Wednesday, August 17, 2011

As Summer Comes To A Close: Part Three♥

Don't be a wallflower in the dance of life... Before I start sharing some serious philosophical wisdom from the mind of Chelly, you should see some of the music I've gotten into this summer.

1. This is Country Music by Brad Paisley


I've always liked Brad Paisley but this album was somewhat of a let down because a lot of the songs were too country for me. haha. Yet, the songs I did like were:
1. This is Country Music
2. Remind Me w/ Carrie Underwood
3. Working on A Tan
4. Love Her Like She's Leavin'
5. Toothbrush
6. Be The Lake
7. New Favorite Memory
8. Don't Drink The Water

2. Lecrae vs. Lil Wayne

Most of you know, I've grown to have a soft spot for Lil Wayne. Well, I can honestly tell you that the soft spot has diminished. Other than How to Love,

I no longer like Lil Wayne's raps. His guest raps are ok but I've become a HUGE Lecrae supporter.

Rehab by Lecrae


I love Christian music and when I found out about Christian hip-hop, I just couldn't get enough because unlike secular hip-hop that has no real message and rants and raves about having sex with multiple women, smoking weed, drinking, clubbing, and obsessed with bragging about how much material things they own, Christian hip-hop has hard hitting beats but Jesus is the topic in every rap. I much prefer that, sorry.

3. Sorry For Party Rocking by LMFAO


LMFAO is back and Better than ever! The first single of this album Party Rock Anthem rocketed them onto mainstream radio and songs that are overplayed. This is definitely the perfect soundtrack to any dance party.

Other songs I like on here:
1. Sexy and I know It!
2. Champagne Showers
3. One Day
4. Take It To The Hole
5. Best Night
6. With You
7. Hot Dog

4. My World Accoustic by Justin Bieber


Just in case you didn't see my earlier summer blogs, I love Justin Bieber. This is a great compilation for any Belieber to own because it really shows Justin's natural singing voice.

My favorite Bieber songs are Favorite Girl and Common Denominator, just so you know.

5. When The Sun Goes Down by Selena Gomez


Selena Gomez is just so adorable and her songs are infectious. On this album, I like 3 songs and they are Love You Like A Love Song, Bang Bang Bang, and When The Sun Goes Down.

Check them out but beware! They will get stuck in your head.

6.4 by Beyonce



I absolutely love the whole record because it's all love songs and being that I'm at a similar point in my life, I can really relate. My favorite is Countdown but you should definitely listen to this album. :)

7. All of You by Colbie Caillat


Colbie Caillat is an incredible singer-songwriter. This album is just another piece of evidence to attest to that statement. Also, I'm excited because I just found out Colbie Caillat will be coming to the Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, FL on tour so I really hope I can go see her. (Mom, we need to order them tickets.)

8. Like em All by Jacob Latimore


I saw this guy on So Random! and ever since, I am just obsessed with this song. So cute♥

9. My Girl by Mindless Behavior


This song reminds me of me and my boo♥ Plus it's really cute. :)

Ok, down to business. Time to tell you what I learned this summer. Here goes:

1. Celebrate Life♥



I'm an optimist. That much should be obvious about me. You can treat me so harshly and I will still run to you with my tail wagging because I believe in unconditional love. With that being said, I always try to find an excuse to celebrate life because life is but a leave blowing in the wind. Here today, gone tomorrow so you should celebrate everything you can. For example, the above picture is from my Mom's bday celebration at A &W Root Beer. Celebrating life is different from drinking until you puke or blackout. That's just plain stupid and if that's your idea of a celebration, you are really dumb, fo real.

2. Learn something new♥



This summer I learned how to cook dinner. It was a very beneficial lesson because I not only learned how to cook a whole meal myself, I can now cook for others as well. The picture you see above was last night's dinner that I cooked all by myself: Shrimp Stir Fry. It was delicious. :)

3. Do something daring


I always like to change up my appearance and just getting a summer tan wasn't enough. I've always wanted to put purple in my hair because it's my fave color and I've always liked the edgy bold look. Here I am. I did it and it makes me feel like I can conquer the world because now I feel like I look like Super Girl♥

4. With God All Things Are Possible♥



I've always been afraid to drive and this summer God dealt with me about that fear and helped me overcome it. Now, I can officially say that I am a licensed driver. So, I can now claim victory over other things in my life such as my love life and my finances. God is faithful and has already overcome the world. (John 16:33)♥

5. Always look your best.

This Monday for my license I dressed to impress and I don't know if it was because I was wearing heels but I just felt like an adult. I even didn't want my mom to follow me around Saint Leo's campus when I came to visit.

