And the Return of: Hey, It's Ok!

It's Friday. The week has finally come to another end. This week may have been short due to a day off on Monday for Memorial Day, but somehow the universe thought that spinning the world on its axis a little slower than usual would be humorous...

Dear Universe... You are not funny. In fact, this qualifies as just plain cruel...

But slowly finding our way into the weekend, I thought it only fitting to go back to roots and bring forth one of my favorite Friday traditions...(which hasn't been seen here since May 2012) Yes, friends! I wish to revive the beautiful thing that is...

HEY! IT'S OK...

1. You are STILL envious of Jessica Beil and the man she scored...

I am in no way saying she doesn't deserve this beautiful specimen of pure handsomeness... I mean, look at that woman! Beautiful, of course...

But maybe I'm saying I deserve it more. I CAN make a mean cup of coffee, Justin. Remember that anytime you need a cup of jo your perfect woman coffee!

2. If you INTENTIONALLY let your bananas get so moldy, you have NO CHOICE but to make banana bread... sweet, sweet, dense, delicious, carbo-loaded banana bread...

3. If Beyonce has been your best friend for three days strait...

I mean, with her Diva status, I wouldn't ask her to leave my headphones either... especially when she's been supplying the goods without disappointment.

4. You're almost excited about a bad day at work because it gives you an excuse to buy a few slew of new bathing suits to lift your spirits...

5. Your previous weekend gives you NO excuse to not use any sunscreen below 70SPF

Happy Weekending, loves!

Sit In the Green Garden (playlist)

There is little I love more than a good playlist to rock my mind into sweet spring time.

Check out my playlist below by clicking the next arrows... I promise you'll find at least one new song to add to YOUR own list of personal favorites...

Traveler's Playlist

This weekend, I'll be making yet another long road trip back up to the Mason Dixon state. But I don't mind too much, I have music to tap my toes to. A lot of these songs were recommended to me via friends over the twitterverse... Some were just stumbled upon by sheer luck.

Take a listen, what do you think? This sounds like the perfect playlist (to me, at least) to close out the summer on.

On My Mind...

It's a beautiful day in the Mason Dixon state. Humidity took a hike, and the sunshine is dancing on the glittering pool top. Maroon 5's new album dropped on iTunes today, I had a wonderful lunch with momma on the patio of Cafe Nola downtown, and I have plenty of crafts and lovely friends to keep me busy as I await for a phone call that could mean a potential job!

Oh, Cafe Nola... Thanks for your delicious vegan-based breakfast delicacies!

Here I had a toasted 9-grain bagel garnished with garlic hummus, tomatoes, sprouts, and arugala. Oh, and don't forget the hot coffee and fruit for a breakfast dessert!

Maroon 5, I'm still deciding on how much I love your album, but this song is making me swoon...

A wedding weekend for the record books! Congrats to my friends Jenn and Jamison (NOW) Parker!

Oh, and I already miss my dear friends who have departed to travel for their summer vacay

Have a lovely Tuesday!

Weekend Jam Sesh

Here's my personal playlist for this upcoming weekend. Whether you're going to a wedding, swimming in the sunshine, dancing in the rain, or couching it up inside... Put some headphones on and take a listen...

A Kiss to Build a Dream On- Louis Armstrong

Valerie- Mark Ronson featuring Amy Winehouse

Me and Mrs. Jones- Michael Buble

At the Window- Double 0 Zero

Get Happy/Happy Days are Here Again- Barbara Streisand/Judy Garland

Jessie's Girl- Rick Springfield

Cry- Kelly Clarkson

Bad- Michael Jackson

Dream a Little Dream- Nat King Cole

Don't Panic- Coldplay

Diamonds- Ben Howard

Waking Up in a Rut

Sometimes I wake up and feel bombarded by rain clouds, even when the sun is beaming through the windows. With no rhyme or reason, I feel 200 lbs heavier, sleepier, pensive about the trivial matter. But on mornings like this, I know there's nothing better to cure the blues than chocolate chip pancakes and good music...

Did you know Train (Meet Virginia) came out with a new album today? California 37. Listening to them rock this sleepy swing as coffee warms the heart this morning.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday!

Yo Shawty, It's Your Birthday!

I may not have the mus-skulls that "Fitty" do, but I would still like a cake delivered to my side as I finish my treadmill workout (ahem, 1:16)... It is my Birthday, After all!

Heading back to the Carolinas for a weekend with close friends! Nothing better than good company and cupcakes! Happy Thursday, One and All!

iABC

They say that you can really understand a person by the music they listen to...
I mean, think about it! When you're happy, you have a go to playlist, when you're feeling down- music is meant to comfort. Feeling excited and energized, bring on the techno beats! We all have those songs that remind us of specific memories (for me, this song reminds me of the many mornings my mom would drive me to the front doors of my highschool- She believed it would guarantee us all a lovely day ahead.)

