Things are a changing.

Good-After-X-Mas-But-Still-Before-New-Years- Evening to All My Readers!

Sorry I didn't give you guys your Christmas gift yet, but don't worry I will be giving you one soon.  I have a new concept for the new years blog ready for it?  WEBISODES!  My first ever webisode will be up sometime after the new year, so I recommend you keep checking in!  There will be some big news and some awesome/cheap/unique/genuine/personalized things that you will have the chance of owning! 

But in other news, I hope each one of you had a wonderful Christmas-- or whatever you may celebrate, and if you do not celebrate anything I hope you just had a good week.  I snagged some good things like: Sixteen candles the movie, the gift of running (shorts, shirts and ear muffs), a beautiful bracelet, a book of pick me ups, and an amazing dress for my trip to Las Vegas in a few weeks, Yay! 

Also it was a great day too because of the NBA christmas special.  I mean I expected more from the Lakers when they played the Heat, but I guess it is what it is.  I mean the Suns put up a pretty good fight against Miami considering the change ups they recently made, so I just expected a better shot considering that LA is the reigning champ.  But then again you have to think about Lebron moving to Miami... I feel like that is just a big mess and that is too much talent for one team.  I don't know I'm just a 21 year old girl that has too many opinions when it comes to basketball.  But in other news I am really liking the new Orlando Magic line up; I am although a little bitter about the turn around for Turkaglu!  Where did his dynamics come from?  I am happy for him, but come on, a little effort with the suns would have been beneficial considering how much he was getting paid.  Speaking of the Sun, I am really glad they got Pietrus!  We need a big man, I mean he is no Dwight Howard ( what a beast) but they need a powerhouse down their because frankly Robin Lopez can't handle it alone!  But I think a few more trades might be in order just because Phoenix has so many 2-3 players.  It will be hard letting players go because they have so many forwards/shooting guards that are moving mountains... especially Jared Dudley and Channing Frye.  I was going crazy over how much Dudley has improved not only in his outside game but his athleticism.  I think if all the Suns players showed that kind of improvement it would be a whole different team, but who I would really like to see make the move is Dragic.  In my eyes he has so much potential, a faint touch of Kevin Johnson, if he would stop trying to be Steve Nash.  I know that he was deemed to take over when Steve Nash retires (hopefully not too soon :O), but I think he needs to find his own confidence before he takes any kind of responsiblity.  Some games he plays fearless, but in games like the one against Miami he plays as if it's his first.  I could go on for days, so I think I should stop now.
But beyond the gifts and basketball it was great being with my family.  This year was really different because I didn't get to go to my REAL home, instead we stayed in the city-- mostly because my mom had to work.  But no need to worry I will be going home tomorrow, so there will for sure be some great pictures( well as good as they can get on a camera phone) of Arizona Scenery.  People don't realize it but Arizona isn't composed of just desert, we have mountains, green trees, and sometimes if we are fortunate snow! 

Coming back to the present... I got to hang out with one of my best friends today.  Doesn't sound like much but its a pretty big deal because how far life has pulled us apart.  She pretty much out of high school got married, found a new religion, and has plans to make a family and becoming a reminiscent 50s house wife-- and me on the other hand I love to move, make new starts, no strings attached, travel anywhere anyone will let me sleep on their couch, and one day hope to be an amazing doctor who will help underdeveloped communities.  But what I love about her is that although she has changed greatly and I have changed equally we still have common ground.  That brought me to thinking about change in general.  When I was younger I thought of change as bad and it scared me; but as I have come to find out change is the most natural thing in the world and we should not stray away from it, but rather embrace the opportunity provides us.  So now my challenge to you is to try something different... eat something you wouldn't normally eat, read more, write more, appreciate nature more, any but just know that while you are doing it, you are becoming a different person, a better person. 

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Besides my "challenge to you"  

I would like to give you some of my own thoughts:

1.  I really, really appreciate all my Denmark viewers! I am not sure if there is a website that is directing my page to peoples in Denmark, but regardless I would like to give a shout out to all the those from that area that are supporting me! 

2.  Feel free to leave comments about what you like, what you don't like, what other things you would like too see, or just random stories!

