oh cramp, Aunt Flo's on her way

5 ways to tell if you're getting your period.
I know, not like you actually need a list.






1) Food.

Lots of it.  Sweet, salty, hot, cold, whatever you can get your hands on!  You eat so much and have such weird cravings that for a minute you actually wonder if you could possibly be pregnant (Insert internal freak out).  Then you direct yourself to a calendar and realize it's been about 3 weeks since there was a crime scene in your pants.

2) Anger.

You hate the world.
Why do your friends have to blow you off all the time? You always pull through for them!
Your boyfriend just doesn't listen to anything you say.
When you asked him to pick up dinner, why did he get himself a side of fries, but completely forgot that you like fries too?  He is not the only person on this earth who wanted fries today with their BLT!!
Where did all of your clothes go??  You have ABSOLUTELY nothing to wear for any occasion that may come up.
WHY IS IT MONDAYYYYY????

3) The crying.

Commercials.  Whether it's a cute baby, puppy, or a third world country in need of clean drinking water, you're going to bawl your eyes out.

Music.  Taylor Swift is just getting you right now!  She must have read your tweets during your breakup.

Anything... Today I read a BuzzFeed.com article about the ways that Metallica's "Enter Sandman" is used to get crowds at sporting events hyped.  I cried.  I CRIED TO ENTER SANDMAN.  Enough said.

4) Pain.

Did someone just punch you directly in the ovaries?  Is your body about to self-combust?  Did an alien lifeform invade your body a-la "Men in Black"? Nope, those are just cramps making you double over in pain.  This pain is unlike anything a man can relate to, SO DON'T EVEN TRY!

Just kindly excuse yourself at work while you make your way to the bathroom looking like Quasimodo in a skirt.

5)  Your friends are on their periods.

You're sitting at brunch and your besties are eating multiple bananas to battle their intense cramps.  They are also wearing full Yoga attire with zero intentions of exercising because they're so bloated.  Oh no, this means you're next!  What is the scientific reasoning why we sync up anyways?  I'm going to believe that it dates back to caveman days and how only one person seemed to have all of the tampons.

But seriously, Kate Spade purses ARE small!

So get ready to stock up on the feminine products, the midol, the chocolate, the wine, and remind your boyfriend to walk on eggshells!

No 'Poo update

Not too long ago, I wrote about my attempt to give up shampoo cold turkey.  Known as the "No 'Poo" method, I replaced my shampoo bottle with a box of baking soda (still have yet to do the vinegar conditioner). 

After using the baking soda for a few weeks, I went on vacation to Las Vegas.  I'm not sure if it was the dry/hot weather, or this new conditioning oil I bought, but my hair was just plain gross.  So out of convenience, I used regular shampoo.

This is when I could tell the difference in my hair.

Cons:

While using the baking soda method is said to prolong the time in between washes, I was hoping for better results.  My hair does get greasy or oily looking and feeling if I go a day without washing.  Two days is simply unheard of for me.  I am able to go one day without washing and my hair doesn't look too bad, but halfway through the day I need to apply some dry shampoo.

My color treated hair does not hold as well, but that could be because my hair has also been bleached (ombre colored hair).

Pros:

My hair used to take absolutely forever to dry with the hairdryer.  Every time that I use baking soda, my hair dries so quickly that I only spend time straightening the ends!

The way my hair feels after a fresh baking soda shower, is complete weightlessness.  It is an absolute feeling of clean.

So this may not be much of an update, but I'm still sticking with the baking soda in an attempt to change the way my hair is.  I'm hoping to see more results over the next few months.  I'll keep you posted!

Someone Call the "WAH-mbulance"

Pet Peeve Post:


from Kelly Williams Brown's Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps:

Don’t mention how tired you are
Whoa, what? You’re tired? What a fascinating and rare tidbit! Also, this person will definitely be able to help you out on the sleep front.

oh you're tired? you worked all day? you have a million things to do? well, here's a little secret Sally-Works-A-Lot, SO DOES EVERYONE ELSE!!  Oh and did all of that complaining and whining actually give you more energy and make you less sleepy? no? really? it didn't??? I'm Shocked!

