Smile A While . . .

Ever have one of those days where you feel like this? :

Well yesterday, that was pretty much me after I passed my road test. Not much else to say but enjoy this AND smile.

New Music Monday

For the second week in a row, I'm going to tell you lovies about a CD that has been out for a while, since August of last year to be exact. So it's not exactly new-new, but hey roll with me.  A Fine Frenzy may be to you a little known band, but to others that have heard of them and are fans of adult alternative, this band is probably in heavy rotation on their ipods. A Fine Frenzy consists of an amazing vocalist and an even more amazing band that gives their music an uncommon sound; nothing wrong with different. It's not everyday we hear a vocalist quite like Alison Sudol and the lyrics she comes up with on each of her CD's are amazing. A Fine Frenzy's first album One Cell in The Sea always reminds me, personally, of teenage agnst (sue me, I'm fresh out my teenage years), but their sophomore album Bomb in a Birdcage is definitely a more mature sound and has a bit less of a serious note to it.

There are many amazing songs on this particular album, but today I'm going to share with you three of my favorite; maybe four if you're lucky. ;)

The first up off Bomb in a Birdcage is "Happier."  Ever hear a slow/sad song about breaking up? Well A Fine Frenzy and Alison Sudol have taken the opposite route and created an upbeat breakup song. Pretty neat if I do say so myself. Check it out:

(unfortunately, the embedding option is disabled on the official videos for all of these).

Another one of my personal favorites off this CD is "Blow Away."

This song most definitely makes me think of vacation and peaceful, happy times. A definite summer song to add to your playlist.

My third favorite from this album would have to be, "Electric Twist." It's upbeat as well, which is so different for AFF; it's much appreciated though. Have a listen:

Lastly, since I can't resist, I'm including a fourth favorite song from this album entitled "Stood Up." It seems very rebelesque (not a word, but a band I know. But I'm using it as a word) and has a definite head nodding aspect to it:

Loving this band? Never heard of them before and interested in purchasing one or both of their CDs? Check them out here: One Cell in the Sea & Bomb in a Birdcage.

Have an awesome Monday and cheers to new music!

Inspirational Sundays

So today, I stumbled across a quote that I've read before; sometime last year I believe, and I read it over and realized: "man, I totally ignored what I was suppose to learn from that." It's sort of like tripping over a rock called stupid a few times before realizing that wise council or advisement has been there the entire time and you just want to do things your way until it blows up in your face. 

Okay, rant over. 

Here's the quote:

“When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” - Alexander Graham Bell

I realize, especially in hard times, we tend to dwell on the negative and wondering why things didn't work out the way you wanted them to and in reality, there may be another door to a better opportunity open and we ignore it because what we thought was best for us didn't work out. Maybe the reason why that particular door closed is because it wasn't as great for you as you thought and the better door will lead you in the correct way you should go. 

That's just my take on things. Enjoy your Sunday.

Breathe Easy Saturday

Well good morning to you all; I hope this Saturday morning finds you rested and thoroughly relaxed. Today's song for this Breathe Easy Saturday came to me a week ago while I was making my mother's website for her nonprofit organization. This song in particular comes from my childhood, my parents played a variety of music when I was young, some of it stuck with me while others have been forgotten. But this song, I remember it being a nice feel good and uplifting song. Just what we need on this beautiful Saturday, right? Right!

So without further ado, I present to you today's music for this glorious Breathe Easy Saturday, "Fields of Gold" by Sting:

Just taking time to listen to the lyrics, paired with the slow rhythm of the song, and Sting's amazing voice, will have you feeling better about your day. And if that doesn't work, at least you have an amazing new song that you can add to your playlist. Interested? Get it here: Fields Of Gold

Have an awesome day lovies.

Book Review Friday!

For the past few years it seems that everyone has been caught up in the Twilight Saga books, forgetting that OTHER books do exist (not saying that I haven't read the Twilight books, but com'on) and that they're just as good if not better than this saga surrounding vampires and shape shifters. So in looking for something a bit different from Edward Cullen's blood sucking ways I set out in pursuit of the Barnes & Noble website and began browsing the new the releases; I came I across two books that grabbed my interest and one of which I will present to you in this edition of Book Review Friday.