3.  Don't hesitate to tell others about my blog, I love to learn about others and I want to share the amazing things I have encountered with who ever wants to hear and vis versa.

4.  If you know of any good blogs that you want to introduce me to go right ahead and do so!

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Entertainment!

Goddess on the Prairie- Hot Hot Heat

Hot Hot Heat is a Canadian band that has over the years surprised me.  Usually I don't like the emo nasally voice that the lead singer of this band sometimes taps into, but for some reason I have been drawn to them for quite sometime.  I think this video may on some subconscious level explain why, but I still don't understand (FYI I do not support prostitution of any sort).  I saw them live in Tucson and they were pretty good, they even had their own smoke machine that my roommate got attacked by!  But besides the good effects and the dummer's man-pony they put out some pretty good music,  so I hope you enjoy this video/song as much as I do!

Grace Potter and The Nocturnals

I somehow got my hands on a copy of this cd and have enjoyed it.  Grace Potter has the voice that complements the different elements of the album.  She maintains a feminine quality in the rock and roll vocals.  See for yourself!

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Fashionistas

I got a look at some of the Spring 2011 collections, and I must say I wish I could just post all the shows, but because of copy right laws and what not I can't.  But what I did was place just a few of the piece I found interesting and liked!  Tell me what you think!

        


 

           

                                                        
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Handwaves and Highfives,

BG

20+10=30 Albums.

I love end of the year count downs.  It's a time to look back and reflect.  I think I like it because I get to look back at all the good times I've had and the bad times i have overcome.  Unfortunately I'm not much a movie goer one because I can't sit through the films, and two they are way to expensive for me!  But I am constantly sampling music and listening to new albums while i drive, study, workout... well you get the idea.  So here is a list of 30 albums released in 2010(get it? 20+10=30?) categorized into my Top Albums of the year (in no particular order, that would be way to difficult for this amateur blogger), Honorable Mentions (albums that maybe have been skewed in my brain, but are still really really good) and the ones I Expected More from (albums that are pretty decent, but with all the hype and talk I expected more).  I know I am putting myself on the chopping block and I am sure 234567890 people will disagree with me but regardless I hope you enjoy!

Top Albums

Black Keys- Brothers

If I had to pick a top 3, this album would definitely be up there.  The dynamic duo mixed soul, rock, and to some degree a psychedelic feel good in this album.  You don't get vocals like this anymore!  Overall the album, in my opinion is a perfect compilation.  Even their videos give me the chills, take a peek-

"How do you feel about being dead?"-- "I don't know, my neck hurts."  

"You didn't look that cool out there"-- "Well at least I died doing what I love."

Vampire Weekend- Contra

I can't say anything bad about this album.  In a world with Ke$has, Justin Beibers and techno drenched EPs dropping every hot minute, Vampire Weekend instilled hope in me that the fate of music still has a chance.  The band manages to make an upbeat album but keeps it real.  The lyrics have depth and seem coherent on many levels.

Get a taste of this (although this single is on their first album):

"Why would you speak to me that way, especially when I always said that I haven't got the words for you, All your diction dripping with disdain, through the pain, I always tell the truth."  Check out my music player: Oxford Comma

Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Even Kanye's video is BRILLIANT!  At first I was a little skeptical of this album.  It took me a while to actually understand the full dimensions of this album, but believe me it really seems like a "Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"-- so much I would demand that the video be part of the album.  Kanye delivers again... lyrics  that can cut through a brick wall and beats that complement his lyrics.  Just be careful, it's very explicit, even he album cover has to be censored!

Cotton Jones- Paranoid Cocoon

Personally, I feel like Cotton Jones's album Paranoid Cocoon did not get the attention it deserved.  This album is a piece of art.  The mixture of male and female vocals creates a master piece of sound.  The name, Paranoid Cocoon, I feel does not do the music justice.  The music does not have one characteristic drop of paranoia.  On the contrary, this album creates a euphoric environment.  See for yourself, check out Gotta Cheer up Now on my music player!

The Roots- How I Got Over

You can literally see how The Roots got over.  This album from the veteran group illustrates every emotion dealing with getting over something be it a break up, a brick wall, or a stomach ache!  I would give this album best story award.  The lyrics takes you smoothly, with help from the vocals, from one story line to another.  If you need a pick up, take a listen to this album!

