Humble and Kind

I'm not a huge fan of country music I have to admit. However, I listen to it because well, it's easy to listen to and as boring as it can be there are a few pretty darn good melodies and lyrics. B likes it a lot. It calms him down while driving. I have to admit it's better than faced paced anything nowadays that doesn't make any sense or has no lyrics or meaning whatsoever. Anyways, so on my quest to happiness, to a happier me and a happier life and all I was told to sing along to songs and/or dance. Well, in a car it's a bit difficult to dance but I move along {when on the passenger seat of course}. Yet, to sing along...now, that I can do. It took me a while to get back to my normal self, to my funky singing along self. I caught myself a few times singing along and then had to smile. 

A while back I heard Tim McGraw's song Humble and Kind...and man, that song speaks truth on so many levels it's amazing. It's one of those songs I love because of its message, and yes it's mellow melody that is quite catchy. Its message though...that I love. And guess what? I always turn up the volume and I always sing along when this song comes up.

Hold the door, say please, say thank you

Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie

I know you got mountains to climb but

Always stay humble and kind

When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you

When the work you put in is realized

Let yourself feel the pride but

Always stay humble and kind

That's just one part of the song but this alone sends the perfect message. There's hardly people today, my age, who say thank you or please let alone both. It's so sad. I want my children to grow up knowing what manners are, and how to be polite in this world today. You can teach a child to say all this but it takes more than just that. Your teenager, your adult child needs to remember what was taught back in the day and implement this on a daily basis. I even hold doors for others because, well, that is what I want others to do, too. I set an example. It's baby steps but in the end those steps may finally be seen and felt and hopefully repeated by others. 

With all that in mind...hope you're day today is going well. I'm off making this very hot day a happy one. I will be holding doors and saying thank you's and what not. I will set an example today!

xox

The Carlton of 2014

Do you remember watching the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? Whether or not you watched the show there is one thing that stuck with all of us...The Carlton Dance! It is one of those dances that made you laugh, smile, question and maybe even cry at the same time. It's the funniest, weirdest and yet most memorable dance on TV ever. The show is long over, and all actors, especially Will Smith have moved on...but this week on Dancing With The Stars Alfonso danced The Carlton once again - and beautifully I have to say. 

I had to share this. I mean, come on. I grew up with this show. It made my week better, it made me laugh, it made me mad but most importantly it stuck with me throughout the years. James Avery was our TV dad for six years {I was so sad when he passed almost a year ago}. Crazy how long ago the show ended. Glad we were rooting for Alfonso to finally dance his dance again. Glad he did.

 

I had to re-watch a few YouTube videos of the show to see the "real" Carlton again. So much fun. Shows like the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air don't really exist today. There are a few that are similar but lack the real fun and the real human aspect at times. Don't get me wrong. There are awesome shows out there, even more so spectacular films touching our hearts and souls, but times have changed and so have jokes, issues, and acting. Anyways, have fun watching this video and maybe even looking for the original dance online somewhere. If you are like me, you will laugh at this and remember the good old teenage days with the family Banks.

The Happy Drug: Music!

Happy Friday!!!

You know, when you don't feel well you need something to cheer you up. Some people prefer to just simply keep to themselves, drink wine {or something else}, eat, read, go out and get distracted, listen to music or even work out. Whatever works for you when you feel down or sad, music and tv are my distractions. Sunday and Monday of this week weren't my happiest days...this stretched to Wednesday and even to today. I guess that is normal. You know what my man did? He created a radio station on his phone that literally plays music based on my taste of music. Guess what? Apparently, Maroon 5 rocks my world. They rocked my world when they first started over 11 years ago, and they rocked my world driving two hours over a pass to see his parents and back to our place.

Also, just knowing Adam is still as hot as ever {yum!!} made my sadness a little less dramatic. Plus, hello, they just announced the new tour dates. Hmmmm, yes please! 

Making me smile and feel slightly better was needed. So, I am choosing to share this video with you. I am sure most of you have seen it, if not, watch it all. To me, it is a reminder that nobody and nothing is ever perfect but we can strive to work hard on ourselves and believe in a positive and perfect world; don't judge, don't hate, and just accept and tolerate. 