Now, I'm not a teenager anymore nor am I like an ancient adult, so I felt that I would still be able relate to the heroine of this book and boy was I right. 'Shiver' is about a young woman named Grace who basically takes care of herself and is left alone more often than a young woman in high school should be. Grace, as well as her friends have developed an obsession with the wolves that live in the woods behind Grace's home. For Grace there is one wolf in particular holds her heart. One day in particular, something happens to Grace that puts her in a predicament with the wolves that leads her to discover the unknown. What she unearths about her yellow eyed wolf leads her into a world she never thought existed. 


This is an extraordinary read for the summer time and if you are looking for a series, then you've found it in Maggie Stiefavter's Shiver series. Having been taken with the concept of Twilight over two years ago the concept of reading about shape shifters has stuck with me, so Sam the ideal wolf/boy appeals to me as the lead male character. He is sweet, caring, and a bit mysterious which is enough to tickle any high school aged girl's fancy. As for Grace, the lead female character, she is the exact opposite of many of the heroines we read about in other books. She's strong willed, independent, sure of what she wants and that includes Sam. So want a break from the norm? Venture into the world of Shiver, you won't regret it.

The second installment of the 'Shiver' series is due out July 20, 2010; it's called 'Linger'. I'm looking forward to reading the continuation of Sam and Grace's story, so until next time on Book Review Friday - happy reading!


Interested in purchasing 'Shiver'? Check it out here: Shiver. Want to pre-order 'Linger', the second installment? Here you go: Linger


Not following Maggie Stiefavter on Twitter? @MStiefvater  Do it! She'll keep you up to date on all the 'Shiver' and 'Linger' happenings. 

Remembering Michael Jackson

Can you believe that a year ago today, the king of pop passed away? I remember the day I heard the news like it was yesterday. I had just come home from the hair salon and my friend called me telling me Michael Jackson died and of course my automatic response was: "Stop lying." I refused to believe it. So instead of trying to further convince me herself she told me to turn on the television, so I did. It was all over the news saying that he had passed away and lovies, guess what my response to that was? You guessed right: "Stop lying."

It seemed impossible for a man of that magnitude of talent to have died so young. Then again, when you think about it, it's common knowledge that Michael had been creating wonderful music for us for YEARS and although the music was happy, he never seemed too happy himself. Sad to say, but he's in peace now and happier than he probably ever was on earth. Anywho, let's celebrate today this wonderful man that seemingly left us too soon.

Haven't purchased Michael's 'This Is It' DVD? Get it: Michael Jackson: This Is It . Interested in John Mayer's cover of 'Human Nature' from the above video? Well unfortunately it isn't purchasable, but there is another acoustic version of the song that's just as wonderful by Marty Schwartz and Jason Eskridge. Add it to your playlist: Human Nature .

Smile a While . . .

Need a laugh? Well the following video was sent to me by a friend about a month ago when I was feeling a bit down about graduating college and leaving all the awesome people I met, behind. So throughout the day she tried telling me jokes and well . . . it worked, but nothing made me smile and laugh quite like this video of The Puppet Pals: The Mysterious Ticking Noise.

So having a bad day? Let this cheer you up.

Ah, nothing better than Harry Potter Puppets.

Airplanes - B.o.B feat. Hayley Williams

The song that has been blowing up the airwaves for weeks now, finally has a video. "Airplanes" by B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams (of Paramore) is a song that not only appeals to people gunning for hip hop music, but to those that also love the concept of rock and merging it with different music genres. The video concept is simple yet matches the concept of the song, nothing over the top or too simplistic. If you haven't watched it, take a peak.

A fan of B.o.B? Purchase his album: B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray [Explicit] . Don't want the whole album and just want to listen to the AMAZING Hayley Williams go to town on the chorus of "Airplanes"? Add it to your playlist: Airplanes [Feat. Hayley Williams Of Paramore] (Explicit Album Version) .

Happy listening.

Happy Birthday Cyndi Lauper

In honor of the freaking amazing 80's pop icon's birthday, I thought why not post a video or two of her amazing songs? You all know you love her, enjoy and I hope she has a wonderfully blessed birthday.

Interested in adding these classic 80's song to your playlist? Check them out here: The Goonies 'R' Good Enough (Single Version), Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Album Version) .