If there is one thing in the world that I do not have any patience for, it's people who complain.  So much so, I devised a list;

1)  Complaining makes you less attractive

That should be reason enough to stop complaining.  Your date will not be interested in you what-so-ever if all you talk about is yourself, and your problems.

2)  You're situation will not change

If you're complaining about something, you're only escalating the issue.  For instance, if you're unhappy about a situation at work, going on and on about how horrible it is only adds to the problem.

3) You cannot dwell on things that are beyond your own control

When something is completely out of your hands, the only thing to do is accept it and move on.


Be a problem solver, not a problem starter.

If you are unhappy about a situation at work, speak to your boss about it.  What's the worst that could happen?  Keep in mind that actions speak louder than words.  Continuing to complain and whine about something that bothers you is creating more negative energy that no one wants to be a part of.
So to end my lengthy rant keep this in mind;  change what makes you unhappy or lay the bed you've made or yourself.

The No 'Poo 'Do

After reading some lovely posts from Pinterest (sorry, can't locate the original pin/blog) I have decided to give the "No 'Poo Method" a whirl.  This doesn't mean that I'm going on a strictly liquid diet.  I have decided to give up shampoo.  Cold turkey.

Here's the reason why I decided to give up 'Poo (I love saying that).  I need to wash my hair every single day, or it will get greasy pretty fast.  If I wash it in the morning before work (6am), I usually have to heavily style it or pile on the dry shampoo for a night out.  I always envied my blonde-haired friends who could skip washes and still have flawless hair.  I decided that I wanted to try this method based on the simple fact that those who have given up shampoo only have to actually wash a few times a week.  Some of the bloggers chose this method for reasons such as being thrifty, or it's environmentally friendly.  As much as I would like to claim I'm doing my part to help the environment, I am too much of a culprit in other areas.  It's simply an added bonus to save a few bucks and mother nature as well.

So let's get to it!  I ended up starting this on a workday, which didn't leave me much time to experiment, measure, or stare in the mirror to notice a difference.

"Shampoo" Ingredients:

2 tablespoons baking soda

1 cup water

Squeeze bottle

"Conditioner" Ingredients:

2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

1 cup water

Spray bottle


Most blogs I read say to use two tablespoons baking soda and one cup water.  Due to lack of time, I just threw some water in.  Also, I used a little bit more baking soda anticipating I would need more since my hair gets so greasy.  I used an "old fashioned" ketchup bottle for my "shampoo" mixture.  After adding the baking soda and filling it a little under halfway with water, I shook up the bottle to mix it up.  In hindsight, I probably should have stirred this, but I was in a hurry.

Since the baking soda is for your roots only, the squeeze bottle worked wonders to put the mixture right on my scalp.  The baking soda is said to clear away any build-up from the products we use.  I read that the mixture would get "slimy" feeling, a texture close to shampoo, but I didn't experience that.  The only time it was slimy was when it was on my face and in my hands.  It was gritty in my hair and I immediately regretted what I was doing.  I didn't resort to shampoo though, I kept going.  I massaged the baking soda mixture through my scalp, then rinsed it thoroughly.  

A modification I made was to completely skip the vinegar "conditioner".  I have a strict, almost OCD, shower routine and the thought of rinsing my hair after I've washed my body gives me chills.  Additionally, I didn't want to have to douse my hair with perfume to mask the vinegar scent.  So I cheated and used regular conditioner.  I plan on either making a vinegar mixture with coconut oil, or simply switching to a leave-in conditioner in the future.

Some blogs claimed that hair was a little "straw-like" and hard to comb through.  In the shower, my hair did not feel soft or manageable.  Again, I regretted going through with this on a workday.  Once I took a wide toothed comb through my hair and began blow-drying it, I noticed the difference.  My hair was very soft and light.  I thought to myself, "is this what healthy hair feels like?", as I ran my fingers through it over, and over again.

Pleasantly surprised is how I would explain my reaction.  My hair did not feel "weighed down" or oily as it usually did around 5pm every evening.  It was easy to style as well!