Speaking of the best, you should fan the BEST page on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chelsea-DeVries/198705596855877?sk=wall I figured it would be more professional to have one page for all my books then a page for each individual book I release because I plan on releasing many... :)

6. Be Yourself


I am never fake. I am always 100% real. I pride myself on being that way because there is no reason to be fake. Yet, it's the newest trend to be a fake friend and stab people in the back. Not me. I'm always going to be 100% goofy, dorky, nerdy, smart, real, beautiful me♥

7. Get Your Rest

There is nothing in the world like sleep. It's like transporting to another place and time where you get to be with the one you love whenever you close your eyes. Also, sleep is necessary to live. And yes, I do look like this when I sleep:

And yes, I typically sleep with a smile on my face.

I'd say it was a productive summer. Heading to Leo Sunday to move in for my junior year.

Until next time, don't just live life...leave a legacy♥

Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~






Thursday, August 11, 2011

Officially 20: A bday tale(Part Two)♥

Florida born and raised but I've got Jersey in my veins...Now the story continues at a place known to most commoners as Stop N' Play...lol. Before Stop N' Play, Peggy and Sarah came over for lunch.

After we spent two hours having lunch and opening presents(which were so gracious and heartfelt), we headed to Stop N' Play for some mini golf and arcade games.

The birthday girl of course went first:

Then, Peggy:

Then, Sarah:

And last but not least, Karen(my mom):

We had a BLAST acting like goofs missing the hole and high fiving each other when we finally got the ball in the hole. LMAO.



Afterwards, we played some arcade games and me and my mom got 463 tickets which we used to get free pretzels because after all that FUN we were hungry. Plus, you all should know I got engaged. ;-)

JK. That's a ring pop I got for my tickets. :D

Overall, my 20th bday was EPIC and THE BEST bday I've ever had.

Again, a HUGE THANK YOU of a HUG to each and every person that wished me a happy bday, got me a gift, or just happened to think of me and smile on August 4th. LOVE YOU!♥

Now, I know you all are all but dying to know what tv shows I've gotten hooked on THIS SUMMER so with two weeks left, here ya go.

1. Extreme Makeover: Weightloss Edition


Extreme Makeover Home Edition is already an inspiring show so when I saw the commercial for this show, I just knew I had to watch it. Not to mention, at the sight of the main trainer Chris Powell and his nice bod, I was sold. This show inspired me to really make this summer THE SUMMER where I really start working toward a healthier, happier me. Matter of fact, as soon as I finish this blog, my sister and I are working out. She wants to look fierce for back to school. I just want to look FIERCE. Period. Definitely liked this show a lot and hope they renew it for another season. Did I mention Chris Powell has a very sexy physique? ;-)

2. Believer's Voice of Victory


I watch this every day anyway because I LOVE JESUS and I love to learn how to live victoriously but this summer, the broadcasts were EPICLY full of revelation. For example, twice this summer, Pastor George Pearsons and Gloria Copeland covered Prosperity. Total, I watched 20 broadcasts regarding God's will for prosperity this summer. I learned a lot. I think I wrote an in depth blog about it in the beginning of the summer so please read it, and find out about God's will for your prosperity. Matter of fact, today I got a letter from Saint Leo telling me they are no longer printing out and mailing students bills, you must access them online. Sure enough, I accessed my bill and it's for a rather large amount for one 20 year old to afford naturally but I know SUPERNATURALLY all my needs are met according to HIS riches in Glory through Christ Jesus and my BILL is PAID IN FULL. So far this summer, every day I confess this: Money COMETH to me NOW in Jesus' Name! and so far every day this summer, I have received MONEY! Trust me it works. God provides♥

3.The World According To Paris


When you hear the name Paris Hilton, what comes to mind? In my mind before watching this show, I thought rich, stuckup heiress with no concept of reality who is just another dumb idiot making a name for themselves. After watching this show, I absolutely LOVE Paris Hilton. I think she is such a sweetheart with a genuine heart for her friends, family, and her fans. Plus, she is OBSESSED with Tinkerbell/Peter Pan just like me so that's cool too. :)

4.So Random


This is the spinoff show from Sonny With A Chance. I'll admit, I was skeptical to watch this because Demi Lovato MADE Sonny With A Chance such a great show. Without her, I figured this show wouldn't be as good. I was wrong. This is like the PG version of Saturday Night Live for kids. It's cute and there are some highlarious moments on most episodes plus they always have a musical guest at the end of the episode. I still hope after Demi releases her third album and goes on tour, she returns to TV because she's just as amazing as an actress as a singer. :)