New Music Monday

I have always been interested in different types of music, many of you may have already noticed this and will continue to notice, that I'm pretty all over the place with my music taste. So I thought why not share my eclecticity.

So for this beautiful New Music Monday I want to bring you an album that has been released for a while now, since April 13, 2010 - it's called You I Wind Land and Sea and the wonderful artist responsible for the CD jam-packed with musical goodness is Justin Nozuka. You I Wind Land and Sea is the follow up album to Nozuka's debut album Holly; in which he wrote and recorded while in high school. Now two years later, You I Wind Land and Sea encompasses all the things that originally made him and his music lovable, but including some more mature sounds and even some things that take you by surprise (pleasantly, of course).

Throughout this album, Justin's heartfelt lyrics and entrancing melodies are what captivate the ear; it makes one wonder what he'll say next or what topic he'll cover that you can relate to. As an artist he has grown musically and lyrically; at his current progression by the time he reaches thirty he'll be a staple in acoustic rock/pop.

Now that the regalement of Justin is through let's get on to some wonderful music samples from this album. Who knows I may even throw a song from Holly in the mix as well.

From You I Wind Land and Sea :

"My Heart is Yours" is a song with foot tapping melody and soulful lyrics about love; a wise choice for first single (in my opinion). Take a listen:

A favorite song of mine off this album would have to be "Unwoken Dream (King With Everything)"; the song begins with just Justin's wonderfully soulful and raspy voice and his acoustic guitar. Nothing else marring (back up singers, voice alternations, etc.) the wonderfulness of this song. Check it out.

And the last taste off You I Wind Land and Sea will be "Love." Enjoy.

And for a treat, here's the song that made all the Nozuka lover's fall in love with his sound, voice, and lyrics. "After Tonight" on his debut album Holly.

Now, as if you'd need anymore convincing after all that amazing tuneage, if you're interested in more of Justin's music you can purchase Holly or You I Wind Land and Sea on iTunes. If you like what you heard, you definitely won't regret the purchase.

Happy Monday!

Inspirational Sundays - Father's Day Edition

Today while in church, my pastor's wife preached on fathers (of course she would, it is Father`s Day after all). She spoke about how not only are we blessed with earthly fathers, but with God, who is our Heavenly Father as well. I've heard this before and never really gave it a second thought until today since my dad has been present my whole life. Most people don't have father`s that are active in their lives and all they know is their mother, but in reality we all have a father that loves us very much regardless of whether or not we can see him; He's been there all our lives and has orchestrated it into something great (even if we can't see that right now). So if your father is absent today, just think on that . . . you have the greatest father there is in heaven.

Also, in regards to Father's day I stumbled across a few quotes that I thought I would share. Enjoy them on this Inspirational Sunday.

"There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself."- John Gregory Brown, Decorations in a Ruined Cemetery, 1994

"Be kind to thy father, for when thou wert young, Who loved thee so fondly as he? He caught the first accents that fell from thy tongue, And joined in thy innocent glee." - Margaret Courtney

"I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection."- Sigmund Freud

"It's only when you grow up, and step back from him, or leave him for your own career and your own home—it's only then that you can measure his greatness and fully appreciate it. Pride reinforces love."-- Margaret Truman

And lastly . . .

Then I said to you, "Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place. - Deuteronomy 1:29-31

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. Enjoy your day!

Breathe Easy Saturdays

Have you ever just had a song that you had to play on repeat? A song that represented where you were in your life at the moment? Or just a song that has lyrics that basically encompass the type of day your having? Well if you're anything like me, I'm sure you have experienced this very thing. I have a different song stuck in my head every day and I thought, why not share my musical thoughts and ramblings with you.

So today's Breathe Easy Saturday video comes to you from John Mayer and his cover of Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'."

Unfortunately, since the official video for the song has restrictions, I can't post that one. BUT if any of you are interested in listening to this lovely cover and watching the OFFICIAL video take a peak here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wJ-VPqFzy0&feature=related .

Anywho, for the last I would say week this song has definitely been the one song that I play constantly. I'm not sure what it is, but through all the chaos of life . . . this song sort of takes you to another place and just makes the day more bearable. I know there are many songs out there that do the same thing . . but this is definitely my song for this Breathe Easy Saturday. Enjoy.