This is day 2 of "No 'Poo" and I was too scared to skip a wash, so again I used the baking soda mixture (no vinegar) paying even less attention to measurements.  I received the same results.  I'm going to slowly ween myself off washes and report back with the results!

looks normal right???

Have you tried the "No 'Poo 'Do"? Will you try it now?  Let me know what you think!

Summertime Soundtracks

Windows down, radio up.  These are just as synonymous with the warm summertime air as barbecuing and swimming.  When the seasons change, other than updating my wardrobe, the first thing I do is create a new playlist.  As you found out by my previous post, I love discovering new music.  I also love to push my own music choices on my friends... So here is a Summer dose of that!

I want to preface this recommendation by saying that when I first was a fan of Rihanna's "Pon De Replay" (come Mr. DJ some Pon De Replay...) I proclaimed that she was going to be dubbed a One-Hit-Wonder.  Well, we know how that ended up.  I'll admit it, I was wrong.  This is something that I also thought whenever I first heard the catchy/kitschy tune of "Thrift Shop".  The duo of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis created a song about passing up on expensive duds to the tune of horns with a deep-voiced chorus by Wanz.  This song has everybody "popping tags", whatever that means.  The Heist is SO much more than expected.  After years of grinding it out in the local Seattle hip-hop scene, Ben Haggerty aka Macklemore, teamed up with DJ/Producer Ryan Lewis in 2010 in a well-known sample of Red Hot Chili Peppers' Otherside.  After generating quite the hype and buzz for themselves through social media, their sophomore release, The Heist debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.  Quite the comeback I'd say!

Every topic from Drug abuse and battles with sobriety to the nostalgic feeling of playing ball with your friends in the summertime.  If you solely base this album off it's leading single "Thrift Shop", you will be terribly mistaken.  Right now, their 3rd single "Same Love" battles the topic of same-sex marriage, and hits it hard.  This is a topic that isn't familiar to the hip-hop community, but widely discussed.  Right now this duo holds the #2,  #44, and #63 songs on the iTunes' singles' chart.  They hold #1, #4, and #10 on the Hip-Hop chart. This duo has really made their mark on the hip-hop genre.  Ryan Lewis' producing skills are amazing on this album, creating such great tunes as a backdrop to Macklemore's fun, though provoking, and relate-able lyrics. Ryan also has his chance to shine with an instrumental "BomBom (feat. The Teaching)".

What I like about their sound:  There is a song/beat/melody for every mood.  Fun to dark to though-provoking.
Worth the charge to my card?:  150%
Favorite song on the album, other than current radio hits: "I used to drink away my paycheck, celebrate the mistakes I hadn't made yet" A Wake (feat. Evan Roman), Ten Thousand Hours about putting in so much time before the world sees you as successful, Thin Line some love stories drag on long after they are really over.

This album I recommend may seem a little out of the ordinary for you.  How I came across the album "Nesliving, Vol.3 - Voglio di +" is by surfing the international charts on iTunes.  I wanted to revive my knowledge of Italian and thought, what better way than through music?  After some intense googling, YouTube watching, and lots of Google Translate, I came across the duo Nesli.

Nesli, is made up of brothers, Francesco and Fabrizio, who both had successful underground solo ventures.  Then they decided to combine and create an Italian hip-hop-mind-blowing experience.  Nesly, the previous stage name of Francesco, was influenced by a producer who directed him to rap over live instruments for a new sound.  The response was numerous successful mix-tape-style singles. It was for his second solo project "The Remedy Tape, Vol. 1" that Nesly turned to his older brother for help and collaboration.  It was then that the brothers decided to go by "Nesli" and the rest is history.

I have tried to think of an American equivalent of this duo to describe their style to my friends.  They do rap in Italian, but they also sing and the topics aren't as "street tough" as say an Eminem album.  Their songs (after rough translation) are about being in love, losing love, and enjoying life in general.  One of my favorite songs off this album is "Partiro", which roughly translates to "I will leave".   The tone of the song is sort of dark.  It's about leaving someone behind and not looking back.  Turning a new leaf.  The composition of this song is upbeat and great to listen to.

