Thursday, June 30

hair.

So, I've been a short hair girl for as long as I can remember... but I started growing it out about a year ago. My hair is getting long, but suddenly I am DYING DYING DYING to chop some of it off! Anyway, I've always been in love with Katie Holmes and Reese Witherspoon. They are such classy ladies. So, when I saw Katie's new hairstyle on the cover of Elle I fell in love.







I want this cut SOOOOO bad! Tell me what you think PLEASE!

Wednesday, June 29

Besties!

I'm off work tonight and I can't sleep. Since everyone else is in bed I've been playing around editing pictures.

I'm posting my favorite one... a collage of me and my three favorite girls in the world! Amber, April, Ashley, and I have been taking pictures in this pose since college. Its a tradition that I hope lasts a long time! I love these ladies!


Click on the picture to make it big! Its worth a look! =)



 
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thankful.

Well, I've had an odd week so far. I sprained my ankle Saturday night at work. Even so, I'm thankful for people and things in my life that have gone well...

1. My coworkers on my floor were SO sweet when I hurt my foot. Roxxie wrapped it up for me (which saved me from absolutely dying from the pain!) and the rest of the third shift staff really picked up the slack when I couldn't do everything I normally do. Ms. Orr even switched schedules with me so I'd have a night off to rest and recover. I was SOO grateful for a little time to rest.

2. My wonderful step dad Jon came all the way to my house and picked up my laundry. Then he and my mom washed, dried, and folded it and he brought it back all nice and clean. I was worried about how I'd get that big basket over to my apartment's laundry room, but my family saved the day and took care of everything! I LOVE them!

3. I got an email today from a professor that asked me to call her and discuss an assignment we'd turned in for class. I was SO nervous, but I just went ahead and called her. Turns out that she thought I did a great job! She gave me some great feedback on things I could improve and told me that I was doing well and she was excited about my future with the program. It made my entire week good to hear such encouraging words! I was so excited I had to call my mom and tell her!

4. Harrison's been keeping me company since I'm crippled at the moment. Its nice to have someone to sit around and watch movies, eat Mike & Ike's and such with... even if he does fall asleep halfway through. =)

5. Summer session of grad school is almost over. I can't believe I have survived and even done relatively well. It was a whirlwind experience to say the least! I went out for dinner and drinks after class with everyone last weekend. I'm really excited about learning and becoming a counselor, but I am also really excited about the people I'm spending the next two years with. The other people in my cohort are so nice! Everyone is really smart and they are all so eager to help each other out. I feel really lucky to be sharing this experience with so many amazing new friends.

6. Its been really nice to relax in my apartment over the last few days while I've been hurt. I got new sheets the day before I got hurt... I think that was God's way of making it all a little bit better! I've certainly had time to break them in over the last few days! I am so blessed to have my own little place. Its clean and quite and comfortable. Its so nice to have a place thats such an expression of me. I know that not everyone has such a nice place to come home to, so I am so grateful!

7. If you're reading this then I'm thankful for you too! Thanks for checking in with me! =) Now, leave a comment and tell me whats going on with you!

Friday, June 24

Parachute.

Happy Saturday! Just wanted to share a musical gem with everyone out there. Parachute has been one of my favorite bands for a while now, and their second CD just come out last month.



So, what do I love about Parachute? Aside from the fact that they are ADORABLE (see above) their music is awesome. If you're like me, you'll remember what it was like to listen to your favorite boy band on the radio in the 90s. I always got SO excited when I head Nsync on my radio! Parachute is my adult alternative!

Oh, even if you didn't fall into the boy band craze, you know those bands I'm talking about – the ones who play songs that make you feel good inside from the moment you first hear them? The harmonies are tight, the lyrics are soulful and the music just makes you want to sing along? Yep – that’s Parachute.

Parachute's first major record, Losing Sleep was incredible. I included below the video from my favorite song on the first CD.



As far as the new record, I'm quoting a reviewer that I like to read below... he just described the record perfectly, so I thought I'd share his thoughts (which I completely concur with!)

