amazing grades. Also, don't let your boyfriend determine your worth. You are an amazing person who just needs to build up your self-esteem.

Age 15 (Grade 10) - Again, stop worrying about dating, this is not the guy for you. In a year, he won't even remember you. Focus more on your studies and finding activities that you love. Also, if you keep pushing your program on people, you will fail. Find a better way to relate to people if you want them to support your cause. If you want, you could leave HS now, take the GED, and begin college. That would be amazing for your self-esteem and academic career now that you know what you want to do and have 10+ years of higher ed ahead of you. You can always visit your friends on weekends.

Age 16 (Grade 11) - What happened this year will break you if you get help. Don't worry about people who don't believe you, those who do will always have your back. This is the year you find out who your friends really are. Keep them close. You should definitely get your GED or begin homeschooling. HS is not the place for you, but self-learning and higher ed are much more flexibile. Your potential is amazing and HS is just beating every ounce of creativity and zest for learning out of you. Get out before you begin to hate school altogether!

Age 17 (Homeschooling/Unschooling) - Homeschooling didn't work for you, but you're smart enough to test out of HS and go to college. Get on that now! Also, keep in touch with your friends so you don't become isolated and depressed. Working will give you a great sense of importance and independence, you should try to get a part-time job. Also, be nicer to your Grandma. She's doing the best she can. And again, stop worrying about dating, you're more than who you're with.

Age 18 - So, you finally got a job? Congrats! Now focus on getting your GED and starting college. Don't drive your Grandma crazy, she's having a tough year and the end of the year will be the worst. She'll need you to grow up. Please don't let her down, you'll never forgive yourself if you do.

Age 19 - Now that you've gotten your GED and started college, don't let you new volunteer position takeover your life. Be faithful, loving, and caring, and always say what you mean and do what you say you'll do. Don't take chances if you aren't willing to deal with the consequences. Live your life freely, without regrets, and be kinder to everyone. This is your last year of being a teenager, enjoy it.

And these are the things I'd tell my teenage self, now.

Until next time friends, peace, love, and green tea.

~ Domo ~

Modding & Concept Designs

Something I've been interested in for the last few years are case mods and concept designs for console gaming. I love all kinds of case mods. Cell phone, video game console, and computer are my favorites.

Once, I saw a console mod of a Nintendo 64 (N64) by modder Polvorito from Best Case Senario. This console mod operated as a PC and was equipped with a motherboard that used an AC Adapter as power (pictured below).  I was in heaven.

I am not only a Nintendo Fangirl (excluding the Wii and Wii U systems), but I also had my first taste of gaming playing The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask on the N64. So, seeing this mod made me geek out, completely!

Here are two pictures of the finished console.

I have even thought about trying to do this mod myself and acquired an N64 from a friend only to return it. I wasn't ready to butcher such a beautiful console because of my inexperience in modding.

Anyone who knows me well or has sat next to me when I'm on Tumblr, knows that I am constantly looking for inspiration for my next project or post. I am fascinated with concept art, especially of my all-time favorite console, the Gamecube.

Some of my favorite designs are:

Engadget - Never found actual source, sorry!

Gamecube Revolution by Ashen (Mod Retro)

I have so much love for console mods I almost cannot explain it in words. There is probably only one thing I love more than console mods and that is concept designs. I specifically love concept designs/art for consoles and cars.

I have always told myself someday I would learn how these designs were created so I could contribute to the design community, but I haven't researched anything yet. Look forward to me doing that in the future and putting up some bad ass designs for you to check out!

Here are my top concept designs/art:

Ricardo Alfonso - Digital Artist

Seunghan Song - Designer

And with that last picture, I am concluding my post.

Until next time friends, peace, love, and green tea <3

~ Domo ~

Update: Asthma, Walking, and Upcoming Posts

Good Morning Everyone!

I know I've been absent for a while. My son and I caught a pretty nasty cold after a play date and I suffered an Asthma attack soon after. Then, Eli started having problems breathing too! Don't worry, he and I are both fine now.

In other news, Eli started walking last week! I know! *squeals* I'm so proud of him. I'm determined to catch him strutting around the living room on video. He looks so cute stumbling around on his little boney legs. I fall more in love with Eli everyday because of these moments. I almost don't miss my old lifestyle. Almost.

I think I'm going to scale my posts down to once a week and see if I can handle that without drowning in my Mommyhood duties and other obligations. Some future posts I plan on doing are a review of some games I've been playing, products I've been using and loving, and possibly a video on A Day in the Life of The Little Eli Guy for my YouTube Channel.

I hope you're excited for better content and more consistency in my posting schedule! I know I am.

Until next time friends, peace, love, and green tea <3

~ Domo ~

My PC Overview (With Links & Pictures)

This is a post dedicated to the haul of components for my custom PC build (2011) after a hard drive failure.