What I like about their sound:  They are Italian rappers!  They could be talking about vacuum cleaners and I would be put into a trance.  Plus, the best way to learn a second language is through music!

Worth the charge to my card?:  I find myself singing in Italian, and it was quite the musical discovery.  No international charges added, although sort of difficult to navigate through iTunes.

Favorite song on the album, other than current radio hits: I've already discussed this, but I also love E Una Vita (it's one life), Se Puoi (If you can), and Respiro (I breathe, or give me breath)

If you are a lucky son of a gun who gets to see Kenny Chesney on tour this summer (my boyfriend has to be in a wedding when he comes to Pittsburgh >:o| ) you will also get a chance to see Kacey Musgraves.  She happens to be one of the opening acts for the No Shoes Nation tour.

Kacey's first single hit the airwaves late last year, with Merry-Go-Round.  A song about the cycle of generations in a small town.  This isn't her first time at writing though.  Kacey has been writing and singing before she was on this earth for a decade.  Her "big break" came when she was a contestant on the 2007 season of Nashville Star.  The exposure got some of her penned lyrics to the voices of Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, and even on the new NBC show Nashville.

Same Trailer, Different Park seems to boast the typical country lifestyle.  I think you'd be surprised to what this album has to offer.  Now don't get me wrong, there is plenty of local-diner-gossip themed songs, but also about love, love lost, and even tackles same-sex marriages, following in Same Love's footsteps of genre barriers.  Although, a singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift she is not! (Total compliment btw.)  Softly spoken words, and beautifully written lyrics.  Country through and through, but don't turn your nose if you aren't a country fan.  From the trailer park to park ave, anyone can get into this album.

What I like about her sound: Relate-able lyrics against soft melodies, yet fun and upbeat also.  True country spirit.

Worth the charge to my card?: This album was a risk, but I'm so glad that I was able to discover her sound!

Favorite song on the album, other than current radio hits: Blowin' smoke (probably another single soon), Follow Your Arrow You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't! Step Off self-explanatory.

Finally, I'd like to mention some singles that I believe everyone should check out, in addition to these albums.

Timeflies - I Choose You

Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines (feat. T.I. and Pharrell) This is such a FUN & sexy tune!! (and video)

Zedd - Clarity (feat. Foxes)  As heard on Glee's regional's finale episode

*Info from iTunes artist page.

Is "undateable" a word? it is now.

I've been in 3 long-term relationships, and I don't know why.  I'm not that great of a girlfriend.  In fact, I have compiled a list of 8 reasons why someone wouldn't want to date me, but I'm a cool person, so I added 2 reasons why they would

1.  Compromise is not a thing.

Yada, yada, "the key to a good relationship is compromise".  Sure that sounds all fine and dandy, but listen, if we are going to a movie, we aren't being cheap-o's and skipping the 3-D version.  NOR are we going to pay $12 to see appendages flying through the air in a film that's all gore and no plot.  I don't think I've EVER compromised when it comes to movies.  Also, restaurants.  I don't want to go hungry, so we have to eat somewhere I like.  I'm not a picky eater, but I don't want to go somewhere if I'm not sure what my options are.  BUT keep in mind that I don't want to displease you, or seem difficult.  So I'm not going to choose.  I'm expecting you to choose the one that I want :-) Good luck!

2.  How is a gift card an unacceptable gift?

I always end up buying a gift that I think someone needs.  Or something that I really wish someone would buy for me.  There is never a question as to what someone should get as a present for me, it's one of my Pinterest Boards.  No guessing game required!  Unless you hint at something, have family/friends tell me what you want, or you blatantly instruct me on what to get you, I expect a half smile thank you.  I'm used to the response of, "oh cool, what does it do though?"  It's ok, I'm here to educate.