"Parachute began in 2008 under the moniker Sparky’s Flaw. After three releases, the band changed their name and wrote and released Losing Sleep. Losing Sleep did not reach the success it deserved, but it still debuted at number 2 on the digital release charts. Not too shabby. Parachute has toured with O.A.R., Matt Nathanson, Kelly Clarkson, Palin White T’s, The Goo Goo Dolls, and many others. The band continued to gain recognition by appearing on television programs like Jimmy Kimmel Live, Good Morning America, The Early Show, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The Way It Was was released on the 17th of May and reached #1 on the iTunes Rock Charts and #2 overall. I completely expected this well deserved reception.

To be honest, I have put this review off for several days for two reasons. First, I have not had the drive or time to write when all I want to do is listen to this record. Second, I have no idea how I can put into words the magnificence of this collection of lyrical, melodic, and instrumental perfection. I had high expectations for The Way It Was, and when I have set the bar high for a record, I usually end up disappointed. This is a well-needed exception.

White Dress starts the album off with an upbeat vibe that immediately sends the toes a’tappin’ and head a’bobbin’. If you are a new listener, take a moment to take in your surroundings as you experience Will Anderson’s voice for the first time. Will’s has a way of writing songs that both convey his feelings and thoughts, and infects the listener. The control he has on his voice is nearly incomparable.

You and Me is an uplifting song reflecting the excitement and depression that accompanies love. Anderson is dreaming of a Bonnie & Clyde type scenario. Freud may suggest that he is deeply infatuated with the female subject of his dream. Missing out on a real life relationship, Will manifests one while he sleeps. With he, the robber, and she, the driver, the couple commits the perfect crime and all ends happy. That is until he awakes and finds himself alone again. Maybe if he had done something differently she would be there dreaming alongside him.

Something To Believe In is the lead single from the record. I would not have picked this song per se, but it is definitely one of the strongest on the album. It is excellently produced and written. It not only features the inspiring vocals of Anderson, but also a full choir of soulful Baptists. A supposedly African American woman belts out several lines, perfectly complimenting the powerful tones of Parachute’s lead vocalist. Lyrically, the song is a pathway to finding faith. The song’s doubtful subject is waiting around, waiting for God to find them, but God can’t find his way into them without a little help. It’s a rough life we have to live, but for some, having faith in something more than themselves can make a world of difference. I can deeply relate to this song and I think many listeners will find something in this song.

Forever and Always is both the best song on the album and now my marriage proposal (this is more romantic than my Pokémon idea). Furthermore, I love a story, and I love when it’s put to music. I’m not going to type this one out for you. I want you to listen to this song. There is no way I can explain it better than it is already written. This story is incredibly sad, but it’s a good reminder of how short life is.

Now do something for me. Stop reading. Take a moment to tell your nearest loved one that you love them. You never know when life is going to be cut short. Resume Reading.

I have listened to this song somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 times. I don’t think I will ever tire of the story it tells or the melody it brings. This song is what makes music so special to me. It makes me think, it makes me cry, it makes me glad. It isn’t just track 4 on an album. It is something in itself that can’t be reproduced. If you are strapped for cash and can’t afford to buy The Way It Was, just buy this single. You won’t regret it. [update: Play count 60+ (I listen while I write)]

What I Know is track 5 on The Way it Was and is as about as close to a title track as you can get (there being two songs with the album’s title within them). This song deals with a girl leaving the singer for someone else. Despite his pleas, she leaves without giving him any hint as to a reason. So, he drives. He drives and tries to figure it all out. Plenty of choir echoes resound in the background and the beat pounds through to the very end.

American Secrets is an awfully appealing song. Also containing the album title its lyrics, the song has two parts. The first half is summer themed pop number. A couple is out driving around and enjoying the company each provide for each other. However, as the sunlight fades, their date does as well and the girl leaves the boy to return to her home. The calendar might say that day has ended, but it continues on in the boy’s head.

Years later, a man who was once the boy in that car has come to realize what the girl really meant to him. It appears that she has passed on. He is eager to great her in Heaven. American Secrets is a pure love song as only Parachute could provide.