My taste in music has definitely come a long way since my preteen years- I could tell by comparing songs from my first MP3 player (Which was a Dell, believe it or not!) to my current iPod.

I love learning about new artists, new styles of music, and simply sharing my own finds with friends and family. So I want to share with you my iABC's... Artists that make up the alphabet of my soundtrack...

A ugustana- Boston/Hey Now
B uble (...Michael Buble)- Crazy Love Album (Pure Magickk)

C oldplay- The Scientist, The Civil Wars (Dreamy)

D ave Matthews (cause they're just that frat-tastic) Also in the mix- The Decemberists

E rin McCarley- Pony, it's ok & Earth, Wind and Fire

F ray. Obviously. Florence & The Machine along with FUN, newcomers to the obsession...

G reen River Ordinance, Goo Goo Dolls, and Gavin D. Any Questions?

H erbie Hancock. Jazzy baby (May I suggest his accompaniment with Mr. John Mayer?)

I ron and Wine. Smooth and Classy as always.

J oshua Radin, John Mayer, & my main man, Justin Timberlake. Triple Threat, BOOM!

K illers. (and Ke$ha for some college reminiscing, of course.)

L ove Drug. No one else deserves to be mentioned in their presence in the L category, sorry all.

M atchbox Twenty, Maroon 5, Matt Wertz, Matt Nathanson, Mumford...
M IS the best letter, after all!

N eon Trees

O neRepublic, Our Lady Peace. Oh baby...

P arachute and Paul Simon. Classics

Q (anyone got a Q?)

R egina Spektor. Piano Ma'm

S afety Suit, Slightly Stoopid, Switchfoot, The Script, Sarah Bareilles (Should I keep going?) 

T hird Eye Blind (Cue 1998), Tracy Chapman (Fast Car), and OF COURSE- Train

U ndeserving

V an Morrison, Vertical Horizon (You're a God)

W ooden Birds

X-Zibit (I know, I'm a G- Pimp My Ride, SON!)

Y oung the Giant (You thought I was gonna say Young Money, didn't you?)

Z ac Brown Band- A little country can't hurt... can it?

Of course there are many, many more for each letter, but I tried to pick out some favorites. Look through your iPod, who are you listening to? Any of these match your favorites?

Ah, happy musical Monday! Go dance in the sunshine, would ya?!

Inspiration

I hope this inspires your morning, noon, and night. It always helps me to think with good music and warm thoughts. Go out and take on the day!

Dear Bloggers...

You're Welcome.

Let's Stay Together- Adam Levine

Happy Thursday... Ohhh babbyyyy

Experimental Exercise

Lately, I've been in a little running rut. Waking up every morning, lacing up the sneakers, and hitting the road for a run has always been a highlight to each and every day. But with so many blogs, advertisements, TV commercials, etc... encouraging different workouts for different mind sets, I couldn't help but feel a little adventurous.

This past week was somewhat of a speed dating course with different exercises. Monday, the warmer temps got the best of me, and I made my way up to Gambrill State Park for a 6 mile hike. Apart from the sunshine and light breeze, the hour and a half I got to spend in between trees was delightful 

(Plus, climbing those hills made my bootay feel blissfully sore in the morning!)

Tuesday, I tried some cycling, and Wednesday was a long, long 7 mile speed walk. Both were a welcome change from the running I was so keen to jumping into.

Today, I am heading to the local YMCA to try Zumba 

(Gotta get these dance moves out from in front of my mirror, you know). 

I'm sure it'll be one of these moments...

Who knows what tomorrow will bring? It's Spring time! Time to mix things up a bit!

Happiness is...

• Waking up to a downpour and a promisingly DRENCHING day, with no plans but a bed, covers, and starting a new book
  
  
• Cake batter french toast for breakfast 

 Batter Recipe

• Nude O.P.I Nail Polish

• Doodling on wide ruled spiral paper
  
• Watching home movies
  
• Finding your first iPod (EVER) in the back of the old bookshelf, ((still charged and functional)), and listen to that "rainy day" playlist from 2004 on repeat

What is making you smile today?

Quick post-workout smoothie

This recipe is quick, easy, tastey, and perfect to refuel after a long run! Potassium, carbs, calcium, sugars, and antioxidents. Boom! The whole she-bang!

Peanut Butter Slam Jam Smoothie

2 Tbs Peanut Butter (I used Jif Naturals/Organic with no added sugars)
2 cups 1% milk
1 Handful of black berries
1 Banana
1 Squirt Honey

Blend that baby and you're ready to slurp! 

Now, excuse me as I escape the howling winds and cold temps by snuggling with my blankey and listen to Ray on repeat.

A Rainy Thursday Playlist

The clouds may be shades of gray and leaking droplets along the pavement, but doesn't that make today sound like a lovely opportunity to explore new music and relish in Starbucks' new BLONDE Roast coffee? (Because everything is better blonde [; )

Sitting in a coffee shop, watching the weather splash shadows across the sidewalk, I've been wandering the online music-sphere and came up with this sweet little playlist. 