3.  Roman-ize

If I see a good looking guy, I wonder what it would be like to date him.  I cannot help it.  As much as I try, I just can't!  As bad as it sounds, I get much satisfaction in knowing that a man finds me attractive.  So, I flirt.  I think this is more of a power thing.  I enjoy manipulating someone into thinking that they have a chance with me, and then crush that sliver of hope.  I just may have the characteristics of a Disney villain. hmm.  This has to be unsettling for anyone who dates me.  Considering I have cheated on nearly everyone I've dated, but that comes down to the relationship being long past over and me not having the guts to end it. Live & learn!

4.  Love my friends.

Bottom line.  My friends are awesome.  I don't judge them, they don't judge me.  I talk about them all the time, so if you can't keep their personalities/locations straight, well were you even paying attention??  If you don't love them or vice versa... buh-bye.

5.  Champagne taste on a beer budget.

I have no concept of money.  I overspend.  I bust my budget.  I irrationally rationalize with myself.  I buy expensive things that I need to have.  I can't help it that I'm really into being on top of trends and like to invest in my wardrobe.  However, in my defense, my bills are paid on time.  I simply may need to live with my (or your) parents a little longer than anticipated.

6. I live in a complete fantasy world.

I will never stop chasing my dreams of travelling the world, and making a living doing something I love.  My goals are not unattainable, nor are they ridiculous.  My ultimate career goal is to become a professor and do tons of research.  There is nothing wrong with that.  Although, I also dream of living a very glamorous life.  I believe that both of those goals are more than simply hopes and dreams.  The issue with this for a significant other of mine, is that I refuse to let anything hold me back.  If I need to move, I'm going to pack up and go.  If you want to/can follow me, then that would be lovely.  If not, I'll manage.

7.  I have relationship ADD

I get so bored in a relationship.  In the beginning I'm that girl, who can't get enough of their boyfriend.  Flash to a year later, and as he leans in to kiss me, I turn and give him the cheek.  This also adds to my infidelity.  I'm always looking for something new and fun to do.  I was once in a very long relationship, and it got to the point where I simply wasn't attracted to them as a partner anymore.  Not that I didn't think they weren't good looking, I just had no desire to be intimate with them.  This has happened with every long relationship I've been in to date.  Which worries me.

8.  Me. Me. Me. Me. ME!

If you couldn't tell, I'm extremely selfish.  If things don't go my way, get out of my way or face the consequences.  Right now, I'm thinking the only reason I want to get married is to throw an awesome party for myself where my friends feel obligated to attend.  Unlike a 27th birthday party which is ridiculous to fly across the country to attend.  I want what I want, and I want it now.  I want to spend my money on me.  I want to have to fun.  I want to enjoy life.  My way.

Well now that you think I'm a horrible person, Here are 2 reason why I am completely date-able:

1.  I am generous.

Although I buy horrible gifts, and they aren't what you had in mind, sometimes, I really get it right.  While I'm depleting my bank account on ridiculous, expensive clothes that I absolutely need in order to function, I'm also stumbling upon something for you too.  While I may not be thrilled about doing something that I don't want to.  I also am a huge people-pleaser, so I won't complain.

2.  I am enthusiastic about life

As I stated earlier, I have huge hopes and dreams, which in some cases is a downfall, however, it's also a bonus!  I love to travel and experience new things!  I may not be a huge thrill seeker, but I'll watch a thrill.  I live every moment to the fullest and take every opportunity handed.

This leads me to my current relationship.  I began writing this because we are about to come up on our 1 year anniversary (go ahead, roll your eyes).  In the beginning of this relationship I can attest to informing my boyfriend, numerous times, "I'm a very difficult person to date, are you sure about this?"  I just wanted to let him know what he was getting into.  Fortunately for me, we share enough similarities, and differences that our relationship is absolute balance.  I'm kind of baffled by the whole thing.  At this point in my other relationships, I was bored.  I think it's the sense of adventure that we both share enables us to keep things fun by taking in new experiences together.  I'm up for this adventure!

First Date Don't... Movie Date Advice

You may think that going to a movie on a first date is a good idea, but did you really think it through?

For women, we are excited to finally go to a romantic comedy with someone other than our mother, selves, or girlfriends.  Is that how it really goes though?When you are going to go on a first date with a guy and he suggests going to a movie, here's what he's thinking: avoid awkward conversations, awkward silences, and hopefully sneak in some mild touching/make out sesh*.