Current Specs:

• Windows 7 SP1, AMD Phenom II X4 3.4 GHz, 16GB RAM @ 1333 MHz, SanDisk 128GB SSD (OS & Games Only), Western Digital 1TB HDD (All Other Files)
  

The products purchased by me for my current PC build (including accessories) are:

• ASUS M5A97 AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS - $95 (Currently Discontinued) (Newegg)
  
• NZXT Crafted Series Tempest 410 Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $60 (Newegg)
  
• Acer S231HLbid Black 23" 5ms HDMI LED-Backlight LCD monitor Slim Design 250 cd/m2 ACM 12,000,000:1 (1000:1) - $140 (Newegg)
  
• Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Headset - $45 (Newegg)
  
• SanDisk Ultra Plus SDSSDHP-128G-G25 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) for Notebook - $100 (Newegg)
  
• Western Digital WD Blue WD10EZEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - OEM - $75 (Newegg)
  
• Logitech C615 HD WebCam - $60 (Newegg)
  
• Logitech M510 Black 5 Buttons Tilt Wheel USB RF Wireless Laser Mouse - $35 (Newegg)
  
• Microsoft ANB-00001 Black 104 Normal Keys USB Wired Slim Keyboard 600 - $15 (Newegg)
  
• Gamestop Xbox 360 Controller (Wired) (Black) - $25 (Gamestop)

Products not mentioned including my RAM, video card, and CPU were gifts from my boyfriend. Those products can be found on Newegg as well.

• Video Card: GIGABYTE GV-R695D5-2GD-B Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity (discontinued)
  
• RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-16GBXL
  
• CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ965FBGMBOX

Overall, my system has handled every game I've played on the highest settings like a boss. Games I've played include:

• The Sims 3 (Origin)
• Portal & Portal 2 (Steam)
• Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition (Steam)
• Call of Duty: Black Ops (Steam)
• Darkspore (Steam)
• Darksiders (Steam)

The only upgrade in the near future is a new motherboard so I can take full advantage of the USB 3.0 port in the front of my case. This is the motherboard I'm thinking about getting:

• ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Gaming Motherboard with 3-Way SLI/CrossFireX Support and UEFI BIOS - $220 (Newegg)

Overall I'm very happy with my PC build and upgrades. In the future I hope to take advantage of all the newest graphic cards and CPUs to make my gaming experience as awesome as possible.

Until next time friends, peace, love, and green tea <3

~ Domo ~

Domo's Music Domain #5: The Used - Blue & Yellow (song)

The song I've been listening to a lot lately has been "Blue and Yellow" preformed by The Used. The Used is a band I've been listening to for a about four years now. What I like most about this song is the lyrics, they just seem to really make me appreciate my best friend.

To me "Blue and Yellow" perfectly explains the friendship I have with two of my closest friends. We're close, can tell each other anything, and won't find anyone else as supportive and understanding as we are with each other. This level of friendship is rare and beautiful, just like the lyrics of this song.

When you examine the lyrics, you can instantly tell that the artist (Bert) has strong feelings towards the person or people he's singing about. He knows his friendship can outlast any "bad blood" because this friendship is so intense and loving and rare. The emotion in the recording is enough to make it my favorite song; the meaningful lyrics are an added bonus for me.

I wanted embed the official music video, but it is no longer on The Used OfficialYouTube Channel.

I hope you enjoyed this short post.

Until next time friends, peace, love, and green tea <3

~ Domo ~

Little Eli Guy #4: Up We Go!

What's Little Eli Guy Doing Now?

This week Eli has managed to pull himself up on  e v e r y t h i n g.  I have no idea what to do with him! He pulls up on tables, chairs, his stroller, the media center where the TV sits, me, and even on people we don't know, if you're not watching him closely enough!

After finding him in the bathroom trying to play in the toilet, I decided it's time to baby-proof my house. My house isn't child-proof and never has been. In fact it's barely adult-proof! There are so many hazards and small things that Eli can get to since he is mobile, things I never worried about before. Where do I start? I'm a duck tape kind of girl, but I don't think that duck-taping my house is the solution.

Besides that, in physical therapy, Eli has been doing so well. Learning to clap, stand up, and trust someone besides Mommy has been a struggle, but we're here and it feels great to make progress. I am anxiously awaiting and dreading his first steps. I don't think my nerves can handle Eli actually walking around unassisted.

And that is what Little Eli Guy did this week.

How Am I Managing This Week?

This week I started working out again and finally managed to sleep well because Eli is sleeping on a schedule. Sleep feels like making love. I want to crawl into my bed, slide between the cool sheets, and hug my pillow until I can't stand it anymore, then I fall asleep. I think I'm cheating with my mattress at this point. Now that Eli is mobile, sleep is my new lover and I'm happy to see Sleep every night.

What Are My Plans for Next Week?

The weather won't be horrible so I think I'd like to go running and maybe take Eli to the park. He's never been to a park before and I think he would be excited to see other kids and a real swing.

I also think a trip to Target for baby-proofing supplies and time with my friends might also be in the cards. It would be awesome to see someone who isn't a toddler. If I'm lucky, maybe I'll go out on a date without Eli.

We shall see about the last one. That's wishful thinking at best. I'd be just as happy if he slept through the date and the place we went to had Long Island Iced Tea.

Until next time friends, peace, love, and green tea <3

~ Domo ~