Music Tuesday

I didn't plan on having new music Tuesday on the day that this CD actually was released, but sometimes perfect timing happens.

I've always loved Jason Mraz.

His music makes me smile and always has.

This CD came out today and I can not wait to purchase it.

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I really love this song, and its the only song that I'm glad the radio station I listen to plays more than once a day.

Enjoy my new music Tuesday.

I'm Almost 25 And...

I have an obsession with Taylor Swift.

I've read people say she looks like a drowned rat, and that she's the least attractive person they've ever seen. People say she can't sing or write music.

Obviously these people have not seen the latest issue of Vogue magazine.

She looks absolutely stunning.

All photos courtesy of Vogue

And my favorite videos:

If its Not Forever, If Its Just Tonight

A long time ago, back when Chris and I first met, he told me to listen to this song by Kings of Leon: "Sex on Fire." I did and IMMEDIATELY loved it. It has remained a favorite since then. I, however, am a country girl at heart. One day, probably a year after I heard the Kings of Leon version, I picked up Sugarland's "Live on the Inside" CD. And on that CD would be a cover of "Sex on Fire" done by Sugarland, obviously. Let me tell you, it is the BEST REMAKE OF A SONG EVER. It is slightly twangy, and the piano is amazing. I'm a sucker for piano, and I just love it. Jennifer Nettles has such an amazing and raw voice for the song, that it sounds so great. So, for your listening pleasure:

In other news, I've ran 9.3 miles this week and it feels amazing. I've been plugging along and although Monday and Tuesday were easier runs, I just keep going, and then I sprint to the finish. It feels great. All of it has been under 30 mins and 30 seconds (Monday was under 30 mins).

Supposed to be...

If you didn't know, the boy got me into Chargers football. Well, almost all football. Here are some examples:

October 2008 vs. New England

September 2009 vs. Baltimore Ravens

December 2011 vs. Baltimore Ravens

Anyway, I've also become really obsessed with these two remixes by DJ Steve Porter. Take a listen, and enjoy some football.

"Tebow Magic"

"Philly Dream Team"

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

With October coming to a close, we are fast approaching my favorite time of year.

I do love Thanksgiving, but nothing beats Christmas.

I love Christmas music, shopping, trees, lights, presents (who doesn't, right?), and the overall feeling around Christmas. You just can't help but be happy.

Taking a line from my friend, "Buddy," here's how I feel during Christmas:

"I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite!"

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There's nothing about this movie that I don't like.

I love Buddy, and I love Jovie (but who doesn't, hello, its Zooey Deschanel!)

Since the holidays are fast approaching, I can soon, but not quite yet, dig out the Christmas music. I am desperately in need of some new tunes, and since we're on the subject of Zooey Deschanel I can not wait to go get this:

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Remember who song in "Elf?" If you didn't know, she and M. War make up "She & Him," and she's a great singer. This CD sounds so awesome.!

I really think you should all go get it. I can't wait to pick it up.

Samples:

Footloose and Fancy Free

If you did not know, Footloose is definitely my all time favorite movie. I haven't watched it recently (shame on me) but I really love the movie. I love Kevin Bacon's character, Ren McCormack and John Lithgow's character, Reverend Shaw Moore. I love the idea of books being banned and not being able to dance in a small town and a guy from the big city coming in to change that. I love the 1984-ness of it, I know that's not a word, but I still love it.

My heart broke in a million pieces when I saw they were remaking it, with rap in it? Something about that ruins it for me. I was watching Blake Shelton's video for Footloose and I felt forced to like it because its Blake Shelton. I don't know if I find it worse that they are literally remaking it with the same characters and would I like it better as a sequel, or the fact that it will be different.

Personally, it just won't do as well in 2011. Its too sexed up.

Anyway, this is my favorite scene:

A Little Bit Country

Every time I hear this song, I want to throw on my boots, and a flowery skirt, kick up my heels, fake a southern drawl, and dance around like a crazy girl.

I love this song. When I was visiting my family, I went out with my sister and her friends, to a "pub" that had country night which is clearly, right up my alley. They had a live band, and it was pretty awesome. The drinks were strong, so worth the $$$.

Little Sister (Danielle), and her best friends Leah and Katelyn.

Me and the sister

Katelyn and myself. We don't dance, we drink beer.