Cee Lo Green- The Lady Killer

With the smash hit "Fu*k You" and a cover called "The Lady Killer"-- you might get the idea that Green is just another male ranting about women.  But don't be fooled.  Cee Lo Green is a true artist.  He mixed many genre's from Jazz, R and B, and gives a nod back to groups like the temptations in this album, not to mention that his voice is perfect for every situation.  Have a listen to "Love Gun" featuring Lauren Bennett.

Gold Motel- Summer House

This Chicago 5 piece ensemble, is a solo project of the Hush Sound's Greta Morgan.  I had the privledge of seeing them preform in Boston; and let me tell you the vocals coming from this girl are just as amazing as they are on the album.  Summer House is just what it sounds like. It is a collection of music that you could imagine filling a summer house.  The beats are lively and lyrics are simple!

Eminem- Recovery

In my opinion this is the best Eminem album todate.  Usually I am not that huge of a fan of the rapper and hearing his woes of the world, but I think he has matured since the day so of  "My band" and The Marshall Mathers album.  His choice in collaborations are wise moves choosing artists like Rhianna and Pink but keeping Lil' Wayne in his back pocket.  Keep in mind it's still very "explicit", so if you are not one for his raw diction, I suggest skipping this one.

Mumford and Sons- Sigh No More

I'm always a sucker for English bands.  But unlike the recent english bands, (The Kooks, The Arctic Monkeys... ect) Mumford and Sons will not be getting much of teen crowd.  Mumford and Sons is true to the legacy of Folk with hints of rock.  The band lets their instruments speak for themselves.  The instrument composition is probably one of the best I have heard in quite sometime.. probably since the O'Brother Where Art Tho?  soundtrack.  I say this band, regardless of their lack of Beiber fans is going places and their album Sigh No More is a great start.

Surfer Blood- Astro Coast

This band, although only in its infant stage, has taken their audience by storm.  The Florida band has a unique sound that can be contributed to the unique pitches and tones used.  What I really made this album stand out was the track "Neighbor Riffs".  The track contains no vocals and for 2 minutes and 11 seconds is centered around the sound of a guitar.  You don't see that much these days, all I can say is that I see big things for these guys. 

Morning Benders- Big Echo

Listening to this album is what I imagine living underwater is like.  The feel is so mellow, the sound will hit your ears and make the world seem like the world has stopped turning.  The overall sound has an old time feel, somewhat reflective of the doo-wop era-- Richie Valens' Donna, or The Everly Brother's All I have to do is Dream.  I give this album a top three rating.  Listen to "Promises" on my music player or "Excuses" below.

Peter Wolf- Midnight Souvenirs 

Midnight Souvenirs is by far the most eclectic album on this list.  Usually I would consider inconstancy in an album a flaw, but Peter Wolf manages to make it work.  It's country, rock, blues, soul, jazz, and folk all in one.  Words cannot, and should not describe this album, it simply must be experienced.

He's My Brother, She's My Sister- He's My Brother, She's My Sister

I love everything about this band.  I saw them open for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and was immediately impressed.  They have a cellist as their base, a tape dancer who is simultaneously their conga player, and an amazing sibling duo providing the vocals.  They are a truly unique band, with what I like to consider the "best drunk song"-- "How'm I Gonna Get Back Home Tonight?"  And with lyrics like "I threw the bottle straight at his head, Man I wish i would have chose his best friend instead" there is no reason to pass up this band!  You can hear "How'm I Gonna Get Back Home Tonight" on my music player!  Enjoy!

The Head and The Heart- The Head and The Heart

Another very small band has topped my music chart.  The Head and The Heart has the best harmonies I have heard in quite sometime.  It sounds interesting, but I kind of see them like a folksy beatles with incredible harmonies.  One of my favorite song is Lost in My Mind, take a listen.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros- Up From Below

I have had yet to met a person that hasn't fallen head over heels for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.  Yes they may give the hippie image, but who are we to judge?  This 14 piece band is unlike any other I have seen or heard.  They are great on record and even better live.  When I went to see them live, they had an entire concert hall bouncing away, but as an encore they had everyone sit in a circle and lead man Alex Ebert sit in the middle and sedate us with his voice.  I haven't seen anything like that since Selena, the movie.  But don't take my word for it hear it for yourself on my music player!