5. So You Think You Can Dance


When this show first came out, I could care less. Now it's in it's 8th season and it is FREAKING BEAST. The people who end up making the Top 20 each year get more and more BEASTLY in their dancing talent. As a dancer myself, this show just makes me want to dance. After each episode, I just want to do ballet. If only I could dance as good as the people on this show but no matter what, dancing is meant to celebrate life so no matter how much talent you have or classes you've taken, I hope you dance♥

6. Friday Night Lights


I'm going to be honest. I HATE Football. I think it is a ridiculous sport. Yet, that's my opinion. And no, that doesn't make me Anti-American because I do love my country but I just would rather watch NBA or skateboarding because it has more action for me. I don't understand football at all. Sorry. :/

With that being said, I loved this show. I didn't start watching until the 3rd season because Jeremy Sumpter who played Peter Pan in the movie with the same title got cast on the show so I watched in support of him, and I was hooked. The reason I liked the show is because it shows that high school football is more than the Friday Night Lights. It's individual players and coaches and their lives all coming together to obtain a victory that the whole community celebrates. It was a deep show and I will miss it dearly♥

7. Switched At Birth


Imagine going 15 years not knowing that the child you brought home from the hospital wasn't really yours but someone else's. That's the premise of this show and it's very interesting. Plus, one of the girls plays a deaf girl so it's interesting to see sign language on tv. I've learned some from watching this show which I've always wanted to do. Sign Language is the kewlest language, just saying♥

8. State of Georgia


Who reading this remembers That's So Raven? Growing up, I absolutely adored that show and now Raven Symone returns to tv looking slimmer and better than ever! She plays Georgia, a girl from the state with the same name, who relocates to the Big Apple(New York) to go after her dream of being an actress. It's definitely as funny as That's So Raven so I definitely think you should check it out!

9. The O.C.


My sister owns the first 3 seasons on DVD so I started from the beginning because I hadn't seen it in so long. As soon as I started with the first episode, I missed the show so much. It was such a good show with ah-mazing acting and funny hotties like Adam Brody. Now I've got to start on Season 2.

10. Dogs 101


I LOVE DOGS. Just in case you didn't know. The dog I love the most is my best friend in the entire world. This show is for anyone whose a dog lover or for people researching dogs to decide which dog would fit their family. I have learned a lot from it so far. It's amazing what shows you stumble upon at 3 a.m. on a Sunday morning with your mother. Haha♥

11. Jersey Shore: Season 4

The idiots are back. Er. I mean, the Jersey crew is back. This time they've brought their party lifestyle to the great country of Italia. So far, I like this season. No surprise that it premiered last thursday on my bday. Also, it is no surprise that Mike is being a trouble maker again, Deena is making out with women, JWoww lost weight and looks Wow!, Snooki also lost weight and found The G in GTL, Pauly D saying, "THE PASSPORTS ARRREE HEEEERRREE!", Ronnie is ignoring Sammie, Sammie is ignoring Ronnie, and Vinny is sporting a beard. LMAO. "Good morning, Vincent. Good morning Vincent's beard. Did you both sleep well last night?" I'm a Jersey blooded girl who loves to laugh so, So FAR SO GOOD♥

Before my final thought, please pray for me. Monday I embark on accomplishing one of my summer goals: Getting my f-n driver's license♥ I'm so going to BEAST this! :D

Next blog will be about the music I've discovered this summer and about me going back to Leo and what I've learned this summer♥ Look for that but please do NOT hold your breath. I don't need that kind of liability. ;-)

Until next time, here's a WORD of FINAL AUTHORITY over the state of this nation's economy: "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; in the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me walk upon mine high places."-Habakkuk 3:17-19♥ In short, when everything is failing around you, praise God and YOU WILL PROSPER.

Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~




Monday, August 8, 2011

Officially 20: A bday tale(Part One)♥

Florida born and raised but I've got Jersey in my veins... A round of applause is in order. I was born 3 pounds 8 ounces at birth and had to stay in the hospital for a month but I survived and look at me now. I'm 20♥

Every year I wake up on my birthday at around or at my birth time of 8:37 a.m. This year that didn't fail because I woke up at exactly 8:38 a.m. and just like every year, I wake up, look at the clock, wish myself happy bday, thank God for another year, and go back to sleep for another 30 min or an hour.