Take a listen, and a look, at Mr. Bryan

I have a GIGANTIC crush on Luke Bryan. Damn him for having a GORGEOUS wife.

Anyway, I have this, I don't like to use the word fetish, it sounds so bad, but I have this strong like for country men and their jeans. It just goes hand in hand.

Country singer + good jeans = hotter than a desert day in July.

Here's my list, if you needed to check it out yourself:

1. Luke Bryan

2. Rodney Atkins

3. Jason Aldean

4. Tim McGraw

5. Blake Shelton

6. Charles Kelley

7. Jerrod Niemann

I think you get the hint.

Hope you're having a sensational day!

Oh, I ran 4 miles today. But that's all. One week of vacation killed me. Building back up again.

Sunshine Saturday

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I'm excited that my hair is finally growing and will soon (okay maybe by my birthday or shortly thereafter) look like hers. Oh, and I'm hoping to win myself some tickets to her concert.

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Recipe available from link as well.

Fall = pumpkin everything.

I bought a new pumpkin candle.

I am holding out for a Pumpkin Spice Latte, but I'm looking for pumpkin flavored coffee.

Mmm, that pumpkin and cream cheese pie looks divine.

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I love the look of all those mirrors together.

I want to do this in my apartment.

Chris doesn't understand mirrors that you don't use to look at yourself in.

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Flare jeans.

My absolute fave!

Much more flattering than skinny jeans, on me at least.

I have the pair on the left in dark denim and black.

I'm excited to bust them out.

This song.

I'm just like my mom.

We hold our purses the same.

We look the same.

We walk the same.

We like the same things.

I'm Curious For You, Caught My Attention

I have this, recently developed, obsession with Katy Perry.

Maybe, it is because she is on the cover of InStyle magazine, but I really think she is the cutest, most fun thing ever. She makes me want to smack bubblegum, eat Mother's Circus Animal cookies, drink lemonade, wear pink lipgloss, use sugary sweet perfume, and dance around to pop music.

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That dress = phenomenal. I know you can only see part of it, but I would love to have it.

(By the way, I am sitting in my satin-y pink robe, pajamas, and slippers).

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And if not cute enough, I love the pink hair. (And my girl stays well hydrated!) Not everyone can pull it off, and I always loved Gwen Stefani's hot pink, but I really love this lavendery-pink. It is adorable. No, I won't be dying my hair pink BUT, I will be listening to "Teenage Dream," "Last Friday Night," and "I Kissed a Girl" on repeat.

Now We Ain't Ashamed of Who We Are

Just some things to brighten my Monday.

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Are these not totally to die for? I would wear them with everything. Jeans, slacks, dresses, skirts, everything. Sparkles and pink makes everything better.

I can not get enough of these lovely ladies:

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Miranda Lambert is one of my favorite artists (and I love her hubby Blake Shelton as well) but this Pistol Annies trio is awesome. If you did not know, Miranda is "Lonestar Annie", the girl in the middle, Angaleena Presley, is "Holler Annie," and the girl on the right, Ashley Monroe is "Hippie Annie." Anyway, I love their debut CD. I can not decide what song I like best, so take a listen if you'd like:

And last but not least. Lisa Van Der Pump of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" please transplant your home into my apartment. I love all the pink accents, and it not be overwhelming. I think a man could manage living in these pink rooms.

I don't like taking baths, but I'd take one in that tub.

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Have a great start to your week!

Five Things

Five Things I Love and Had Forgotten I Enjoyed So Much:

1. Ben Folds, Bright Eyes, and Modest Mouse. Sometimes you just need to switch it up.

2. Melty ice cream on the bottom of the bowl swirled with the still frozen stuff. Delicious. It might be the best part (falls into the same category as the fact that I like soggy cereal).

3. Chips & Salsa. Do I really have to say more?

4. Classic Books: Little Women, The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Catcher in the Rye. I actually love all J.D. Salinger and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Honors English my junior year of high school worked well for me.

5. Football. Not really forgotten, but the Chargers have their first preseason game tomorrow. It is definitely meaningful game, they are playing the Seahawks. Chris's BFF Damian who died in February was a huge 'hawks fan. I might just have to be a 'hawks fan tomorrow. Shh... don't tell Chris.

Happy Wednesday!

:)

Things That Make Me Smile

Even though Mondays (especially when C has to be at work at 5 AM) generally suck. I'm going to be an optimist and show you things that make me smile.