Waiting For Superman

I am obsessed with the following song. 

I have always been a huge fan of Daughtry and this song just wowed me. Literally.

What made me love this song even more is the message behind it.
Have you watched this video before? Heard the song?
I mean, it's not about good old Superman. It could be, no doubt.
I believe it is about the Superman (or Superwoman) in all of us. When you watch the video you understand it better. It's the little things we do in life (or the ones we choose to ignore). My mom told me once to do good deeds at least once a month. I believe to do one good deed a day, if not twice a day.

By that I don't mean jumping into a fight on the street when there's a chance that you get harmed. By that I mean a simple thank you or bless you to random people; on the street, at the bank while standing in line, in class, at work, or at Starbucks of all places. By that I mean saving snails after a rainy couple of days. Holding doors for others, or giving up your seat to a person who may need it more. By that I mean a simple smile rather than a frown even when you feel like crying - pretend you are an actress or an actor working on a shitty day and performing to her or his best ability!!!

I have been saving snails ever day, smiling to people even though they gave me a stinky look, saying bless you when someone sneezed, and I have been holding doors. I have also kept up with going out and spending money on occasions I cannot afford but I saw it as a good deed. 

I feel like Superwoman.
I may not have saved people, or flown around but I feel accomplished.
Today's deed is unknown but we shall see.

So, what is your good deed of today or this week at least?
There has to be one!

Tuesday Jam

Three full weeks left and I can finally breathe again. I am not counting down the days because one, I am not ready for finals or that stupid research paper on knockoff fashion, and two, Christmas will be sad because poor Selma decided to not gift anyone outside of her immediate circle...which includes her roommates and bestie. I'm broke and cannot afford anything.

BUT...after these three weeks you know what's going to happen? I can blog again and sit down and read your blogs more as well. I am so stinking excited. I've missed doing this even just for an hour or two per day. It's been impossible so far. Everyone's complaining around me that I have gone MIA. And yes, I have. I am on Instagram and Twitter (more I than T lately) so that will keep some people entertained. :) Follow me. :)

In the meantime....this is my jam for Tuesday....enjoy!
Had to mix it up a little - did you know I actually like Country too?!

Oldie but Goodie

This is my jam for today...or this week.
It gets me going, it makes me sing along, it makes me endure waiting, and it definitely makes me think. Leaving the house early each morning has this refreshing tone to it. It's fog or early morning haze is just more than terrific. It not only clear my senses (literally) it's a great way to start the day off. I'm loving it.

And even though Kris' song isn't that old. It's still one of my favorites.

What song inspires you this week?!
Anything I must listen to? I hope!

xoxo

Music - I'm still gleed

No matter what happens life always continues - with or without people we love and care about.
This episode will be heartbreaking but good. I can feel it.
Tomorrow night it is. I will be there.

In other news...school's making me neglect things I love - again. It's all for a good cause though. It'll pay off soon. Also, my bestie is coming to town and we will have a fun time this weekend...cannot wait! Girls weekends are always fun.


Happy Wednesday everyone.
Hope it's a great one.


xoxo


P.s. It finally cooled down in southern California. YES.
 

People

 {via}

God knows what is hiding in those weak and drunken hearts
Guess he kissed the girls and made them cry
Those Hard-faced Queens of misadventure

God knows what is hiding in those weak and sunken lives
Fiery thrones of muted angels
Giving love but getting nothing back

God knows what is hiding in this world of little consequence
Behind the tears, inside the lies
A thousand slowly dying sunsets

God knows what is hiding in those weak and drunken hearts
Guess the loneliness came knocking
No one needs to be alone.

Lyrics of "People Help The People" by Birdy

***

It's one of those weeks again. I blame it on the heat.
Even though it was a short one I was beyond bored. You could not imagine how bored.
Well...let's hope this weekend is a little more exciting...just a tad bid.