Oh the differences between genders.

First of all, who is going to pick the movie?  There's a 99.9% chance that you're not going to be interested in the same movie.  Obviously you want to go to the Rom-Com, and he wants the action/comic-based movie. He will probably let you choose the movie, but you'll have to make up for his pain with some sort of pleasure.  Yes, I'm speaking sexually, or at least something close to it like a parking/make-out sesh.  It's only right!

So now that you've decided on a flick, your man is supposed to offer snacks.  What if he doesn't? What if you want to pig out?  You probably should have snacked before as to not risk looking like a hog with your giant Coke, buttered popcorn, and family sized Reeses' Pieces.  I hope he took out a loan for this date.  Personally, I pack my own snacks for movies to avoid going into debt, but that would look weird.  As if you thought he wouldn't offer, or can't afford it.  Now you're just rude.

I know that I mentioned earlier that men think that they are avoiding awkward situations by choosing a movie date, but this just creates different awkward-ness.   Obviously the dance of who pays for what (food, tickets, spring for VIP seating, 3D upgrade), but that's unavoidable during any first date.  The main culprit of the awkwardness happens during the movie.  Theater seating is less than intimate, unless you can lift of the armrest.  You just met this guy, do you want to cuddle?  Should you cuddle?  Is it a cuddling type of movie?  Does he try to hold your hand? Will he put his hand on your leg?  The worst is probably during a steamy scene.  Avoid eye contact, unless you are trying to get it on afterwards.

Movie dates are good in theory, but it lacks the main component of a first date: actually getting to know the person!  You don't have a chance to chat other than about the movie afterwards.  Whether they were as into the shirtless guy on screen as you, shouldn't have anything to do with going out with them again.  If a movie date is unavoidable, I have some advice for you.  Compromise when it comes to choosing a movie; choose the action flick with a lot of shirtless guys. Suggest getting dinner before, or drinks after.  You may learn something about this person that could help you choose a movie that you both would like.  Also, you will have a chance to get to know their personality.  Only then will you be able to judge whether or not a heated make out sesh is necessary.






*sesh - abbreviation for session.  deal with it.

Music is my boyfriend

Well, not really.  I just remember seeing that on multiple emo t-shirts, and I think a few song titles... but I digress.

I recently purchased a few new albums and wanted to share their greatness with you.  (FYI: I purchased these albums via iTunes, no stealing involved!)

Imagine Dragons' "Night Visions"

I loved their first single "It's Time", so when I went to purchase only that song, I figured I should just buy the whole album and discover some new music.  Turns out that this group is not a one-hit-wonder by any means, and it's second single, "Radioactive" is currently #1 on Billboard's Alternative Songs' chart, and the same on the iTunes Alternative chart.  Their track "On Top of the World" sounds like something written after achieving success and is the perfect soundtrack to any good day.  For the opposite effect, "Nothing Left to Say / Rocks" is a melancholy tune, but the 2 for one also lasts 9 minutes.

What I like about their sound:  It's Rock but mainstream without being too cute and cuddly (if that makes sense).

Worth the charge to my card?: I like their sound and more than one song on the album, but I don't think I'll be jumping to buy tickets for their concert soon.

Favorite song on the album, other than current radio hits: Bleeding Out, worth the 99 cents!

Lana Del Rey's "Born To Die: The Paradise Edition"

I'm a little late to jump onto the Lana Del Rey bandwagon.  After hearing a lot of positive hype about her first single "Video Games", I saw her on Saturday Night Live, and reacted much like McKayla Maroney, unimpressed.  I had pretty much written off all future songs by Del Rey after that.  It wasn't until I overheard "Video Games" while in a tanning bed, and was intrigued by her signature sultry voice.  The tune "Blue Velvet" was used in an H&M commercial and once again, I was put into a trance by her voice and decided that her album would be a great investment.  Some of her more upbeat tracks remind me of Lady Gaga's The Fame album tracks "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich" and "Boys, Boys, Boys".  Songs about love, flings, traipsing about New York, and Vegas make this a very fun album.

