Disney Princess Prom

Now you may be totally different from me, but I for one like to dream about the future. A lot. When I was little I would always imagine myself going to prom dressed like Cinderella or Belle. And while my style preferences have changed, my dream has always been in the back of my head. Here are a few ways to help you emulate your favorite Disney Princess without going too literal, obvious, or literal!

Jasmine from Walt Disney's "Aladdin":

Aurora from Walt Disney's "Sleeping Beauty":

Cinderella from Walt Disney's "Cinderella":

Rapunzel from Walt Disney's "Tangled":

Belle from Walt Disney's "Beauty and the Beast":

Ariel from Walt Disney's "The Little Mermaid":

Tiana from Walt Disney's "The Princess and the Frog":

Snow White from Walt Disney's "Snow White":

Pocahontas from Walt Disney's "Pocahontas":

Mulan from Walt Disney's "Mulan":

Comment on which one you like the best and which one you can see yourself wearing!

The Amazing Race

First of all, if you don't watch the reality show "The Amazing Race" you are not going to get this post at all and I'm sorry, but I just had to post about this. 

The other day my family and I were outside doing some yardwork. My parents were pulling stuff out of our garage to go to my aunt's yard sale and my little brother and sister and I were stuck with a job much less pleasant. We have this crab apple tree in our backyard and when all of the apples had fallen off of it, it was our task to pick them up. Sounds simple enough, right? Well when the tiny apples are embedded in the wet ground and some of the grass has grown over them, it's far from simple. Anyways we were all grumbling about it when my little brother said "What if this was an 'Amazing Race' challenge (my family and I all watch every season of Amazing Race together). "Why don't we pretend that it actually is and we're doing the Roadblock? We can have pretend teammates and Dad can be Phil!" I said. My "teammate" was my friend Abbey, the blogger of Millybeans since her and I have always talked about racing together. Little sis's was her best friend, and my bro couldn't decide whether his should be Luke Skywalker or God (tough choice, huh?). I won that "leg" of the race and so I went racing in to the garage and jumped on a piece of cardboard that I was pretending was the mat (I almost went flying and slipped but my balancing skills saved me!). My dad congratulated me on coming first and announced that I had "won" a trip to Bora Bora! They (my parents) have promised to make us a real Amazing Race this summer with challenges and an actual prize!

Phil (the host)

You might be wondering why I would post about my boring old life, but I do have a purpose, just bear with me. Chores are a lot more bearable when you're having fun and you're turning them into a game. Whether you're cleaning your room and put on some music to create a dance routine while you fold and vacuum or if you make yardwork a reality TV game show (like me!) or if you sing while you work. My brother and sister and I had a lot more fun and got on a lot better when we were playing a game (though he did throw a couple of crab apples at me!). Next time you don't feel like doing chores, have fun and make it a game or a dance and see how much more enjoyable it is!

Your Thoughts

So far, I've been writing about what I want to write about and think about, or what I think you want to hear about. So far, that's gone okay, but I have a better idea. To make this blog a better resource to help you and give you inspiration, I want you to tell me what you want me to write about. It can be anything really. You can ask for a certain craft or project you've seen but don't know how to do, advice with friendships, style ideas, and questions about God and my faith. I want to be able to help and inspire you! If you have an idea you'd like me to post about, please either comment about it in the comments section at the bottom of any one of my posts, or if it's more private, email me at cowgirl.citygirl@gmail.com. You can tell me your name or let it be anonymous. Either way, when I post your idea, I won't reveal your name. And I'll try to get back to you on a rough date of when I'll be able to post about it. Thanks!

