Bandwagon Wednesday: Diva Pt. IV

And now for the final installment of my May Divas. So sad it’s over :( But really excited about this last lady. It’s a surprise ending… Maybe not a real surprise. Maybe just surprising :)

 

Barbra Streisand

This woman. This woman has so much behind her name…

1. She has the longest spanning musical career of any female with a span of 46 years between her first and last album.

2. She has had gold albums in five consecutive decades.

3. She has had 51 albums go Gold, 30 go Platinum, and 13 go Multi-Platinum.

4. She holds the record for highest number of top ten albums by a woman – 31 to be exact!

5. She is one of the few people to have an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony. And she has 2 Academy Awards, 4 Emmys, 8 Grammys, and 1 Tony…

6. She is the best-selling female artist EVER. Only female on the best-selling top ten list too.

Obviously she’s had a rockin’ career. And a long one too…. She recently did a PBS special with Il Divo that was beautiful. If you haven’t ever heard of Il Divo – look ‘em up. They’re phenomenal!! I think Simon Cowell had something to do with them. But I digress. Her voice is powerful and if she’s won that many awards and had that many records sold – there’s obviously a reason :)

I saved the best song for last. It’s a really long intro but it is the best version of Somewhere I have ever heard. Seriously you will be hooked.

Hope you’ve enjoyed the journey down Diva lane :) I love music. And I’m pretty passionate about it…  Please let me know if you have any suggestions!! I’d love to be introduced to something new :) Happy Wednesday!!

M.I.A.

It’s pretty obvious that I’ve been Missing In Action over the last few weeks and here are my excuses/a few reasons why…

1. Life is hard. And I’ve been doing a whole lot of thinking. It isn’t the kind that I want everyone to know about. It’s also not the kind you’d probably want to read about.
And so I haven’t really had much to say or blog about.

2. Sometimes I just get so darn sick and tired of writing and reading about myself.
I don’t know how some people update an outfit post every day.
I get tired of hearing myself. Thus I needed a break.

3. Between work and shower planning and shower having and recouping - I’ve been busy. I also have a dear friend from out of state visiting for a few weeks and we’ve been catching up. So yes I chose life over the blog. And I’m glad I did :)

Now onto the brilliantly inspiring post!! Just kidding. But maybe.

 

Yesterday I bought myself I new bead for my Chamilia Bracelet. I’ve decided I’m really not the type to get a tattoo because a. they’re permanent b. I change my mind all the time c. my dad would be extremely upset and I need to respect him. But I wanted to keep something with me at all times to remind me of the things I’ve learned, the things I need to remember, and the things I never want to forget. I wear my Chamilia bracelet pretty much every day, so I considered getting a new bead. I figured it was prettier, cheaper, way more me, and much more acceptable at home :)

When I went into the boutique I wasn’t even planning to buy a bead, I just wanted to look. And then this bead just caught my eye. It’s a white glass bead that has a shimmer to it.
It sounds so so so lame but for some reason I just felt drawn to it. So I bought it.
And I’m really glad I did.

First – “Sin had left a crimson stain, HE washed it white as snow”
The bead symbolizes God’s forgiveness of my sin. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, my debts are paid. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. I’ve done things even when I knew they were wrong. Yet God is gracious and merciful and has forgiven me. That’s something I need to remember and be thankful for and praise God for every day. I also need a reminder to repent of my sin. I’ve been forgiven, but I’m going to sin again.
I need to continue to repent of my sin.

Second – 7 times 77
Jesus commands us to forgive time and time again. To forgive every time. This is something that is very hard for me. Initially it is very easy for me to forgive others. But as time goes on I begin to think about the words that were spoken or the events that took place and I realize how hurt I am. It makes it very hard for me to continue to forgive the person in my heart. Forgive and Forget is right on. Forgiving right away isn’t the hard part for me, it’s the forgetting. It’s getting easier as time goes on, and I know that is the Lord working in my life and molding me to be more like Jesus. The bead reminds me to continue to forgive in my heart every single day.

Third – A Fresh Start
The day that I bought this marked the first day of something new. Life is changing and change can be hard, but change can also be good. I need to view every day as a new opportunity, as a gift from God, and as a fresh start. Sure there will be bumps in the road. Sure there will be times when I may long for something different, something more, or something I once had, but I know God is in control.
For that reason alone I need to view every day with a positivity.