Katy Perry - California Gurls

Katy Perry - California Gurls: "Teenage Dream"

Katy Perry - New Music - More Music Videos

Ah Katy Perry, you never cease to amaze with your videos. When one hears the concept of California girls you automatically think that there will be a beach in the picture somewhere with scantily clad women running around in water, splashing one another. However, Katy Perry must have figured that this is the stereotypical video concept that people were expecting and went in a different direction with this. "California Gurls" goes against the stereotypes by combining aspects from Alice in Wonderland and the Candy Land game, merging them together and bringing them to life. In saying this, you must admit that this is really a different concept from a lot of the videos that are gracing the television screen now and it's nice to take a break from the norm and see something a little more cheery and less dark (I, for one, am grateful that she isn't wearing something resembling a dominatrix. That concept is getting a bit worn out).

So if you haven't taken a peak at this unique and cheery video, get to it. Whether you like pop music or Katy Perry in general I am sure that you'll find yourself nodding to the song, enjoying the video, and possibly even head on over to iTunes to download the song for your summer playlist.

Lady Gaga - Alejandro

• Lady Gaga - Alejandro: "The Fame Monster"

Now, I love Lady Gaga as much as the next girl, but this video has absolutely thrown me for a freaking loop. I don't know how to feel about it, which sucks because I love the song. I've often thought Lady Gaga can't do anything crazier than what she's already done, apparently I was wrong. Every video she's done I've come to eventually like; this one makes me a bit uneasy, however, not uneasy enough to dislike her as an artist entirely.

Although this video was just released three days ago people are already in a serious uproar about it being sacrilegious and offending to the children/young teenagers that will see it. These same individuals are saying that Lady Gaga's music shouldn't be listened to due to the messages her songs portray as well as the images being presented in her videos. I, on the other hand, may not understand the message behind the video, but it is obvious this video contains artistic meaning and not all people will be able to accept that or see that when watching. There is a deeper meanings behind many of Lady Gaga's songs, most don't take the time to research what is going into their ears and write her off as trash or a copy of Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson, Cher, or anyone else considered controversial.

These artists mentioned where at one time in the same boat or still are in regards to their music; these are the names that have made great impacts on music by stepping outside the box and creating music that expresses how they see things or how they feel. Gaga has obviously worked her butt off in regards to her career, going from a girl trying to make it in Long Island, New York to a woman working to have the world hear her music and to touch lives with messages in song that many often don't venture into.

So although the video gives me the heebee jeebees, Lady Gaga obviously put her heart and soul into it, just like other artists and for that she should not be shunned or the video deemed trash, but we should look at the bigger picture and appreciate her music for what it's worth.

Jury Freaking Duty . . . =/

Don't you just love being an adult? I mean seriously, I can't get a job, can't get an internship, but guess what I can get darlings? Jury duty. Doesn't it just make your stomach do one of those uncomfortable flips? I know it does for mine. I mean honestly . . . what a way to kill a Friday. I'm currently sitting in this cold room; AC on full blast, and it's only 67 degrees outside right now and I'm waiting on them to call my name so I can be questioned. Then not only will they ask me question I don't give a rat's butt about, but then I have to waste the rest of my day sitting around doing nothing in a court house. Sheesh.

To top it all off they showed us this video, telling us that serving jury duty was an honor and we should be glad to serve the New York justice system. Right. Mind you the video had midevil knights in it; any video with KNIGHTS in it should not be trusted or at least that's how I feel about it. =/ LOL .

What would make my day even a teeny bit better would be for them to turn down this God-awful air conditioning. It was still SPRING last time I checked and it was definitely only 56 degrees the other day.

This weekend better bring some not so suckiness my way . . . or else.

Jobless in New York

As of next week Wednesday, I will have been graduated from college for a month. That's so insane to think about. Now since I can't find a job in the field that I've gone to school for, I've taken to blogging the things that I want to write about; including a few ramblings here and there about my own dealings.

I'm trying my best to get an internship, but even those are a bit difficult to attain these days. So while I wait and send resumes out like they're going out of style, I'll take to blogging the things that interest me. I'm a very eclectic person and a lot of things that I enjoy are often polar opposites. So I hope you stick with me and enjoy the things I've got to say.