And maybe some of them got me through this Monday:

{one}

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Really, what would I do without my coffee?

I don't know. But I am turning into my mom.

I can not function without coffee in my system.

Awesome.

{two}

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The fact that this guy FINALLY has another book out.

I hope the library has it.

Or I could buy it for my collection.

Hmm...

{three}

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I would really like this shirt.

I love the play on the "potty mouth" of BS.

And I love Blake Shelton.

I'd be upset that he's married, except that he's married to my favorite lady: Miranda Lambert.

Have I ever mentioned their photo is my computer's desktop?

Okay, you can be officially freaked out.

{four}

This music video:

This song.

I LOVE IT.

Its so smiley and happy.

{five}

The fact that even though I didn't work out today, I ate pretty well and don't feel too badly about any of my choices.

Smiles and high fives all around.

Happy Monday!

Turning Pages

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss

I have not been very good at updating my "Bookmarks" page, because I read entirely too fast.

However, if you wanted to know, I've updated it.

Also, Nicholas Sparks has a new book out.

And I have like 5 library books waiting to be read, and one that is waiting for pickup.

I don't know, I might have to return the ones that are not as new, so I can read the newer ones and move on.

Back to Mr. Sparks.

He went to my high school.

I've read all his books, possibly more than once.

I don't know if I have a favorite.

I think "The Notebook" and "A Walk to Remember" are great.

Yet, I'm a big fan of "The Rescue"

Anyhow, keep reading my friends. It is food for the soul.

Oh and I spent my afternoon reading in Barnes and Noble.

Its soothing, calming, and when I can get a big, comfy chair, it is perfect.

I call this my playlist of reading music.

Take a listen:

Making Old Things New

I love my Ipod.

He looks like this:

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I am not an Apple person, but I love my Ipod.

I've had other MP3s, but for whatever reason, they just don't work as well.

However, Apple has somewhat screwed those of us less computer literate and less Apple buying.

I can not add songs from multiple computers.

Meaning, my old, ancient laptop is where my music must come from.

It however takes more than a decade (wait, you didn't realize I'm now 34???) to add songs.

In fact, it took twice as long to even start.

So what am I doing now you ask?

Taking all my music from my old laptop and moving it to the new one.

Via one very small little thumb drive.

I'm really a special person.

In fact, it is never going to work for me.

FREAKS

1. I found this video about "Freaky Eaters"

These people are so weird.

Here is one video you might enjoy

2. Here is another kind of Freak, I prefer being this kind.

3. Oh and I am a running freak. That's a good kind of freak.

I'm upping my runs. Woo hoo, I can't run that far, but 3.4 miles is perfect.

Three thumbs up.

A Day of Disasters & Summer Schemes

The trusty steed aka our car (yes we only have one, my car did not feel like making another 500 mile drive so it is relaxing in front of my parents' house) needs a new fuel pump. It costs $750. Yeah right. We spent 4 hours waiting and waiting and waiting for the diagnosis. I did some shopping and found this:

I did not get it, but really wish I would have. Oh well.

I also just remembered that I used to really love Feist, so have a listen.

My List of "Schemes" for the Summer (or just plain things I want to do):

1. Go to Santa Monica and peruse the boutiques.

2. Watch a sunrise and sunset on the beach.

3. Make peach cobbler or homemade peach ice cream.

4. Spend a day in a completely unique part of San Diego.

5. Go camping in Carlsbad.

6. Roast marshmallows; drink ice cold beer; and lounge on the patio.

7. Barbeque a delicious steak, and make every side homemade, including grilling corn.

8. Eat my body weight in fresh fruits and vegetables.

9. Walk more, drive less.

10. Ride bicycles on the beach; near the beach.

11. Dance under the stars... Reminding me of the time Chris and I made dinner and danced in the kitchen.

12. Enjoy being youthful.

13. Outdoor concert, preferably country, but really, any kind.

Those are just some of what I plan on calling my Summer Schemes...

Continuing Across the Country

So, after our night Blacksburg, we headed onto Tennessee. We did not think about the time zone changes as we were driving, so sometimes we felt like our drives were closer than expected. Oh well. This brought us to Nashville (my favorite, BY FAR).