Kina Grannis- Valentine
The Fray- I Can Barely Say
Drake- Practice

Johnny Cash- Folson Prison Blues
Augustana- Someone's Baby Now
The Fray- Munich
Train- When I Look to the Sky (Radio Edit)

Augustana- Twenty Years
Chris Brown- With You
Zee Avi- Concrete Wall (Mansions on the Moon Remix)
Alanis Morissette- Underneath
Boyce Avenue- A Thousand Miles (Vanessa Carlton Cover)

John Mayer- Gravity
Matt Nathanson- Kept
Sia- Breathe Me
Jem- It's Amazing
Drake- Over My Dead Body

The Fray- Rainy Zurich

What are your favorite lounge-day tunes?

Gleeful on this Thursday

Did anyone out there catch the recent episode of Glee? The Michael Jackson tribute episode? Anyone?

Well, if you are a glee fan but have yet to view this spectacular episode of Michael hits, BEWARE! There are spoilers!

This episode blew me away. (Yes, I have been an avid Glee watcher for a couple years now and have an idea of what previous episodes look like) So I can easily say that this epic episode will stand out! Quinn getting into Yale, Kurt getting into NYADA, Rachel and Finn agreeing to tie the knot... all minor details that disappear behind the music that this episode so-happily drowns in.

Honestly, I have never been a HUGE fan of Michael Jackson (but I do pay him much respect for his influence on the pop-culture explosion!) This episode shines so much light on some of his greatest musical stylings! Did you see it? Even if you didn't, which of these covers stand out to you?

Happiness is...

Happiness is...

Finding yellow cake mix and chocolate chocolate-chip frosting in the back of your cupboard and making cupcakes to celebrate any ordinary Friday...

Your "nostalgia" playlist that contains Natalie Imbrugulia, Spice Girls, Matchbox20, and Incubus

Wearing all new Vickies in the quiet confines of your bedroom playing solitaire

Browsing aimlessly in a mom N' pop book store

 

Buying the newest issue of "Real Simple"

Taking a walk with no music but the sound of sunshine

How do you measure your happiness?

Through Pictures

My Mind right now is kind of a mess... so thanks go to We Heart It, but this is on my mind...

If I had a Valentine...

Valentines Day is coming up on Monday...*Sigh*

I really do love this "holiday", No matter if I am single or taken...

I think it's extremely cute and another reason for us girlies to indulge in chick flicks, chocolate, candy, and flowers... 

(even if they don't necessarily come from a guy)

Unfortunately, I can be a hopeless romantic... and have thought of what the perfect Valentine's Day would consist of for me...

*A handwritten Love Letter

Who takes the time to send snail mail anymore? Someone who wants to take the time to sit and hand write their feelings for you and give you something truly timeless, that's who!

* A simple conversation over coffee, just the two of us

'nuff said.

* A CD with my/his favorite songs
I truly believe the music we listen to speaks a multitude of who we are within our hearts...

Mix them together and you have the foundation of two souls diverged into one soundtrack

*ME making HIM dinner...
I love to cook, and one of the greatest pleasures I have is creating something that tastes good and makes the other person fulfilled and happy. It must be eaten while lounging on the couch, in sweats/PJ's.

*Painting Project together....

I have always wanted to do this...
Hang a large canvas over the limbs of a tree, get 2-3 small buckets of bright colored paints, dip the brushes and splatter paint something crazy, fun and unique

(may get messy, and that's 100% ok!)

Until then... I shall spend this upcoming Valentines Day going downtown with the roomies, getting fabulous cupcakes, and cooking dinner for each other...

Anyone have any special plans for their upcoming Vday?

Happy Day, All <3

Random "I Love This Song" Post

Just a quick post...just because! 

It was midnight, November 17 2009 when I purchased the Onerepublic album, "Waking Up".

Perhaps it was the atmosphere that engulfed me that night, one I can remember like it was yesterday.

Awaiting the release of this killer album on iTunes, followed by us heading out to see a meteor shower on the beach. And I just couldn't stop playing one track in particular all the way there.... 

And I have just come across this music video today! One Year and about three months later.

Something about this video just strikes me as incredibly beautiful.

Perhaps it's the camera work that uses zooms, jumping stills, or instrumental close ups that bring feeling behind every screen shot.

Or perhaps it's the awesome scenery playing out in the background: Gray shale clouds, beige strands of grass and weeds floating in the wind, with worn broken fence posts making grids behind the artists.

Or perhaps it's just this song that I love that can make me smile and realize, you know what?
I'm living the Good Life

Happiness Now

The Daniel Fast Starts in T-6 Days

Taking a Break from Facebook and Twitter

Going to read one more whole book for pleasure before the chaos of classes

The Dog Days are Over