Spring Break

I'm so bummed because tomorrow Spring Break is over and I get to go back to school and start track! Fun! Well, anyways, I had a great week off. My parents took me and my little brother and sister to a resort and water park place somewhere in Idaho, I think. We stayed their for about half of Sunday, Sunday night, and most of Monday. They have this great skiing area too and this gondola ride/ski lift that takes up skiers and people looking for a thrill. Well, my dad and I are the daredevils of the family, so we decided we try it (by the way, it's the world's longest gondola ride, no 15 minute excursion for us)! So we got tickets and hopped in a car, which was completely closed, and headed up the mountain! I started freaking out when we were just above the parking lot. I mean, I totally wanted to do it, it was just that I was completely freaking myself out. My face was hidden in my dad's shoulder, but he made me look up and I did some of my breathing exercises (which I've gotten pretty good at since I struggle with anxiety). He helped calm me down a bit and pretty soon we were over the first hill! The scenery was breathtaking, and we took lots of pictures with our phones to show to the rest of the family when we made it safely down ("If we make it safely down" I was thinking to myself). Anyways, we made it to the top and then went all the way back down. They whole trip took about an hour, and it was worth the expensive tickets! 

It was a great way to spend some time with my dad and we had lots of fun! The ride definitely helped me face my fears too, which at the moment were that the gondola cord would snap and we go plummeting down a super steep cliff. And being up on top of the mountain, where there was still some snow, was just amazing! God is so creative, and being up in the mountains, or down by the ocean, or even seeing a sunset from your backyard just shows you how wonderful and beautifully He made the world, and you!

If you enjoyed this post, please comment, and if you want to, tell me what one of your fears is!

My Favorite Movies

Here's some of my favorite movies, and why they are! Hope you might be encouraged to try them!

Mirror Mirror

One of my top movies for sure! I love how it's funny without trying too much, a romance, and an all-around lovable movie. If you haven't seen it, Mirror Mirror is a twist on the classic Snow White story with some new characters and plot changes, but I think it's for the better! Snow White is played by Lily Collins, her prince by Armie Hammer, and the queen by Julia Roberts! 

Soul Surfer


















Soul Surfer is based on the true story of professional surfer Bethany Hamilton. With the great message, special effects, and gripping story, it'll keep you on your toes, and may even surprise you in the end! AnnaSophia Robb was cast as Bethany Hamilton, Helen Hunt as the mom, Dennis Quaid as the dad, and Carrie Underwood in her debut film as Sarah Hill, Bethany's youth group leader!

Secretariat

This movie is all about Secretariat, the winner of the Triple Crown in 1973. The Triple Crown is a series of three races over a couple of weeks. The races are the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. All three races must all be one by the same horse, and if they're not, then there's no winner. This is a great family movie, but if you aren't big on horses, it might not be your top choice! Penny Chenery is played by Diane Lang. 

The Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement

This is my best friend and I's favorite movie that we watch every time we get together! You'll journey with Princess Mia as she struggles to become the queen of her old-fashioned kingdom, Genovia, in a modern world. You'll laugh as she tries to find a husband before it's too late and the crazy escapades that only a very special princess can go on! This movie appeals to the part in every girl that wants to be loved and treated, and just be a princess. Anne Hathaway stars as Princess Mia, and Julie Andrews as her grandmother, the queen. 

A Dolphin Tale

The heartwarming story of a dolphin and a boy. You'll laugh and cry as you watch Winter, the dolphin, adapt to life without one of her key limbs. Though it may sound boring, it's a beautiful story, one that your whole family will enjoy! Dr. Clay is played by Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd as the mom, Nathan Gamble as Sawyer, Kris Kristofferson as the grandpa, with Hazel played by Cozi Zuehlsdorff. 

There are so many other movies that I'd like to list, but these are just a few at the top of my list! I also love all of Pixar's movies, except for Brave, and the classic old Disney ones. 

Simply Girly-Girl!

Here's a new blog that one of my best friends just started! It's called Simply Girly-Girl. It's full of stuff for all you girly girls out there! I already love it, and I hope you will too! Check it out at simply-girlygirl.blogspot.com!

