Endings…& Beginnings

I’m leaving the ranch.

For those of you who follow my Instagram feed, you know that for the past year I’ve lived at a peaceful little ranch (the road to the ranch is pictured in the photo here) out in the country that is almost too beautiful to be real. And you might be surprised to learn that I’m leaving, given how much affection I have for this place, this magical place, that saw so many ups » Read More

You Are Not Invisible

Sometimes I feel particularly invisible to the opposite sex. Kind of like Harry Potter tossed his magical Cloak of Invisibility around me when I wasn’t looking and then darted off to go do whatever it is Harry Potter is doing these days. (Of course, old Harry is a male so he probably didn’t see me in the first place!) But seriously…as much as the idea of having a super power appeals to me, I could » Read More

Dash of Sass: Let’s Stop Trying to Be Right & Just Be Real

I’ve been in a bit of a creative slump lately that has definitely affected my writing and tweeting and posting. I’m not sure why, but every summer around this time, I hit a creative wall. And because I don’t really have anything brilliant to say, I stop saying anything at all. When I saw this beautifully perfect quote by Brian Andreas, it occurred to me that perhaps I don’t have to say anything brilliant. Or » Read More

Dash of Sass: 40 Days to Feeling Good

I’ve realized over these past few weeks (as I’ve been dealing with some challenges) that I’m not very nice to myself. I am kind to others, supportive of others, encouraging to others…but when it comes to myself, I can be really harsh and unforgiving and completely lacking in grace. Examples of negative self talk:
“You look terrible today.””You’re so weak. Why does something so stupid bother you?””You’re never going to be normal and happy, like everyone » Read More

Not Settling for Less Than Someday

Those of you who follow my personal Twitter page know that my email inbox has long been a thing of abject horror and dread for me, based on my inability to properly keep up with it (and also my desperate need for a personal assistant who will work for smiles.) Well, last night, with the help of Pandora and my hilarious Twitter friends cheering me on, I FINALLY dove headfirst into my inbox and managed » Read More

Ten Lessons You Learn in Your 30’s

As most of you know, 2014 saw the release of my second book, I’ve Never Been to Vegas But My Luggage Has…which is essentially my life story.

As much as I love my first book, The Single Woman, (and I do love that book, with all my heart) #NeverBeenToVegas is and will always be particularly special to me. It is essentially my heart, my LIFE…poured out on pages for the world to see. And I never dreamed » Read More

Day 18: Day 18: If You Could Have a Conversation With Your Younger Self, What Would You Say?

I started this blogging challenge over a year ago and I’ve only worked my way up to Day 18…though the timing of writing this particular blog is so perfect, I can’t help but believe that even in our busyness and forgetfulness and procrastination, God’s timetable still manages to have its way with us.

I’ve just finished reading Every Bitter Thing is Sweet by Sara Hagerty, and though she’s married with five kids, I saw so many » Read More

Join the Launch Team for My Brand New Book!

Hey ladies! I have SUCH an exciting announcement that is going to allow you all to get involved with spreading The Single Woman message of empowerment and positivity like never before!

My brand new book, I’ve Never Been to Vegas but My Luggage Has: Mishaps & Miracles on the Road to Happily Ever After hits bookstores on March 11th…but before that happens, we want to show the world what being a strong, confident single woman is » Read More

He Said, She Said: Why Am I a One Date Wonder?

The Question

Dear Daniel & Mandy: I have been facing a problem for quite some time. It’s become more like a cycle. Whoever I like or get attracted to talks to me for some time, we meet up for coffee/one date…but beyond that, nothing happens. I had a bad breakup two years back and since then I have been single. I have gone on several dates to see if something might work but in the end » Read More

Day 13: Describe How You Met the Last Person You Texted & Talk About Your Relationship

How I met the last person I texted and what our friendship means to me.

Alli.

The origin of our friendship is so bizarre, it’s almost not to be believed. I have known Alli since she was literally in her mother’s womb. You see, I was her baby-sitter for about a decade before I was her friend, as we are exactly ten years apart in age.

My sister Cher and I were playing at the end of our » Read More

Something wonderful is on the horizon
Life doesn’t always look the way we want it to look. In Mandy’s upcoming book, Turn Toward the Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is, you’ll find encouragement to live in the moment, sit with your experiences, and trust God with the unknown.
Preorder from Baker Book House for 40% off and free shipping!*
*US shipping only
Something wonderful is on the horizon
Turn Toward the Sun CoverLife doesn’t always look the way we want it to look. In Mandy’s upcoming book, Turn Toward the Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is, you’ll find encouragement to live in the moment, sit with your experiences, and trust God with the unknown.
Preorder from Baker Book House for 40% off and free shipping!*
*US shipping only