Fourth – Lessons Learned Along Life’s Journey
The other two beads on my bracelet are important to me. They are symbolic of a friendship and of love. They are from a time in my life from which I have learned a lot. They are from a time in my life that has changed who I am. They are from a time in my life that I do not want to forget, regret, or hate. My past is a part of me. And I’m glad it is. This bead is the next step, the next lesson learned, the bridge between what was before and what is next.

I hope this super sappy post didn’t bore you to tears, but inspired you to
learn from your past, cherish every day, forgive others and maybe even yourself,
and most importantly keeps your eyes and heart fixed on Jesus.

Bandwagon Wednesday: Diva Pt. III

Sadly today’s Diva isn’t really a Diva anymore. Or healthy for that matter. I think she may have had a resurgence in her career but her addictions have overtaken her life. It is so sad because an incredible talent and a beautiful life have been captured by sin. But let’s focus on the good…

Whitney Houston

She will always be remember as one of the greats. She was super super talented. There’s not much to say for this post because I think her story is very tragic. Her music says all that needs to be said. Her voice was astounding. Her music was vivacious and her smile was infectious! All you need to do is listen to her music and you know that there hasn’t been a voice like this in a long long time… no body comes close :)

I Will Always Love You is obviously her most famous. It’s like THE most famous song ever. Song Fact: Dolly Parton did it originally when she chose a different career path and left her partner Porter Wagoner. It is also one of less than thirty singles to have sold 12 million copies worldwide. AND for all you Full House fans – they played this song at DJ’s prom just as she and Steve reunited after the hotel room/elevator fiasco.

 

That’s all folks. Listen and be amazed :)

Bandwagon Wednesday: Diva Pt. II

This week’s Diva is known for being bootylicious. She has an alter ego. And she married a man with just as much renown the business as herself.

Beyonce

I vividly remember walking through Target and looking up above the TVs and DVDs and seeing huge album covers – one of which was Destiny’s Child. I remember thinking wow they must be so famous. They’re so beautiful. I wasn’t allowed to listen to their music but that didn’t mean I was unsure about who they were…

There was lots of turmoil surrounding them but I wasn’t that up on pop-culture in elementary school…  Thankfully that didn’t ruin them. Anyways somewhere along the line I heard Beyonce sing and I was amazed.

1. She’s beautiful. HAHA this all sounds strangely familiar to last week’s post.  She’s had every hair color and style under the sun. She wears ball gowns, jeans, and costumes for her performances and always looks amazing.

This was one of my favorite B moments. The Grammys. Her gold dress, purple eye shadow, and armful of Grammys. What a moment!!

 

2. She is a classy woman who likes to stay out of the public eye. She has never been a regular in the tabloids because she keeps her personal life personal. She even got married without anyone finding out!! I think it’s great that some people find a way to have a career in the spotlight but keep some semblance of normalcy. And maybe everyone respects her privacy because she is so legit and classy. Maybe.

3. She is in one of my favorite movies: Dream Girls… alongside another fabulous lady Jennifer Hudson!!

4. She never settles for anything less than the best. Her choreography, her lyrics, her music. I heard her in an interview before I Am… Sasha Fierce came out… She said she recorded 70 some songs and picked the ones she thought were the best for the album. THAT is dedication!!

5. Finally – her music. Might just make ya wanna get up and dance a little :) You Go Girl! The last song is long but it’s really good – favorite from Dream Girls!! Definitely rent it if you’ve never seen it!

And obviously I couldn’t leave this one out :) The video was necessary! Did I forget to mention that she’s an incredible dancer. Well she is. This video is a little craycray but it’s pretty intense. Beyonce is super talented. The end.

 

Hope you got to shake whatcha’ momma gave ya :)

Kindred Spirits

A few posts ago I listed a few of my favorite blogs and promised a Must Read’s page. Well friends, it’s HERE!! So check it out :) And check out the blogs too… If you’re anything like me you’ll spend the next few hours drooling :)

Also I would just like to brag for a minute about my fabulous friends. Ya know when you’re in middle school and girls are catty and vicious? And sometimes it doesn’t stop until high school? And sometimes it never really stops?? Yeah. Same. Being a teenage girl is soo fun!!