Kiss Me Slowly is the second best song on the album. It’s play count in winamp only surpasses Forever and Always because it was released earlier as a single. Radio ready, this song is romantic and impossible to resist. This song made me more excited for an album than any single I have heard before. I had it on repeat for somewhere around 5 hours one day while I showered, washed dishes, and shot some hoops. I sang along the entire time. I find it amazing that I haven’t grown tired of it yet. It must be good.

Halfway differs musically from the rest of the album. It holds a certain classic rock/blues/pop vibe that sticks out from the rest of the tracks. As does the sassiness of the lyrics. Will departs from the sappy love song and takes a dive into the edgier end of love. The girl is a player. She likes playing games with a new guy every night, but this boy is about to change that. “He may not be what she wants, but he is gonna be her halfway.”

Philadelphia closes the album on a smooth note. Almost a John Mayer like song, it follows a man and a woman. They both have problems in love and I’m not going to take it any further than that. The lyrics are hard to follow, but the song is epic in a beautiful sense and a perfect closer to a perfect album.

The Way it Was not only lived up to my expectations, it surpassed them tenfold. Anderson’s writing and singing talent grows with every record Parachute makes. The band is fantastic in all aspects, as always. Instrumentals are flawless (no pun intended) and little things are added here and there to keep things different. Parachute is a quality band that has plenty of lasting power. I will proudly say that they are one of my favorite bands until my dying day and after. Please buy this record and try it out for yourself. My writing cannot fully bring the album to justice, I just hope it is enough to entice you to listen and learn to love the band for yourself. To the band, producers, and management, bravo, an album well done."

You can check out more of Jacob Tender's review HERE.

Monday, June 20

My pad.

So, my lovely friend April is always telling me that I need to spice up my blog with pictures. I'm more fond or writing, but I figured I'd give the picture thing a go at some point. I just never have anything to add pictures of. Anyway, I just moved into my own apartment for the first time, and although I miss my Cheyanne/little one/April (all that's a long story) it was SUPER fun to decorate my new place in all my own style. As such, I thought that now since I'm pretty much done I'd post some pictures of my favorite aspects of the new place. =)

Bedroom:


King size bed with a quilt made by my mom... oh and my favorite Ramones pillow case =)



70s furniture from Salvation Army that I'm in LOVE with.



Bought these at a yard sale. Painted them black... they got wet in the rain and it added a cool vintage look. Plus, it makes a GREAT place to hang up all my big necklaces... got the beads at a yard sale too!



Candlesticks were a gift from April. I <3 them!


Marilyn. A gift from Ashley!

Bathroom:


Used to be a light fixture. Bought it at a thrift store and hung it up as a candle holder... candles to be added soon.



Shower curtain. I picked the fabric. Mom sewed it. We're a good team.


Broke the handle, so I couldn't drink from the mug anymore. Couldn't throw it out, so a Beatles mug to hold all my Urban Decay goodies. Whaaaat could be better?!

Kitchen:


Bought this hanging fruit basket at a yard sale too. I LOVE it because it reminds me of the one my Nanny had when I was a kid.


Dining room curtains. Again I picked the fabric and Mom sewed them.


Cookbooks. And my alternative to a junk drawer. 10 cents well spent at Value Village. I like the nostalgia. Reminds me of being a kid. Unfortunately I can't get the picture to turn the right way!


My kitchen table is pretty much a study station. Robin got me this cute mug and I just had to find a better use than sitting in the cupboard waiting for some coffee.

Living room:


An overview.


Marilyn coasters.


Records! I credit Rayen with starting my love for vinyl.


Vintage lamp that Jon found me at a thrift store. One of my favorite parts of my apartment!


A Hard Day's night. I LOVE John's picture making the glasses!


Abbey Road & People for Peace. Obviously, I have a Beatles theme going on here.


Coffee table reading = Beatles & Elvis. <3 My FAVORITES. Probably should have been born in the 60s.


I fell in love with this hip native american style rug at a yard sale and got it for only 15 dollars!


Spray painted these frames I got from thrift stores and added them empty to the wall after I saw this idea on a design blog.]]


Ok, so there's a little overview of my 60s/70s inspired pad. I'll likely add some more later. Let me know if you like it and I'll invite you over to listen to a record and have some coffee.