And as if being another year older on this beautiful planet isn't blessing enough, God always grants me a dream that is so visual and realistic.

Then, my best friend wished me the happiest of bdays upon waking.♥

After breakfast and going to Sam's Club and tanning, I came home and reunited with tv shows from when I was young: 90's Nick on TeenNick. 90's was one of the best eras ever for growing up in. Just saying.

The person I love the dearest wished me a happy bday and then I talked to Sarah. While on the phone with Sarah, my sister surprised me with birthday balloons:
Then, my mom decided she wanted to take me to IHOP for a birthday dinner. Before we left, we took some bday photos. Here's some visuals to suit your creeping peepers:


And me and Jizz Tizz:

Here I am at IHOP:

Me trying not to pose, but still posing:

And me laughing at Jamie and Jayde giving me a pedo look, lmao:

I came home and watched SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE then logged into Facebook where I was greeted by over 60 people wishing me Happy Bday but to me they weren't just Happy Bday posts. They were mini love letters from friends I doubted I had.♥ Thanks to all who made this bday one of the BEST!

Yes, I started tearing up after reading all the nice things people wrote but hey, it's my bday and I can cry if I want to. Lol.

After this, my family served me Twix Pie(my fave bday cake) and sang me happy bday:


Here's me blowing out my candles and taking in faith what I desire most, and Geniveve mugging in the background:


My sisters gave me highlarious gifts this year; a cockpop and scented condoms:

Again, a BIG HUGE HUG of a thank you to all who showed me they cared that I was brought to the world 20 years ago on August 4th this year! LOVE each and every one of you.

Stay tuned for my next blog about the second half of my 20th bday and my review of each of the tv shows I watched this summer!

Speaking of watching, I watched this movie finally: and thought it was awesome! Dayum, that Peter guy was sexy. lol.

Tomorrow I'm doing a Youtube video with my sister. That's always a blast!

Until next time, Life's a party so get up and dance it away!<---Original quote by me♥

Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless

~Just Keep Swimming~

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

As Summer Comes To a Close: Part Two

Florida born and raised but I've got Jersey in my veins... I've hit the end. The end of my teen years. Tomorrow August 4, 2011, I turn 20 years old. That means I will be two decades old. Whoa. That's insane. Guess I better start taking responsibility for my actions and quit telling people to leave me alone; i'm a teenager. No more. :( It's bittersweet.

Before I write you about the books I've read this summer, you should see a visual from the fun I had this week when I reunited with my longtime friend from high school and biggest fan, Cindy.

Here ya go:

We had a manuscript pizza party to celebrate the final draft of my manuscript of my future bestseller being complete! We had a blast.

Speaking of books, I've read 11 so far this summer that I thought were worthy of mentioning so without further ado, let me get on that.

1. Nancy Drew and The Clue of the Black Keys by Carolyn Keene



Nancy Drew has always been the heroine I've always aspired to be. Blonde, attractive, smart, courageous, strong, and very ambitious. As a kid, I was so obsessed with all the Nancy Drew mystery stories. This summer I wanted to read a few books from my childhood to see if my taste changed and I didn't like them anymore. Not in the case of Nancy Drew. What I did find though was that when I was a kid, I refused to read the books at night because they would creep me out but this time I read the book and it wasn't scary at all. It still kept me on the edge of my seat, though. The funniest thing about choosing this book was that I just checked it out randomly from the public library because I wanted to read one of the mysteries I didn't get to read as a child and this one happened to take place in Miami, Florida so the 10 year old Chelsea inside still believed that Nancy was in the same state as her solving mysteries as she was reading. As we grow up, we change but some things about us will always stay the same.

2. The Giver by Lois Lowry


This was my favorite book as a kid. Well, one of my favorites, anyway. As a kid, I was surprised I could like a book like this because I never liked science fiction much, even as a child. Yet, this book was more than science fiction to me. I was there with Jonah throughout the whole story and it wasn't just a story to me. As I said before, the characters in books become your friends when you're a child.
When I read it this time around, it was as if I was reuniting with a friend I hadn't seen in ten years and his story was just as real to me as the first time I read it.

3. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie


This is my favorite story of all time, hands down. There is something so enticing about the thought of not growing up and living with fairies and mermaids forever. It's like being stuck in a time warp forever. Peter Pan just happens to be the boy that gets stuck in this time warp. Another reason I really enjoy this story so much is because it's a love story between young Peter and the young girl Wendy who is about to turn thirteen and must decide whether she is going to grow up or stay a child forever. The Universal Studios movie adaption of this story is the best that I've seen because it brings the love story element of the story to life. One thing is for sure. No matter my age, I've decided I'm never growing up!