But after years and years of turmoil and tears we all eventually find a few friends that we trust and keep close. For me, that happened in college. I had known Kelsey since first grade because we’ve gone to the same church our whole lives and I met Rachel freshman year because we were suitemates. These two girls are true friends.

They have the best advice. They have the best shoulders to cry on.
And they make me laugh like no one else.
They are kindred spirits as Anne of Green Gables would say…
So thanks girls :) I don’t know what I’d do without you!!

Here’s to you Mom!!

 

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms in the world :)

To my mom: thank you thank you thank you. We laugh, we cry, we complain, we joke, we plan, we dream, we reminisce, we learn, we live. You taught me everything I know and I love you so much :) Thank you for everything you do for me every single day!!

“If I didn’t have you as a mother I would have chosen you as a friend”

My latest finds

Yesterday Sarah had early dismissal so when she got home from school we went out to get Mother’s Day gifts for Mom, stopped by the Care & Share, and then swung by Starbucks to visit Kayla ‘cause Frappucino Happy Hour started at 3! It was a really fun afternoon full of errands and singing Adele at the top of our lungs. Have I mentioned how fun Sarah is now that she’s getting older? Well she’s a lot more fun. She likes to sit around, paint nails, talk, and listen to music.

Anyways I scored this pair of mirror/candle holders at the thrift store for $3 each yesterday. The thrift store is overpriced and sometimes it’s annoying but these are adorable and I thought the price was ok so I snagged ‘em. I haven’t decided where I want to hang them yet, but the light pink will match the zillion other colors in my room :)

 

And someday when I have a real apartment or house these will be really easy to paint and repaint to match the decor.

We also got my mom the cutest present for Mother’s Day from this little store near my work called Heartwarming Treasures. They sell tons of of country decor... those fake candles that look real,  cute signs and wreaths, knick knack stuff…. It smells amazing in there and the decorations are so cute. It took us so long to decide what to get her but finally decided on this… She has always loved bird houses and this one sticks into the front flower bed or a potted plant. I think she’s really gonna like it!!

Hope you’re having a good weekend and are enjoying the nice weather if you’re havin it!!

Youtube Shenanigans

Sometimes I feel like I have a lot to think about and process and write about. Sometimes it’s fun, sometimes it’s serious. And then other times I feel like I have nothing to share OR I have so much in my head that there’s no possible way to narrow anything down and say anything valuable ‘cause my own brain doesn’t know what it wants.
This is one of those times.

So as a distraction from my distractions I bring you some of my favorite youtube videos… go cozy up on your couch and prepare to laugh, cry, and be amazed :)

1. HYSTERICAL. The song gets a little annoying but this never ever gets old…. this is one pretty talented bird.

2. EMOTIONAL – I still get chills and tear up every time. Amazing.

3. SO TALENTED. You will become addicted to watching all of their videos. Her voice is amazing. Other songs showcase her voice better but this is my favorite Adele song off her new album. Also check out Look At Me Now and 6 Foot 7 Foot– she can rap like nobodies business. And I’m amazed by them :)

Hope you enjoyed :) TGIF

Bandwagon Wednesday: Diva - Part I

Diva. What a word. It can be either super good or super bad. But I don’t really care too much about that… I just am in love with a few divas. Their out-of-this-world voices. Their amazing music. All of it. So I have dubbed this month DIVA MONTH. And every Wednesday you’ll find out which women I think are Divalicious :) This Week:

Mariah Carey

I’m not such a huge fan of her in the 21st century. I think she forgot she was getting older. And there’s something strange about a forty-year-old making a hate video to Eminem. But that’s all besides the point. She also is not the most modest woman. So I’m definitely not supporting her wardrobe. But I’m talking REAL Mariah. My dear friend Amy is about eight years older than me so grew up in the Mariah Glory Period. She would always let me route through her cd’s and she had almost every MC album. I was hooked.

1. She is beautiful. Always has been. Always will be. And I mean really really pretty. Flawless makes me jealous pretty. She could have been famous for her hair and face and never opened her mouth. Obv a girl crush exists here :)

 

2. Her voice has suffered and isn’t as fabulous as it used to be but MC can sing. Forreal. Really really really well. Her range is incredible. Her voice, originally, wasn’t computer generated or perfected. She had pipes and she didn’t hold back. I love real raw talent. Today since her voice isn’t as strong and I’m sure she’s helped a lot in the studio but that doesn’t bother me too much – like I said before, I’m not a huge fan of her current stuff anyways. She had it. She brought it.