Have a good one.

xoxo

P.s. don't be fooled by the lyrics...I may be sad and lonely (haha) but these actually kinda give me hope...and it's so fitting with fall approaching.

Impossible by James Arthur

I'm not a huge fan of reality shows *yes, I know* but I watch them occasionally when I'm too lazy to switch channels or think. I'm also not a huge fan of music/sing/talent shows such as The Voice, American Idol, X-Factor, you name it. It's just not my thing. Not saying they are bad. I just don't feel the need to watch them every time I have a free second to watch television. However, I have to admit I watch The Voice (US version) because of obvious reasons *hello, Adam - engaged or not*. I have to admit that much. Europe has always had the same or similar shows, and they were okay. The UK is known to have more shows than other countries and yes, when I am in Europe and there's nothing on TV or I feel sick to my stomach or something I will switch to an English channel and watch a talent show. 

This summer, our local radio station plays one song quite often. I love it. So much, I have to turn the volume up. Crazy, I know. Well, it's James Arthur's version of Impossible. He won the X-Factor UK in 2012 with this and oh boy, I'm hooked. Shontelle's version has always been one I admired but James' ? I can feel the pain, the despair, and well, the love.

You be the judge. Which version do you think is better?

Linking up with Shanna with her weekly Random Wednesday!

Hurricane

Most of my favorite shows not only entertain me visually but musically as well. So, today's musical inspiration comes from Pretty Little Liars. Who would have thought that?! Well, it's obvious that this show has terrific soundtracks so really, I had to post this. However, I have to apologize for the video. Just listen to the song...the video to me is kind of disturbing and absolutely NOT MY FAVORITE. I'm not a huge video fan and this particular one really takes the cake. :(

Enjoy the song though.
Happy Tuesday.

xoxo

Almost Everything

This song is just perfect for today.

Happy Hump Day.

xoxo

P.s. I'll be working hard on three assignments, and hoping a friend of mine stays alive while he's having a blast this afternoon working/living his hobby!

Monday Morning Gossip - Animals, Music, OTH, and Pool included

This week, I'm joining Leeann again and her Monday Morning Gossip.

I'm also using her awesome linkup as a quick weekend recap because I'm sure most of you were wondering what I was up to and where the heck I was since well, my posts lately ended up being almost non-existent.

If you are following me on Instagram you might have seen these... and if you are lucky enough that I let you be part of my facebook, then you know even more. Aside from that, here's what I was doing Friday, Saturday, and Sunday:

Friday, all day, one of my best friends M. and I went to the Pet Expo 2013. We almost adopted all kinds of dogs and cats. She even held a spider and I almost screamed. Cannot stand spiders. We had a blast though, worked on our tan while walking through this gigantic area, and enjoyed receiving information on certain breeds, food, training, and whatnot. It was a well-spent Friday. AND, it was a girls' day out. No guys or husbands or whatnot allowed. Just three girls (her fun mother-in-law came too) and many many animals. I really wanted a dog...but having already two in the house, a third one right now is not an option. :(

But I cuddled with "Stella" from Modern Family. She's definitely a cutie pie!

Then Saturday...besides organizing and preparing a birthday BBQ for a friend of mine, the main goal was to end up at the Troubadour and enjoy a concert. And, we did.

Oh you wanna know who we saw?

Brett Young, Wakey! Wakey!, and Tyrone Wells.

Loved all three performances. We had Lounge Seats upstairs so we could see it all. I preferred that since standing for about four hours isn't really my thing anymore. Besides, if we didn't have those seats we would not have sat next to the executive producer of One Tree Hill (and you know how much I LOVE this show), and saw James Lafferty and Stephen Colletti. So, it was definitely worth it. No?

Yes, I know I'm short. Let's just say he's super tall?! Thank you. 

If you don't know who he is...it's Mike Grubbs from Wakey! Wakey!

Sunday was mainly a relaxing day. Friends from Ventura County came down to our lovely OC area and we basically spent it eating, chatting, chilling, and sunbathing at the pool. Could not complain at all. It was a fantastic day. I think I definitely ate too much, but one can never have too much Sushi, and Chinese.