4. When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy



I've read about ten books so far in my teen years about Christians and dating, and still felt unsatisfied. I knew there had to be a book out there that would satisfy this emptiness in not understanding why God had me wait all these years to attain my perfect mate. This book solved it. It was by far one of the best books I ever read all around, and I've read a ton of books. It made it clear to me why God has me saved and the true meaning of dating in Christ,etc. The reason I liked this book so much is because it just didn't give me a bunch of steps and say, "This is how you pray for a mate, this is how you wait for God, etc. " This book was written by a husband and wife who lived out the steps they were explaining in the book. Another thing I liked about this book is that it fundamentally held that a relationship with God is more important than the religion you choose. One thing I know, for sure: "True Love Waits."♥

5. When God Writes Your Life Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy


I liked this book, don't get me wrong. Yet, I probably shouldn't have read it directly after reading When God Writes Your Love Story because they don't compare to each other. This is a powerful book full of revelation that I did utilize. For example, this book taught me how to come before God and write my statement of my life purpose. Other than that, this book is more for people who don't know what their purpose in life is and how to find it. I guess in my case, I just benefited more from the book about love because that was what I needed revelation the most on this summer.

6.Dr. Colbert's "I Can Do This!" Diet


I bought this book in January of this year and finally had the time to sit down and read it.
In really got me thinking more about what I'm eating, not so much to lose weight but more to prolong my life.
Starting August 6, I'm cutting all bad foods out of my diet. If they have no nutritional value, I'm rarely going to eat them. And no worries, I'm not just saying that.
I signed a contract before God so I have no excuse now.

7. Get Fit and Live by Dr. Don Colbert and Kyle Colbert



This was the companion book that came with "I Can Do This!" so I read it after finishing the nutrition book because this book is more of an exercise book. I liked it because it has nutritional information, general information about exercising, and workouts and stretches. It even has stretches to better your posture. I definitely recommend both of these books.

8. Sugar and Spice by Lauren Conrad


I remember when I found out Lauren Conrad published her first novel, L.A. Candy. I was pretty surprised because I just thought she was another one of those idiots from an MTV show with no motivation and drive, and no concept of reality. I was wrong about her. She's actually attractive and ambitious. She has a clothing line, she writes novels, and she even published a Style guide. Hey, if you have knowledge in an area, you might as well share it. I was also super surprised to find that she's an amazing novelist. Her books are low-level reads but they sure keep your interest. Sugar and Spice was the third installment in the L.A. Candy trilogy and I found it to be an excellent, but bittersweet conclusion. Recently there was confirmation that Conrad renewed her contract with HarperCollins for another three book installment. Can't wait!

9. You by Charles Benoit


I'll admit, I'm typically skeptical to read books with a male main character because males don't usually dwell on all the lovely details of any romance that occurs in their story. Yet, this book was amazing. It kept me so caught up in the story, I didn't want to put it down. I finished this book in four days. It was an easy read but very high interest. Very suspenseful and the ending was so artistic. OMG! haha. It really appealed to the writer in me, if you must know. It definitely makes me want to try my hand at writing a suspense novel.

10. The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

I must admit that the only reason I decided to read this book was NOT because it was by Nicholas Sparks. I decided to read this book solely because Zac Efron is going to star in the movie adaption of this novel. Therefore, while I was reading, I could picture Zac as the main character and it just made me want to see the movie more. I read most of this book in one day, it was that good. Not to mention, I had the large print version which was 524 pages long so that's quite a feat for me to read a book that size in one day. I definitely think you should read the book before the movie comes out. I believe the movie comes out at the end of this year if not, early next year.

11. Shutout by Brendan Halpin


By the size of this novel, I knew I would finish it in a day. Sure enough, I did. Yet, it had nothing to do with the size. It had everything to do with the plot of this story. It's about two girls who have been best friends forever and both play soccer. They are starting high school, and one of them gets placed on the varsity squad while the other gets placed on junior varsity. It's an interesting story and if you want to know how it plays out, you should read it.

I am currently reading both
Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales

and Angel Wars by Stephen Quayle


When I finish both of these books, I will blog about them.

Until next time, Sometimes you just need to be with the person who makes you smile, even if it means waiting.♥

Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~

Ad