Say.

listening to John Mayer (siiiiigh... he's just fantastic) tonight while I read for class. John's chill out vibe and thoughtful lyrics make him my go to study buddy. I'd forgotten how great these particular lyrics are. Bolded my favorite part. They remind me of healing from heartbreak. So scary to start loving again, but worth it in the long run...


"Say"

Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems,
Better put 'em in quotations

Say what you need to say [x8]

Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you'd be better off instead,
If you could only . . .

Say what you need to say [x8]

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You'd better know that in the end
Its better to say too much
Then never say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open


Say what you need to say [x24]



<3 ya'll. Sorry I'm MIA. Hang with me and I'll get back to bloggin when summer school is over.

Friday, June 3

Hate.

Thought of the day:

"As long as you hate, there will be people to hate..." - George Harrison


Thursday, June 2

autobiography

Happy June. Its hard to believe that 2011 is halfway over. Its been a good, good year so far.
Remember when I used to post on my blog regularly? I'm ATTEMPTING to get back to that this month! Here's a fun post... even though it isn't Friday.


Once you've been tagged, Fill this out and repost as, "My Autobiography" ... And use your own answers, not anyone else's.

1. Where did you take your profile pic?
My current Facebook picture was taken at April's bachelorette party at the Cajun Queen

2. What exactly are you wearing right now?
gray pajama pants. Winthrop t shirt.

3. What is your current problem?
too much stuff to do, not enough time to do it

4. What makes you happy most?
some wonderful people in my life

5. What's the name of the song that you're listening to?
The Beatles 'If I Fell"

6. Any celeb you would marry?
DUHHH. Justin Timberlake.

7. Name someone with the same birthday as you?
Hillary Duff

8. Ever sang by yourself in front of a large audience?
nope.

9. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?
I hear Kristin Vagness from Criminal Minds a lot... especially when I was blonde

10. Do you still watch kiddie movies or kiddie TV shows?
Finding Nemo is my favorite!

11. Do you speak any languages?
English

12. Has anyone you've been really close with passed away?
nanny, aunt Faith

13. Do you ever watch MTV?
Jersey Shore <3

14. What's something that really annoys you?
People twice my age who are half as competent at work!


Chapter 1:
===============

1. Middle name:
Taylor

2. Nickname(s):
Fresh

3. Current location:
my apartment

Eye Color:
blue

Chapter 2:
===============

1. Do you get along with your parent(s):
yep love them

2.Are your parents married/separated/divorced
happily married but not to each other

3. Do you have any Siblings?:
yep. AMAZING ones.

Chapter 3: Favorites
===============

1. Ice Cream:
oreooooo!

2. Season:
spring/summer

3. Shampoo/conditioner:
I prefer Aveda rosemary mint shampoo.

Chapter 4: Do You..
===============

1. Dance in the shower?
nope. I sing though

2. Do you write on your hand?
ALL THE TIME.

3. Call people back?
not usually. thats what texts are for

4. Believe in love?
eh.

6. Any bad habits?
about a million of them

7. Any mental health issues?
yeah. my job is a mental health issue

Chapter 5: Have You..
===============

1. Broken a bone?
nope

2. Sprained anything?
ankles

3. Had physical therapy?
nope

4. Gotten stitches?
possibly.

5.Taken painkillers?
sure

6. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling?
nope.

7. Been stung by a bee?
ugh. yes!

8. Thrown up at the dentist?
no. ugh. I hate he dentist.

9. Sworn in front of your parents?
I'm sure.

10. Had detention?
once. It was Colt's fault!!

11. Been called a ho?
more than likely


Chapter 6: Who/What was the last
===============

1. Movie(s)
The King's Speech. Thank you Redbox

2. Person you called?
mom

3. Person you hugged?
Leesa

4. Person you kissed?
Harrison

5. Person you tackled?
Leesa

6. Person you talked to on IM?
omgahhh. I couldn't tell ya. Facebook IM it was probably Kiley

7. Thing you touched?
macbook

8. Thing you ate?
fruity pebbles!

9. Thing you drank?
milk

10. Thing you said?
love you tooo!

Steal it, comment and tell me to go read yours. =)