What I like about Lana Del Rey's sound:  As I've explained, she has such a sultry voice, but her range is quite impressive. "Off to the Races" displays the lowest octave of her voice and then the highest 

Worth the charge to my card?:  This compilation has all of the tracks from both her "Born to Die" and "Paradise" albums, so you get all of her better-known hits, as well as discovering your own favorites.

Favorite song on the album, other than current radio hits: "Diet Mountain Dew" - fun and playful; "Off to the Races" - about the fun of loving a bad boy, and wondering if it will always be like that.

Bruno Mars' "Unorthodox Jukebox"

Bruno Mars' much anticipated sophomore album.  When I heard the title of the first single, "Locked Out of Heaven", I expected something different that what Mars' delivered.  I ended up purchasing the single probably a week after it came out, it became one of those songs I couldn't get tired of.  I don't own the Doo-Wops & Hooligans album, I wasn't too into the sound at the time.  What prompted me to preview the entire album, was his second single, "When I was Your Man".  Although I'm not that into sappy songs, the thought of a man behind a piano piqued my interest.  In my mind, Bruno Mars' had been labeled sort of as a modern  Motown revival, and this album is a mix of  mainstream and throwback tunes.  "Moonshine" sounded like an 80's Michael Jackson tune, and I don't hate it!  With strong lyrics about finding love/lust, looking in the wrong places, losing it, and just women in general, there is something for everyone.

What I like about his sound:  Fun with production, and different instruments.  He still stays true to his "modern Motown" sound.

Worth the charge to my card?:  There are only 10 tracks on the album, but I've found great songs that I probably wouldn't have heard unless they were released as singles.

Favorite song on the album, other than current radio hits: "Gorilla" - a fun, sexy song about lust, and romps between the sheets; "Money makes her Smile" - Music makes her dance/but money money money makes her smile. I can't explain this song other than I can picture a hot steamy video for it.

Just a reminder that I'm no music expert! I have a very eclectic taste in music and wanted to give a different perspective on what I've been listening to.  I hope that in reading this, you will take it upon yourself to discover either these albums, or brand new ones on your own.  Share them with me! I'm always looking for fun new bands/singers to blast in my car.

It's been a while...

Been a long time coming...

So it's been a very long time since I've written my last post.  A lot of changes occurred in the time since... LET'S MAKE A LIST! (imagine that being said in a cartoon-ish, child-programming-sing-song-voice)

1. I am what they call a "boomerang child"... "Lucky me"

2. I was unemployed for almost 11 months. Yes collected unemployment (republicans frown).  I still continued to pay the full amount on my students loans, therefore paying the government with their own money.

3. Had a horrible break-up.  That's all I'm going to put on the internet about that.

4. Was single for probably the longest time ever since I was a freshman in college.

5. Eventually rekindled a romance.  I was hesitant because I wasn't sure if things had changed from the last time, but now it's better than ever.

6. Was hired as a lead toddler teacher.  Actually was able to use my degree for the first time since graduating in 2009.  I loved this job!  I was working with 1 and 2 year olds, so although trying at times, being able to go outside during 70 degree sunshine and just blow bubbles was a dream come true!

7.  Traveled outside of the country for the first time since Spring Break '08!  I went on a cruise and visited Key West, Grand Cayman Islands, and Jamaica.  It was amazing!!!!

8.  Had an amazing summer of campfires, traveling, concerts, and just plain relaxing.

9.  Began another job with good hours, and an excellent pay.  Unfortunately had to leave my job at the child care center, but now I don't have any financial woes, which is a giant burden lifted off my shoulders.

I wanted to even this list out with a tenth item of change... but then I just realized that it's my OCD kicking in, and 9 is just fine.

Well now you are all caught up on my life in 2012!  As for 2013, I'm excited for what the year has to bring.  After all, my sports number in high school was 13, so I claim it as my lucky number.  I'm trying to have a very optimistic view, learn from mistakes, and continue to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.

I hope you enjoy my journey!