Spoon- Transference

Spoon, has been one of my favorite bands for quite sometime now.  I must admit Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga seemed like it could not be matched, but I was wrong.  Spoon did a fantastic job blending who they are/were as artists with who they are becoming.  Their sound is identifiable but is still very different.  I must say that the use of the piano on this album is genius.  Additionally, Spoon despite this being their 7th album has not lost their ability to set mood and attitude on an album.  

Honorable Mention

All these bands were great, but there was something a little off with each of them:

LCD Sound System- Is this Happening

     A little to techno for my taste.

The Young Veins- Take a Vacation!

    Too reminiscent of the Beatles, I would like to hear their own unique sound.

Local Natives- Gorilla Manor

    Long album, and got tired of it quickly.

Beach House- Teen Dream

    Everyone is raving about this, but the vocals were a little too eerie for me.  I think Cotton Jones is a better substitute. 

MIA- Maya

    Again too techno for me, but some great lyrics, and mix ups.

Arcade fire- The Suburbs

    I feel as if I have heard this before.

The XX- XX

    The album seemed to repetitive.

The Drums- The Drums

    Something was missing for me, I couldn't put my finger on it.

Nicki Minaj- Pink Friday

   I am a huge Nicki fan, which surprised me and everyone I know, but I like her collaborations on other peoples albums.  I think she should stick to that.

Gonjasufi- A Sufi and a Killer:  Great work, just think it sounds too much like poetry being spoken over music.

Expected More:

Kid Cudi- Man on the Moon Volume II: I was really excited about this one, but it was little bit of a let down comparing it to volume I.

Trey Songz- Passion Pain & Pleasure: I kept hearing great things about this, but I really didn't do anything for me, except Bottoms up, and it really was just the Nicki Minaj part.

Drake- Thank Me Later:  Meh, I feel like some songs were good, but others were not.   I am judging the whole album not just individual songs.

Weezer- Hurley: Probably my biggest let down.  I was so excited about this album, I even had a count down, but it wasn't true to Weezer, I guess I'll have to keep listening to the Blue Album for a few more years.

Around the World and Back Again.

Yesterday was one of the best days I have experienced during my time in Tucson.  I woke up did my usual routine and about 2:15 got picked up a good friend, Caleb T.  We decided to do some christmas shopping, so first on this list was going to the town of Oracle.  

Little did I know it was about 30-45 miles away!  But I was down for a trip.  I saw the most amazing little "villages", there was an electric store in a mobile home, a pretty cool senior center, and a landscape that was unique to Arizona.  

Our destination was a little antique shop, that looked like you could find everything you ever wanted.  I saw a really old camera that was cool, but didn't buy and a lot things my mother could blow her hard earned money on.  Caleb settled on a rooster  tea pot, for his mom because she had rooster fetish.  After that we were off, but rather than going the way we can back from we decided to take the long route.

 

We then stopped off at a little place called San sumn or other, which I must say was oober strange, but very cool.  There we went to a Family Dollar, the nicest Family Dollar I have ever seen, and looked for a Justin Beiber poster for Caleb's dad... don't ask or make implications about this on. 

 Sadly we weren't able to find it, so we ended up leaving and going to a really delicious restaurant across the street called "ROMOs".  It was sooo good.  Initially I was going to get a burro, but then someone challenged me to get something else, so I didn't an made it about 1/2 way through the meal... FAIL.  

By the time we left it was dark, and we were on very rough dirt road for about 30 miles.

 It was all great fun. I was convinced either my friend was going to leave me out in the middle of no where, we were going to get stuck in the middle of no where, or a bigfoot was going to run out infront of our car and then we would get stuck in the middle of no where.  