3. Her music is about love. Her music is real and honest. Her music is universal. She sings every girls thoughts…. Sure it’s girly and dramatic and romantic and over the top – but so is she.

4. She has a thing. A trademark. She loves butterflies. She had an album titled Butterfly… They’re all over her website. She’s holding one on her Greatest Hits Album cover. It’s cute. Whatever floats her boat :)

5. And now for the real proof. The music. This is the real true reason I love her. I can listen to her music any and every minute of the day. At school I used to get ready with my friend Joelle in the mornings and we’d glam up with her…

 

Hope you enjoyed!! Stay tuned for next week’s Diva!! Any other Mariah fans?!?

Also ps. congrats Mariah and Nick Cannon on dem babies!!!

Butter Brickett

Tonight was Sar-Bear’s band concert and I have to say I was mighty impressed. Those 4th, 5th, and 6th graders play really really well!! Sarah’s clarinet practicing sure has paid off :) My mother and I laughed and held our breath and gawked because that’s what we do. My grandparents smiled and clapped quite nicely. And Kayla and Bucky left early for pre-martial counseling at church. I was kinda jealous of their early exit because they didn’t have to sit through the 6th Grade Boys Choir rendition of “in the jungle…. the mighty jungle” and “twist and shout” BUT my patience paid off.

Nana and Poppop took us to the farm for ice cream after the concert!

And I got Butter Brickett in a waffle cone and sat on a picnic table in complete bliss.
The four miles I ran earlier were a distant memory and I let myself feel zero guilt because tonight was unofficially the first night of summer.
And that, my friends, in something to be celebrated.

It’s actually called Butter Brickle. But one time last summer when I was at the farm with a friend I said Butter Brickett on accident and now Brickle just sounds dumb…
Good story right? Yeah, I know :)

My life is pretty boring these days and I’m in a slump – emotional and lifesicle (yes, I made that up. It’s the life version of emotional/physical/mental and it also sounds like obstacle and popsicle so it’s a little good and a little bad). And because of that slump elementary school band concerts and ice cream dates with my grandparents are the things I’m loving most about life. I’m 100% thankful for the small blessings God gives me every day :)

Hope your week is going well and make sure you stop by tomorrow for the first installment of Bandwagon Wednesday Divas!!!

Two Month Countdown

Well ladies and gents – we’re gettin’ mighty mighty close. In exactly two months I will be in the Bride Room at church finishing up my makeup, helping Kayla with any last minute details, and trying not to go to the bathroom seventy-three times JUST because I’m excitingly anticipating the hour ahead… (anybody else feel like a pregnant woman when they’re nerves are acting up??)

I’ve never been in a wedding before so I’m really really excited :) The one thing I’m not exactly looking forward to is my walk down the isle. Do I stare straight ahead? Do I smile at people I know? Ahh decisions decisions. And what if in typical-me-fashion I’m already an emotional mess and I have happy tears sliding all down my cheeks? That’ll be super attractive :) But I guess whatever happens happens – I think I’ll smile at people I know.
It seems only natural to do that…

Kayla decided on the colors of the wedding  (Navy with a springy-sage accent) but didn’t ever find a bridesmaids dress that she loved. Then she found this picture online and was so upset that she couldn’t find where the dress was from. Thankfully, her fiance’s mom and her best friend are both seamstresses and they offered to make our dresses!!
This picture is from my old phone and isn’t very clear but the element of surprise is better anyways, and once the wedding pictures are up here you’ll be able to get the full effect…

Kayla decided to for-go the sash but we have a ruffle along the neck line and it turned out so pretty!! I was the test-dress, so mine needed a lot of altering, but now our fabulous seamstresses understand the pattern and the other dresses are being made as we speak :)

Now that we have the dress figured out we’re moving onto shoes. If anybody has a suggestion for a bridal party including an 8 month pregnant bridesmaid, an eleven year old bridesmaid, and a bridesmaid with a bad back – let me know ;) We’ve gone back and forth between heels, flats, or a mixture of both.  Ultimately, it’s Kay’s decision so I hope she can find something she’s happy with!

I can’t believe we’re only two months out… I’m getting so excited :)
Any Maid-of-Honor tips I should keep in mind as I get closer??