Hope your weekend has been grand.

This week will be busy...a take-home exam, a weird essay, and wedding preparations. Don't worry. Not mine. I would announce something like that on the blog at some point and not drop this topic accidentally a few days before the event. Just saying. 

Happy Monday everyone!

The Ultimate Wedding Party

Thank you Lacey, for reminding me how awesome Macklemore is. Totally forgot.

My wedding, one day, just has to be like this!

And if not my wedding...then a birthday. ;)

Happy Wednesday everyone.
Hope you're having a fantastic one.

xoxo

The Song that's Stuck...

...it's happened again. I heard a song and baaaammm. It's stuck. Whenever I heard it I wonder what actually happened while this song was created. Then on second thought I just don't want to know. ;) I really do. Also, I can't stop moving and singing along...what's wrong with me now?!

Have you heard this one before?

Either way, let me know what you think...OMG :) 

March 2013 - It's Time

Welcome to my spring!

Yes, I don't care about official dates that supposedly tell us that spring starts or summer or any other season. March is the first day of spring to me. Like it or don't like it. I'm okay with that. Though I am hoping spring will make me happier, make me feel better and bring good things along. I have high hopes. 

*February ended bad - with two bad grades and a sad face on my part* 

So far, my spring (March, April & May) looks pretty much like fun.

I have tickets ready to two concerts and one game already. Can't get any better than that. :) So far, each month will have one event going I'm looking forward to. I might add a few more events but I'm content with what I'm seeing in my calendar already. I'm finally gonna live life a little because it's needed - not that I have the money!

Wanna know where I am going?

My favorite event will be in May...and it'll include this song...

Happy Weekend y'all!

Song of the Day - The Lumineers

Do I need to say more? I don't think so.

Happy Valentine's Day Week.

xoxo

Home

Home has many meanings. It is where the heart it, it is where we were born or raised, or it is where we currently live. Last summer I wrote a post about home and I just re-read it again and have to say I still agree with what I wrote back then. I often wonder what I would be doing if I never ever left  Europe, or never left California in the first place. Today is a day I need to remind myself why I am here and why I call this place home too. Yes, there are always times where I wallow a little in self-pity or self-doubt (the worst ever) but it all goes away quickly when I listen to the following songs...sorta. 

And Home is also the theme here! ;) Enjoy.
I'm already a little sick of all these songs but once in a while I listen to them again. ;)
They simply make me smile.

Gold Dust

I cannot get enough of this song.
It forces me to challenge my emotions.
It forces me to look back at what has been and look forward to what may be.
 
Everything around me stops when I hear this.

Happy Thursday!

Better Days in 2013

Happy New Year everyone!

Hope you all started beautifully.
I spent it with friends, a cute little child, lots of bubbly and a game I wasn't ready for. We laughed, we cried because we laughed so much, and we discussed baby names. It was simply perfect. I was home at three in the morning and ready to conquer this year.

New Year, New Me!
Probably.
Hopefully.

And to start it all...here's a few lines from one of my favorite songs.

And you asked me what I want this year  

And I'll try to make this kind and clear

  Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

 
'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings In designer love and empty things

  Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
So take these words and sing out loud 

 ‘Cause everyone is forgiven now  

‘Cause tonight's the night the world begins again....

The Goo Goo Dolls. Who else. ;)

For more inspirational songs to start and enjoy this new year go on over and look at Christianna's fun blog The Girl With The Blue Bow. She's got some pretty darn good songs available. 

Have a fantastic one.

xoxo

Diamonds!

Can't help it.
It's my favorite song of fall 2012!

Imagine driving on a cloudy, grey, and wet day...surrounded by trees with a glimpse of the ocean and birds flying above your head or something like that. Ya know, the typical romantic but fall-like scene that makes you cuddle up with a cozy blanket on the couch with a hot drink in your hand...and then this song. We have all experienced this...and certain songs just remind us of something or someone or let our imagination flow like a wild river going crazy after a storm.

This song does that to me. It inspires me. It works for me.

What song works for you?!