Thankfully we made it back to Tucson, alive and bigfootless and Caleb had the great idea of going to winterhaven.  I had no idea what that was, but I found out it was a big ole' neighborhood that went christmas crazy!  But before we could enter we had to get 67 cent canned food as a fee to get in.  But before that we got a ticket by one of those traffic camera, I'm so glad I ducked down, I'm sure it's a great photo.  But when we got to Winterhaven pretty cool to see how much work people actually put into the spirit of christmas.  Made me kind of wish I put up cool stuff in my apartment, but all we has is the Charlie Brown Xmas tree.  Anyway, what I learned today is that:

 

 

1. I wish I had more friends willing to do pointless stuff with me.

2. Any restaurant named Romo's (in Holbrook and San-sum-or-other) is automatically amazing.

3. Christmas is a very resource heavy time.

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Skinatmate

So as a new years resolution I decided I am going to take really really good care of my skin.  In the nature of being proactive I decided to invest in some skin are tools

The first of which is the "Keep Me Clean" facial wipes.  I usually buy the nutrigena make up wipes but they are getting a little expensive so I decided to try another brand.  I also bought this because it includes witch hazel, which is a natural astringent.  It costs 4.38 for 35 wipes.  I found out if you go to a Family Dollar you can buy face wipes for 2.99 generic, so that might be my next buy after I run out.

The second thing I purchased was Blotting Tissue.  I put in these in my sister stocking stuffers last year, they never gave me any feedback.  But I noticed my face gets oily so rather than using make up to cover it up and clog my pores I decided to try removing the oil.  I'll let you know who this works after a few tries.  They were a bit expensive, I am sure they can be purchased cheaper but I paid 4.00 for them.

The last thing I invested in was Biore's Deep Cleansing Pore Strip.  I have pretty clear skin, but I don't really like the texture of it.  So I thought maybe keeping my pores clear will help.  I have used these before a suggestion from a friend, and know they work great. I ended up paying 8.00 for these.  

I am not sure exactly how I am going to coordinate these into my current skin care regime, but I think they will be a great help.  I'll keep ya'll updated on how it goes.  Oh I almost forgot I use Merle Norman skin care products:

LUXIVA® Foaming Cleanser Normal/Oily
Richly concentrated foaming cleanser

LUXIVA® Brilliant-C Cleanser
Refreshing, silky cleanser

*** I ran out of this, but it is amazing.  I little blemish marks were gone within a week, and my skin looked bright and glowy.  I would HIGHLY recommend this.  This comes in a set with moisturizer and a vitamin C serum.

LUXIVA® PREVENTAGE™ Firming Defense Creme Normal/Dry
Helps firm, defend and protect skin

LUXIVA® AHA Toner Normal/Oily
Exfoliating toner improves skin tone and clarity

*** I use this sparingly because I feel like toner dries out my skin, but it is a good buy.

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Music and Junk!

Portugal the Man

Portugal The Man.  It has a mixed twisted, dark, chill sound.  But I think it's good to listen to different types of music, so try it out!

Lykke Li

Lykke Li.  I love this girl.  Her album is about to drop so I suggest you pick this one up.  If you have any doubts about her talent youtube her and be amazed!  I am looking forward to this one, she has released an EP with the songs Get Some and Paris Blues.  So if you can't wait for the CD download those it should help!

Cake 

From the people who brought you "Short Skirts and Long Jackets" comes Showroom of Compassion!  I am super excited about this album.  From what I am hearing it is an album that is true to Cake, but has a twist in each song.  You can pre-order it now or just wait for it to be released! 

The Head and the Heart

I love this song.  This is how I feel about life.  I have so many dreams, I get lost in mind mind but I always tell my family  "Don't you worry about me".

Sherman Alexie's The Toughest Indian in the World

I have recently started a new book!  I'll let you know how it goes!

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Finds of the Day!

This post goes out in honor of one of my favorite fashion icons, Jessica Szohr.  I love her bo-ho style, and how she uses simple things to make intricate looks.  She is not afraid of patterns and can accessorize for DAYS!

One of my favorite looks.

She is fearless.

So many different looks, yet all memorable.

Left: Very Simple and hip.

Right: Her pendleton jacket has an amazing cut and a perfect fit!

I felt these were very Jessica.

I know that was another very long post but I hope you enjoyed!

Hope your hip while you hop!

BG