(Chris and the Volunteer State sign)

(Me and the Volunteer State sign, pardon my terrible clothing choices, and my appearance, we were living out of a car)

Knoxville. That's all I got. I'm a big racing fan, so it is a two thumbs up for me, but we only had so much time.

My favorite!!! We got to the museum with an hour left before they closed, who knew they'd end up kicking us out. I apologize in advance for my terrible photos, we were very rushed, but this is only a few, some of my faves.

Patsy Cline's dress

Reba McEntire's dress

Hank Williams's clothes and awards

The manuscript for Dolly Parton's "Jolene" - I really like this song, and how cool is that??

Garth Brooks's guitar. He is probably my ultimate favorite.

Jason Aldean's jeans and cowboy boots. :]

The Second Fiddle in downtown Nashville. I like Nashville bars better than San Diego and Las Vegas and anywhere else. Really, it is true. I'm a beer drinking, sometimes whiskey shot taking, country music loving girl.

Aww, aren't we cute? We were both major grumpy pants that night, but this is after we turned our frowns upside down.

The best part of Nashville bars? LIVE MUSIC from musicians who have their own bands, play covers and their own songs, oh and they happen to be the band for famous people. I believe if I remember right, the keyboardist had just finished playing a show for Jerrod Niemann before he came to the Second Fiddle. AWESOME!

So bummed our trip didn't bring us on these days. Oh well. Maybe some day. Actually, right now (well starting tomorrow) is the 2011 CMA Music Festival, and I am watching the CMT Music Awards.

I really want to go back to Nashville ASAP. In fact, if things don't work out in California, we might head to Nashville. Yes. Oh we were unable to see the Grand Ole Opry because it was still being remodeled after all the flooding. The exits on the freeways were even closed so we couldn't drive by it. I had one really blurry picture as we drove by. What a major bummer. Such a sad, sad place to be when we were there because many places were finally coming out of the flood slump. However, it was still fun. My favorite.

Things I Really Like and Think I Could Not Live Without (But Probably Could)

I really love this photo of my cousin and her dad, my uncle. I wish there were more days for him to have been with us, but moments like this one are cherished by everyone. I love this photo, definitely a fave.

This was a picture of the sunset at Mission Beach last weekend. I love sunsets on the beach in San Diego. Maybe more to come this weekend. Beautiful.

Reliving my childhood... Spice Girls. :]

From Here

Emily Giffin might replace, well, not replace, but join in line of the author who I will eventually end up reading all of their books. I loved Something Borrowed, I'm waiting for Something Blue to be ready for pick up so I've begun reading Baby Proof.

Nicholas Sparks

Jodi Picoult

Stephenie Meyer

J. K. Rowling

Emily Giffin

Soon I will be able to cross her off that list.

From Here

I need a big floppy hat, ASAP. I can not find one that I really, really like. I like the ones that I saw at H&M (not pictured above - which I should have but I don't want to edit this post) but I could not find the right color. Ugh. I want one SO BAD.

From Here

Why hello there, what could be better than the Backstreet Boys? Or what could be better than New Kids on the Block? Oh, that's right, THEM JOINING FORCES FOR NOT ONLY A TOUR BUT A CD! Okay, I'm sorry for yelling, but you should see the huge cheesy grin on my face. I love it. Love, love, love it. I had my Danny doll as a kid, which if I hadn't gotten him at like 4 years old I would have kept for a collector's item. Oh well. Swoon, NKOTB and BSB together. Big smile.

Found Here

Fruits and vegetables. Yum, I've been getting all my servings, and it feels and tastes good. All we have left are pears. I need more than pears!!

Found Here

Bruno Mars' Grenade. I love this song. Chris and I both love it. At first the song is all about being heartbroken, but then he gets angry. It is phenomenal. I love it. He's kinda cute too, but I have more of an affinity for the above mentioned NKOTB and BSB.

Found Here

This movie, Titanic, is on TV. I used to have the biggest crush on Leo. My friend from elementary school and I were obsessed. I had this framed photo and my mom stepped on it and broke the glass and my friend and I about went into shock. Anyway, it is on and it definitely makes me think of my childhood; oh and my mom covering my eyes during the sex scene.

Finally, a post with photos. I hope to take a solo adventure tomorrow and maybe have some photos, although I will be busy.

Gym

Make stick/post for Relay

Find rings for Flamingo toss at Relay

Pick up some candy for Relay

Clean the house