High School

    First of all, before I say anything else, I'm sorry I haven't posted in so long! I've had volleyball tournaments, some school projects, and life has felt pretty crazy the last week or so! Anyways, I'm going to try and start posting more regularly! 
    I can't believe that the school year is almost over! After this year, I'll be a freshman! The thought is both terrifying and thrilling. My soon-to-be-high-school had their parent night a month or so ago. I went with my mom and we signed up for my classes! 
Here's what I signed up for:
1. Honors English
2. Biology
3. Geometry
4. Health Careers (I want to be a nurse when I grow up, so I thought this would be a good place to start! We'll get to go on field trips to hospitals and doctors clinics!)
5. P.E.
For electives we had to give our top 4 choices:
1. 2nd Year Spanish (I'm taking my 1st year right now)
2. AP European History
3. Biomedical studies (the course description said "CSI meets ER!" so I though that sounded cool!)
4. Digital Photography and Art
We had to write down any activities, clubs or sports we wanted to be involved in:
1. Volleyball
2. Basketball (I want to be either a manager, trainer, or statistician)
3. Track
4. Knowledge Bowl (Like Jeopardy)
5. Drama (This one is definitely iffy. I'd rather work backstage on a production and do costumes and props!)
    I won't know which electives I got or what order my classes will be in until Freshmen Orientation when I will get my schedule. Our school also went and visited the high school during the day and we got tours and time to talk with the Leadership students. You could fit 3 of our school into the entire high school! It has 3 levels and a billion different wings. I am sooooooooo going to get lost! It was a little unnerving too when we walked through the cafeteria and all of the upper classmen kept muttering "Fresh meat." Great way to welcome us! 

Simple, Do-It-In-A-Weekend Crafts

Sorry I haven't posted in so long, but I've been really busy! I put together a couple of crafts that are easy and you can finish in a weekend! I have pictures and then the name of the website to find the instructions. Hope you enjoy!

Infinity Scarves

comeonline.com

Tom's Pillow

millybeans.com

Camera Strap

youcanmakethis.com

Twist Headband

fineandfeathered.com

Colorful Frames

wanelo.com

Valentine's Day and Lent

This week, there's two big things going on. It's Valentine's Day tomorrow and Lent started today! I'm excited for both! Valentine's Day is always fun. My school sells Candy Grams in the morning before school and they're delivered all on Thursday. I plan to get there tomorrow to get one for my friends Katie, Kylie, Marie, Catarina, and my crush. I'm not sure if I should get one for him though. He's in my Spanish class, so if I get him one I was thinking about putting Emanuel (his Spanish name) on it, but if I do then he knows that it's someone in his Spanish class, and I'm pretty sure that he knows I like him, so I'm not sure if I should. But enough of me.

This week Lent begins too. My church has a great calendar set up for it. Since we're not too traditional, you give up a different thing each day instead of one thing every day. It may sound easier, but it is in no way less challenging. Here's what we have for this week, and feel free to try it if you want. 

Wednesday

Take a break from Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. for the entire week. I know it sounds hard, but it's possible!

Thursday

Add blogs and any other internet sites that you don't need for school stuff to the list. Yes, you get to get rid of this for the whole week too!

Friday

Add TV to the list. 

Saturday

No electronic screens of any kind! When you feel the urge to get on one, call someone, write a letter, or go outside. 

Sunday

Rest, enjoy, and relax.

I'll add next week's stuff on Monday!

Hunger Games

I don't know about you, but I'm a huge Hunger Games fan! I am literally counting down the days until the preview for Catching Fire comes out, which is April 14 by the way. Here's just some interesting news on the upcoming movie, some Games stuff that I've found on Pinterest, and my favorite moments from the book!

Hunger Games: Catching Fire Cast and News

Hunger Games was directed by Gary Ross, who made the movie in less than 10 months, including the time it took to edit it, but apparently they gave him even less time to make Catching Fire. He refused to make it, so they brought in a new director, Francis Lawrence. Will this be better or worse for the Hunger Games franchise? 

The movie is currently being filmed in Hawaii. Here's a shot of the arena.

Cast:

Jennifer Lawrence................................Katniss Everdeen

Josh Hutcherson.....................................Peeta Mellark

Liam Hemsworth.....................................Gale Hawthorne

Elizabeth Banks.....................................Effie Trinket

Woody Harrelson................................Haymitch Abernathy

Lenny Kravitz...............................................Cinna

Sam Claflin.........................................Finnick Odair

Lynn Cohen...................................................Mags

Jena Malone.........................................Johanna Mason

Bobby Jordan...............................................Blight

Phillip Seymour Hoffman.......................Plutarch Heavensbee

Donald Sutherland..................................President Snow

Willow Shields..................................Primrose Everdeen

Toby Jones...................................Claudius Templesmith

Stanley Tucci...................................Caesar Flickerman

Amanda Plummer.............................................Wiress

Jeffrey Wright.............................................Beetee

Alan Ritchson...............................................Gloss

Stephanie Leigh Schlund..................................Cashmere

Bruno Gunn.................................................Brutus

Meta Golding.............................................Enobaria

John Casing..................................................Woof

Elena Sanchez.............................................Cecelia

E. Roger Mitchell...........................................Chaff

Maria Howell...............................................Seeder

My Favorite Moments from The Hunger Games

Not to say that I was happy
when Rue died. I just thought
that it was a beautiful moment,
especially when Katniss covers
her in flowers.

A favorite moment of mine is when Katniss drops the tracker jacks on the Careers. Not that I like watching people die and be all mutilated like Glimmer, but I love when she shows them who's boss! I love when Katniss and Peeta team up in the games! I love when they're in the cave and he tells her about when he first loved her when they were little. I could go on and on naming my favorite moments from the book, but those are some of my top ones!

Hunger Games Pinterest Stuff

You can tell I'm
Team Peeta!!

New Blog to Read!

Hey guys! Sorry I haven't been posting for a while! Anyways, I just wanted to let you know that my friend Katie started a blog! It's pretty cool, so check it out at hiddenlacekatie.blogspot.com! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

The Perfect Family

You probably have some idea of what a perfect family would look like. It would probably have a beautiful young mom, a buff and dad who is never embarrassing, and kids who always get along. They live in a perfect house like a mansion on a beach, and have this pink convertible. They're livin' the dream. 

A beautiful and young mom

A handsome and
successful
businessman for
a dad

An adorable adopted baby
girl

A hip and fun teen daughter

Twin girls who always
get along

A beautiful mansion

A beautiful pink convertible
that they magically all manage to fit into

This family may seem perfect, but they're not. They don't have it all together. As embarrassing as our family may be at times, they really all care for us, no matter what they say or do. But even if you don't have a good earthly family, don't forget that you have a heavenly one with God. He's our Father, and he loves us more than our family ever could. Jesus will always be there for us, we can always talk to him, and he will always listen. He will love us no matter what we do. So no matter how messed up your family is, they still love you, but most of all, God loves you and cares for you in a way no one else can.  

Keep Calm and . . .

You've probably seen all of those sayings like "Keep Calm and ..." There's a bunch of those fun sayings out there. Here's some of my favorites that I found on Pinterest:

Though I only sing in
the shower!

I definitely need to do
this more!

I actually don't
travel a ton, but
I hope to do a lot more
when I'm an adult!

What girl doesn't agree
with this?!

I LOVE tea! Especially
this one kind at this
tea place and it is like
an orange and dark chocolate
flavored black tea! So good!

This is so me!

A good laugh always makes
everything seem better!

This might not apply
to many of you, but
I personally love
writing!

There is one though, that I feel really rings true. 

Often times, when faced with a difficult situation, we turn to other people. We look to our support system, our family and best friends to get us through this hard time. And that's a great thing. But they can never help us or complete us like God can. When you stay calm and bring your worries to Him in prayer, you will feel so calm. Because now you don't have to worry. You've given your worries to God and are living with His Peace inside of you. When you start to feel a anxiety, God takes care of it for you. You don't need to worry about whether or whether not your friend will still be mad at you tomorrow, or if your parents are going to get a divorce. Jesus cares about all your worries, from the biggest to the most trivial. And he wants to help you. But He can't help you until you come to Him and ask Him for His help. Then just sit back and let God take the steering wheel.